I am writing this from Manassas, Virginia. Linda and I are watching our Grandkids as they get ready for another school year. Time goes by so fast, it’s great to be able to spend just a little time with them. We have a lot to talk about this month. There has been a lot going on and there is a lot to prepare for.
First, I’d like to talk about the HOA. In November, we will vote for a new board to run the organization. The Nominating Committee has been created and charged with nominating candidates to fill the thirteen positions that will be voted on. Their job is made a little easier as we have several incumbent board members choosing to run for another term and new volunteers to fill vacancies. However, there are several positions where candidates are needed to run for the office.
- I agreed to be President for one year and we need someone to replace me. HOA President is challenging and rewarding but a lot of fun, too, and you learn a lot. You work with a bunch of dedicated and smart people in Tellico Village and the surrounding community.
- Our Vice President of Membership, Mark Flynn is leaving. Mark has put together a new membership drive format to increase our numbers and make joining easier.
- Mike Robins, Vice President of Advocacy is moving on. Mike has worked inside and outside the Village with the community and has much to pass on.
- Betty Fortune, our Vice President of Event Planning is also leaving. She and her coordinators have worked tirelessly to bring new events and venues to the Villagers while continuing old ones that everyone enjoyed so much.
- If you’re willing to volunteer for one of these positions, don’t hesitate to contact any board member or email Kay Condon, VP Communications at hoacomms2024@gmail.com.
I’ve had many emails, phone calls and conversations with Villagers on the POA’s recent actions with respect to the Tellico Action Plan (TAP) water and sewer projects. Many Villagers want to know why the HOA has not advocated for or against the $80/month for 60 months fee the POA recently passed to pay for the projects. The HOA Board has studied the proposals and had many long discussions about them. We decided that whether one was for or against the proposals, was really a matter of how much risk one was willing to take.
We then looked at what the risks are. One of the fundamental tenets that the HOA’s advocacy program will always stand behind is that Villagers’ property values should always be maintained or increased. High property association fees can affect property values, but the HOA board felt an inadequate water and sewage system would affect them more.
Case in point: Not many communities had average property value declines in2023. Those that did were due to insurance increases, water and sewage system failures and crime. The city with the greatest drop in home selling price in the entire country (-15%) was Jackson Mississippi and the main reason was poor management of the water and sewage system that can no longer support the community. The HOA wants to protect the Village from water and sewer casualty events that would affect property values. That doesn’t mean the HOA will stop advocating. The HOA has developed a set of actions and project criteria to ensure the Village gets the best value for the projects that have been provided to the POA. We will formally present these to the PSAC and the Village in the near future.
Our Neighborhood Watch, led by Sherry Le, has been active in the Village for more than fifteen years. The NW adds value to the Village, whether you’re home or away, and maintains solid communications with the sheriffs’ and police departments in Loudon and Monroe Counties. Recent escapades with some juvenile mischief makers that had very positive outcomes show how much they work and care about our community. Our POA has recently expressed an interest in taking the Neighborhood Watch under their wing much as they have with the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. The HOA board sees some real benefit in making that move, but as the Neighborhood Watch is a Standing Committee in the HOA, the general membership would have to approve any changes. More to come as this issue progresses.
The HOA will be holding the 2025 membership drive beginning October 1. Inflationary pressures are forcing us to raise the annual dues to $20 per household starting January 1, 2025, but if you sign up in October, you’ll pay the current $15 dollar rate for 2025 membership. Signups will also be available at the October social.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the next social on September 10 and at other future events. Be safe, watch for the kids going back to school, and thanks for a wonderful August.
Harry Rucker, President
Tellico Village Homeowners Association