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The goal of the Lake Wildwood Board of Directors is to maintain services to meet the needs of the majority of households, hold down assessment increases and revitalize the community following an agreed-upon master plan.
Historically, as costs increased, services were provided at the expense of improvements to hold down assessments. That practice has now caught up with us, and we need to invest in remodeling or replacing golf greens and the pool.
Like any business, there is constant pressure from the rising cost of labor and materials.
Heavy on services, the majority of our budget is labor. When membership insists on maintaining services while holding down assessments, then the board has a fiduciary responsibility to find more efficient ways to do things without degrading service. If some members disagree, it can result in strain on the community and pit neighbor against neighbor.
We are fortunate that recent boards have been proactive regarding the future of LWW. They spend countless “research and development” hours trying to find ways to build a better mousetrap without increased spending but are often the first to be criticized when the new efficiencies involve change.
With a large and diverse community, there are often gaps between facts and long standing opinions. So, when changes are proposed, it can lead to many disagreements. Perimeter fencing of LWW is now moving forward after many months of discussion. Another change is to our weekly newsletter which is readily available at each security gate. Effective July 2, it will only be published in the Wildwood Independent every other week. The Independent is mailed to every member's home and will be a significant savings to the association but some members are still upset about the change.
Removing the guard at the North Gate during the early morning hours when activity is minimal is also being considered. Activity patterns and expert opinions point to no change in actual security if cameras and alarms are used to enable remote surveillance from the Main Gate. Currently, there is a vocal group of residents speaking out against this change based on their perceptions of security.
With every proposed change, there will be groups who disagree. The board's focus is to listen, sort out the facts, and find a balance that meets the objectives for LWW. In their fiduciary role of overseeing LWW operations, the board also has sub-committees digging into the fee structure for our amenities, experienced security experts evaluating what “safety” should be in LWW, and a hospitality group looking at the best way to provide food and beverage service. Unlike a city where disagreements among neighbors can often be arbitrated by a 3rd party with no vested interest, in a homeowners association it is neighbor vs. neighbor. When there are financial disparities among the members, consensus can be difficult. As we vote on two new board members and prepare for the annual meeting on July 25, I want to thank each board member.
Their commitment to the beauty and well being of LWW is a gift to the community. I also want to thank the five candidates for their willingness to step into two important but difficult positions. Good volunteers are the lifeblood of a well run association.
Historically, as costs increased, services were provided at the expense of improvements to hold down assessments. That practice has now caught up with us, and we need to invest in remodeling or replacing golf greens and the pool.
Like any business, there is constant pressure from the rising cost of labor and materials.
Heavy on services, the majority of our budget is labor. When membership insists on maintaining services while holding down assessments, then the board has a fiduciary responsibility to find more efficient ways to do things without degrading service. If some members disagree, it can result in strain on the community and pit neighbor against neighbor.
We are fortunate that recent boards have been proactive regarding the future of LWW. They spend countless “research and development” hours trying to find ways to build a better mousetrap without increased spending but are often the first to be criticized when the new efficiencies involve change.
With a large and diverse community, there are often gaps between facts and long standing opinions. So, when changes are proposed, it can lead to many disagreements. Perimeter fencing of LWW is now moving forward after many months of discussion. Another change is to our weekly newsletter which is readily available at each security gate. Effective July 2, it will only be published in the Wildwood Independent every other week. The Independent is mailed to every member's home and will be a significant savings to the association but some members are still upset about the change.
Removing the guard at the North Gate during the early morning hours when activity is minimal is also being considered. Activity patterns and expert opinions point to no change in actual security if cameras and alarms are used to enable remote surveillance from the Main Gate. Currently, there is a vocal group of residents speaking out against this change based on their perceptions of security.
With every proposed change, there will be groups who disagree. The board's focus is to listen, sort out the facts, and find a balance that meets the objectives for LWW. In their fiduciary role of overseeing LWW operations, the board also has sub-committees digging into the fee structure for our amenities, experienced security experts evaluating what “safety” should be in LWW, and a hospitality group looking at the best way to provide food and beverage service. Unlike a city where disagreements among neighbors can often be arbitrated by a 3rd party with no vested interest, in a homeowners association it is neighbor vs. neighbor. When there are financial disparities among the members, consensus can be difficult. As we vote on two new board members and prepare for the annual meeting on July 25, I want to thank each board member.
Their commitment to the beauty and well being of LWW is a gift to the community. I also want to thank the five candidates for their willingness to step into two important but difficult positions. Good volunteers are the lifeblood of a well run association.
