Reminder: Spur Ranch Road Association Annual Meeting

Dear Neighbor,

The 2017 Spur Ranch Road Association Annual Meeting will be held this coming Sunday, December 10, at 3:00pm, at my home at 102 Spur Ranch Road, and I'm hoping you will be able to attend. (There is plenty of parking on the driveway) The purpose of the annual meeting is to review the 2017 road expenditures, to vote on the proposed 2018 budget (shown below) and to fill vacant director positions. In addition, an important purpose of the annual meeting is to discuss several important road issues, make suggestions to the board, and provide advice to the board about road maintenance and improvements. Here are a few highlights:

(A) Proposed 2018 Budget Discussion

This proposed budget, which is nearly identical to the 2017 budget, is a "wish list" of minimal road-related items that the board believes need attention. In 2017, we fell far short (about $6000) of collecting the revenue required to fund these expenditures. This revenue shortfall has become a chronic condition, which means that the road is not being maintained to minimum acceptable standards. The result, as we have all experienced, is is a growing problem of washboarding, ruts, and potholes that, unimpeded, will have serious consequences for road safety, driveability, vehicle damage, and, ultimately, homeowners insurance rates, mortgage availability, and property values.

            Snow Removal                                                  500
            Road Maintenance ($3000/ea x4 approx       12000
            Road Improvements (e.g.,basecourse)            3000
            Flooding and Emergencies                              3000
            Administrative, Insurance                               1600
            Signage, Weed Control, Misc                           100
                                                                    Total     20,200

 (B) Proposed 2018 Dues

Last year the community approved a ten percent dues increase, which we propose to leave unchanged for this year. The challenge is that this dues level is well below what is needed to maintain the road. Raising the dues to the required level does not necessarily increase our collected revenue, because more people decline to pay the larger amount. In fact, we have noticed a paradoxical reaction from a few residents who, upset at the deteriorating road condition, argue against paying any dues at all. This is obviously a situation that calls for further community discussion.

                                                   2011-16    2017    2018
        Residence E. of RR Tracks     200      220      (220)
        Lot E. of RR Tracks               100      110      (110)
        Residence W. of RR Tracks   275      300      (300)
        Lot W. of RR Tracks                  100      110      (110)

(C) Miscellaneous Discussion Issues

Any topics raised by the membership are welcome. In addition, the directors would like to present a number of options to curtail speeding (which greatly accelerates road deterioration), including installing speed bumps and stop signs to slow speeders, and a change to the SRRA bylaws to stipulate that members agree to follow speed limits and road signage.

(D) Election of Directors

There are three vacant positions on the board that need to be filled. Al Webster and Jim Garland have expiring terms, and are willing to stand for reelection. Community member John Holton has also agreed to be a director candidate. These are the only announced candidates to date, but the Board welcomes other persons who wish to stand for election. Write-in candidates and nominations from the floor are welcome, also. (The Board members whose terms are continuing are Mary Anne Stickler, and Jacquie Hollister.)

(E) Social Activity

As in previous years, we will provide beverages and ask that attendees, if convenient, bring a snack to be shared.

Thanks very much, and hope to see you on Sunday.

Regards,
Jim Garland, President
Spur Ranch Road Association