The Budget for 2017 was a Challenge!
As Desert Ridge residents, we have high expectations for our community. We want safe, highly desirable neighborhoods that are well maintained; lifestyle activities that build a spirit of community, and the enforcement of our governing documents to protect and increase our property values.
Achieving these objectives without raising association fees has been difficult, but we have successfully avoided any increase since 2003. The budget for 2017 was especially challenging. When we started our public budget working sessions, we were faced with a shortfall of nearly $250,000. A deficit of that size would require increasing fees by nearly $50 per member, annually. Fortunately, each of our board and committee members worked together to cut costs, realign expectations and eliminate the shortfall. Due to their efforts, there will be no increase in association fees in 2017.
As we move forward to 2018 and beyond, the pressure on our budget will increase every year due to ever-rising costs. While an increase in assessments can’t be avoided forever, know that our board and committee members will remain vigilant and continue to focus on minimizing costs while maintaining the high standards expected for Desert Ridge.
As we look toward the future, it’s helpful to examine our past.
Association Fees 2004 – 2016
From 1995 – 2004, our Association was under the control of the master developer and Association fees increased five times. Since 2004, our Association has been under homeowner control and fees have never increased since that time.
The table illustrates our fees if they had been raised each year for inflation. As you can see, if our assessments had increased at the rate of inflation, our yearly fee would have risen to $485. Fortunately, the DRCA Board and FirstService Residential have worked hard to keep fees fixed, saving each of us $113 per year.
Thank you to everyone who serves as a board and committee member in Desert Ridge; the staff of the various management companies within our community; and to every member of our association who has contributed to our success. You are appreciated! You make Desert Ridge a terrific place to live – and I hope to see you in the neighborhood!
Doug Dickson
President
Desert Ridge Community Association
