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AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305
Posted:
If we decide to go with a special assessment in order to make up our shortfalls in money, what is a good wordage to use? Any assessment will be difficult to swollow but it has to be done and want a letter to go out that will make the swollowing a bit easier. Any ideas for such a letter
GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022
Posted:
AlexL1 - Please provide some details on what the assessment is to cover. Are you sure that an assessment is the way to go, rather than an increase in dues? Don't worry too much about the reaction, the truth, the measures to the Board is taking to fund expenses and keep assessments to zero at best, and a method of payment, is what needs to be communicated.
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
I'd invite the members to a "emergency budget discussion" one evening. Make the invitation flyer really snappy, i.e. "ABC HOA in Crisis: Which Way Do We Go?" Important brain-storming session need YOUR input."

Have charts up on the wall that explain where you are now, what the future needs are going to be, and ask the residents for ideas on how your HOA can meet those needs. Get ideas from the residents.

Your challenge is to show the need and explain how important it is to retain good financial stability.

If a special assessment idea comes up from the residents, it will be easier to sell. But who knows, maybe there will be other ideas.

P.S. If no one shows up for this meeting, call for a vote. They WILL come to that!
GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022
Posted:
SusanW1 - Admirable advise regarding a snappy tag line, however, if no one shows up for a meeting that states "...Crisis". they aren't likely to attend one that calls for a vote, IMHO. As for use of the word, "Crisis", I wouldn't. Less dramatic, and less likely to affect property value is "Critical brain-storming session regarding association finances that needs YOUR input". IMHO.
KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
I agree that critical seems much better then crisis. Hopefully you have not waited until it is a crisis. And you never know what will come of a brain storming session.

You may also find that such measures improve your neighborhood in ways you could not imagine. Adversity can bring people together.

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