BELLA VISTA -- The Property Owners Association board agreed to vote the 668 lots the association owns in the coming assessment election. All votes will be in favor of the two proposed increases, according to action at from Thursday night's board meeting.
Votes will be counted Nov. 1. If passed, the assessment increase will be $9 per month on improved lots, bringing the monthly fee to $33, and $3 per month for unimproved lots for a total of $19. The two increases are voted on separately.
Two years ago the board considered voting the association lots, but decided against it, Doug McCash, association staff attorney said after the meeting. None of the current board members served then, he said.
McCash researched the legality of voting the lots and even consulted outside counsel before Thursday night's meeting.
Each lot within the geographic area of the association is subject to paying an assessment, he explained. Governing documents give one vote to each lot that is in "good standing" a few weeks before the election. Association policies define good standing as not being behind in assessment payments. The association doesn't pay assessments on its 668 lots, but they are still in good standing because they aren't behind on payments, McCash said.
It wouldn't make sense for the association to pay itself an assessment, so it's not owed, he said.
Chairman Bob Brooks said members had plenty of time to give their opinion on the issue because the agenda for Thursday's meeting was published the previous Friday. Although most association business is discussed at a work session prior to a meeting vote, he chose to wait and introduce his motion so it would be more public. Unlike works sessions, association board meetings are recorded by Bella Vista Community Television.
Board member Pat Laury said members have a responsibility to support changes -- including assessment increases -- they believe will benefit the community. Ron Stratton agreed, but added 668 votes won't have much of an impact since there are more than 16,000 votes overall.
NW News on 10/22/2016