Why is it important to attend all Called Association meetings?  There are times when the community must make decisions that affect every member, like Special Assessments and elections. 

 

What does it take to pass a special assessment in the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association? Community voting for Special Assessments is really not that much different than voting in elections.  It is covered in section 8.04 of the CC&R's (see reference below).  

As long as 2/3 of the majority of the members present in person or by proxy are in favor, the vote will carry no matter the actual number in attendance, and the assessment will be applied to all homeowners.  It is covered in section 7.05 of the CC&R's (see reference below).

 

If an opportunity arises where a special assessment is called for, it is in every homeowner's best interest to come out and make their vote count.

 

For instance, the community wants to fund a $2.5 million project in 2017 without carrying the burden of debt over the next 20 years.  A special assessment of $735 per homeowner could be voted on.  If passed, each homeowner would then owe $1,131 in assessments for that year. 

 

My best advice for the upcoming year is to read the newsletters, check the calendars and watch your mailboxes.  Don't let the voice of a few determine the size of the hole left in your wallet.

 

CC&R's: 8.04 - Special Assessments for Capital Improvements  - "In addition to the annual assessments authorized by Section 8.01 hereof, the Homeowners' Association may levy in any calendar year a special assessment, applicable to that year only, for the purpose of defraying, in whole or in part, the cost of any construction or reconstruction, repair or replacement of a capital improvement upon the Homeowners' Common Area, including fixtures and personal property related thereto, provided that any such assessment shell have the assent of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of each class of voting membership in the Homeowners' Association who are voting in person or by proxy at a meeting duly called for this purpose. A capital improvement shall mean an improvement made to a long-term asset located upon or being a part of the Homeowners' Common Area. The special assessments shall be levied on the same basis as the assessments set forth in Section 8.03, including the reduction in the Homeowner assessments charged to Declarant and certain Homeowners."

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CC&R's: 7.05 - Notice and Quorum for Membership Action -"Written notice of any meeting called for the purpose of taking any action authorized herein shall be sent to all Homeowners not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days in advance of the meeting. With respect to any annual or special "general" membership meeting of the Homeowners' Association, at the first call of such meeting, the presence at the meeting in person or by proxy of thirty-three percent (33%) of the total votes of the membership shall constitute a quorum. If the required quorum is not forthcoming at such meeting, the meeting may be adjourned to a new date not later than seven (7) days from the date of that adjourned meeting, and the required quorum at such meeting shall be one-half (1/2) of the required quorum at the immediately preceding meeting. This procedure shall be continued until a quorum has been obtained; provided, however, that such reduced quorum requirement shall not be applicable at a subsequent meeting held more than sixty (60) days following the originally scheduled meeting."  

 

DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS  at http://villagesofwestcreek. com/wp-content/uploads/2011/ 09/CC-Rs.pdf

 

BYLAWS OF THE VILLAGES OF WESTCREEK OWNERS, ASSOCIATION

A reserve study sets out a long-term schedule of likely costs and repairs and is typically completed by an independent professional, such as a reserve analyst, who then estimates the cost and timing of repairs and replacement to common areas that will likely be needed over the course of the next 20 to 30 years. The study's schedule will spread out the estimated cost of repairs over a time period and advise the HOA to collect enough in periodic assessments to set aside the apportioned amount to cover the impending needs of the association.

The cost of a reserve study is determined by factors such as the number of common areas, deferred maintenance issues, the size of the community, availability of blueprints, and other factors.

It is important to have an adequate amount in any HOA fund. When an HOA without money in reserve is faced with expenses outside of general operations, two likely choices are presented - either increase assessments significantly and immediately, or levy a special assessment. Neither of these options goes over well with homeowners, for obvious financial reasons.

Raised assessments and special assessments are inefficient solutions and penalize current homeowners for the HOA's lack of planning. Therefore, properly maintaining a reserve fund is of the utmost importance. Some states and funding institutions even regulate reserve funds to ensure that funds are sufficient to meet the HOA's obligations without placing unexpected financial burden and stress upon homeowners.

Once the results of the reserve study have been completed, the Board should closely analyze the report and provide a plan overview to homeowners, especially if a change in assessments is needed. Share with homeowners the Board's strategic directions and outline the steps the HOA will take to save money in the long run, and how having money in reserve for keeping the community looking great in years to come will increase property values - this may make any increase in assessments a little more palatable. Future planning sessions should be held; take the time to analyze predicted costs and replacement time frames.

If your HOA has not had a reserve study conducted yet, get started on it now. If your HOA has had a reserve study completed, make sure you are utilizing it as a tool to plan for the future. If you have questions about your HOA's reserve funds,contact your community manager for assistance.

Once you have a plan in place for capital projects, you will find that the annual budget process becomes easier. Combined, your reserve study and sufficient reserve funds will allow for a more successful community and peace of mind for the HOA board and homeowners alike.

Source:  Spectrum Association Management

The "VWOA Historical Research Sub-committee" has begun our research and need your help on this project.  Specifically, we need the following:
 

• We are trying to identify the 1st home sold in the Villages of Westcreek.  We believe this home would be in "The Oaks," possibly on James Vincent.  Who was the original homeowner and do they still live in the community?

• Who were the home builders in Westcreek?  What were home prices then compared to today? 

• We are trying to compile a comprehensive listing of all homeowners who have ever served on the Board of Directors.  If you served on the Board of Directors, especially in those early years, we would like to hear from you.

• Copies of past standards (1991, 1994, 1998, 2004, and 2010)
• Copies of early newsletters (1987 thru  2000)

• December 12, 2016, at 6:00 P.M., in the VWOA Community Center Conference Room. This is an open meeting and all are invited to attend!

 

 

If you wish to do any improvements to the exterior of your property over the upcoming holidays, please note the following schedule:  

 

This weekend around the house, check all your exterior lighting fixtures and replace burned out bulbs.   

   

• Please remember to be observant in your neighborhood.  

• Report any suspicious activities or persons to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000.

Click here to download and print!

 

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