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WCA adds 2 cents to assessment rate
By T.L. HAMILTON
Despite staunch resistance from two board members, The Woodlands Community Association approved a 16-cent assessment rate for 2009 at its meeting last Wednesday, up two cents from its 2008 rate.
Board member Bruce Tough moved to adopt the higher rate with the caveat that the capital projects “be brought back to the board during the year for review and a second approval due to economic conditions.”
Director George Van Horn said residents have mentioned to him a letter that promised the rate would not be raised.
“The letter was sent out before I was on the board,” he said. “Exactly what does it say?”
Board president Jeff Long then read the letter to the board.
“Based on current financial plans and assumptions the 2009 Woodlands Community Association assessment rate is projected to be similar to the 2008 rate,” he read. “We encourage you to take these anticipated fluctuations in the assessment and tax rates into consideration when conducting your own financial plans.”
Before the vote on the 16-cent rate, board member Tom Campbell made a motion to amend the rate to 14 cents, and board member Peggy Hausman seconded the motion.
“We should re-prioritize our capital and with the economy in such an influx, I think we should hold off on accelerating capital projects,” Hausman said.
The amendment did not pass, with only Campbell and Hausman voting for it.
A final vote resulted in the passing of the 16-cent rate, with Hausman and Campbell dissenting.
“This year’s budget has been difficult because it is difficult to wind down an organization of this size in one year so that we can transition,” Long said. “I appreciate all the directors’ attention to this matter and their passion to get it right.”
No tennis lights: The WCA also voted down plans to install tennis court lighting in the Mystic Forest subdivision due to resident opposition.
The courts are the only ones left in The Woodlands that are not lighted.
While 47 residents signed a petition for the courts to be lighted and a subsequent survey by the community associations showed a favorable response to the plan, residents who live opposite or near the courts oppose the idea because of possible light and noise pollution near their homes.
Board member Bruce Tough moved to adopt the higher rate with the caveat that the capital projects “be brought back to the board during the year for review and a second approval due to economic conditions.”
Director George Van Horn said residents have mentioned to him a letter that promised the rate would not be raised.
“The letter was sent out before I was on the board,” he said. “Exactly what does it say?”
Board president Jeff Long then read the letter to the board.
“Based on current financial plans and assumptions the 2009 Woodlands Community Association assessment rate is projected to be similar to the 2008 rate,” he read. “We encourage you to take these anticipated fluctuations in the assessment and tax rates into consideration when conducting your own financial plans.”
Before the vote on the 16-cent rate, board member Tom Campbell made a motion to amend the rate to 14 cents, and board member Peggy Hausman seconded the motion.
“We should re-prioritize our capital and with the economy in such an influx, I think we should hold off on accelerating capital projects,” Hausman said.
The amendment did not pass, with only Campbell and Hausman voting for it.
A final vote resulted in the passing of the 16-cent rate, with Hausman and Campbell dissenting.
“This year’s budget has been difficult because it is difficult to wind down an organization of this size in one year so that we can transition,” Long said. “I appreciate all the directors’ attention to this matter and their passion to get it right.”
No tennis lights: The WCA also voted down plans to install tennis court lighting in the Mystic Forest subdivision due to resident opposition.
The courts are the only ones left in The Woodlands that are not lighted.
While 47 residents signed a petition for the courts to be lighted and a subsequent survey by the community associations showed a favorable response to the plan, residents who live opposite or near the courts oppose the idea because of possible light and noise pollution near their homes.
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