Hi. This is Mark Generales, your Civic Association President. Our governing T&R Board has dealt with a serious issue for several years that I need to bring to your attention. A simple majority of Town and River owners do not pay their dues and support our community’s Civic Association.
First, I want to thank all of you who have recognized that the annual fee of $60/yr only gave your Board a minimal means to keep T&R governed. Your support, whether voluntary or mandatory ensured your 100% volunteer Board remained solvent. Today, we seek to improve our community in a world of increased technology and never ending competition for property values.
Did you know the Town and River Civic Association and its various “Units” were created in the 1960’s? The new concept of a home owners association (HOA’s) with Deeds of Restriction helped our community maintain minimal standards. These were designed to enhance owner lifestyles and maintain and increase property values. The concept was overwhelmingly accepted by those early buyers/owners. Our early Civic Association had strong and enthusiastic monetary support. I acknowledge it was a different era with different mores and for the most part – those who have been in our community from the start tell us that few ever complained or had an issue supporting the community.
Today, our $120 annual dues barely touch the cost of a monthly cable or cell bill or dinner out. Yet, many of those receiving this newsletter do not pay? Is $120/year too expensive? Is the Board not acting in the community’s best interest? Is the amount too small and therefore unimportant and forgotten? Or do we have neighbors that like getting something for nothing at everyone else’s expense? I wish I had the answer.
Please be clear that our volunteer Board acts in a “fiduciary” manner complying with State of Florida statutes governed under State Code section 720. Every Board member must pass a “certification” course. Ours is taught by the Board’s attorney. Board emails are now archived as required, for a minimum of 5 years. We incur legal expenses and mailing costs. We pay for a place to meet (we have no community owned facilities). We have a paid Board secretary who handles minutes, letters and other necessary administrative tasks. And we seek to do more than just review Deed violations. We buy required “liability insurance”. In 2019 we will “consolidate” our 3 Deeds into one. We will also begin the process of updating our operating by laws. All of this costs and I haven’t even spoken of improvements I will highlight in future article.
This past year we significantly updated our website. We are now moving to create a PayPal or other account structure for paying dues on our website. Please take a look at www.townandriverfl.com. Our site includes meeting minutes, newsletter copies, drone views of our neighborhood, our retyped Deeds of Restriction and more. We want our website to help everyone – from owners and real estate agents to builders and contractors. The community logo was updated and our newsletter underwent a major face lift with new content and features.
All of the above was needed and there will be more in 2019 and beyond. At the past level of $60/year, our dues did not cover expenses. At $120, we will.
If all the owners in Town and River would join their neighbors and support the community – there is a lot we can do.
$120 in dues per year.
I know there is a lot more our Board can do for all of us if everyone were to pay. Come join us on the second Thursday of every month – participate and provide us with your thoughts and input. Your voice is important!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. And thanks to all for continued support and helping make T&R a great place to live.