Opinion and Perspective by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The purpose of this article is to publicly inform all SCPOA members of matters of interest to our community.
One year has passed since the four newly elected community members assumed their roles on the board of directors of the SWANSBORO COUNTRY PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (SCPOA), and their activities have become a focal point of interest for association members. Throughout 2023, they have been actively engaged in a range of initiatives and projects aimed at improving the community. The Sentinel has closely monitored their progress and can report to the significant positive impact they have had. A thorough account of their achievements has been featured in the SCPOA newsletter, a vital component of the annual information packet distributed to association members. The complete version of these accomplishments is now available on the SCPOA website (https://scpoa.info/home), where interested parties can delve into the detailed summary. Highlights of the newsletter is provided below:
1. New Association Manager Hired
One of the first accomplishments was to enlist a new manager with The Management Trust (TMT). Melissa Bell replaces the former manager who seemed to have difficulties in replying to members’ requests for information.
2. Working Committees Established
Five working committees were established, each with a clear charter and led by a dedicated board member. This strategic approach ensures that every aspect of our community’s operations receives focused attention and expertise, ultimately leading to more effective and streamlined decision-making processes.
3. Newsletter Upgraded
Thirdly, the introduction of a newly established newsletter serves as a valuable resource, ensuring that a broader spectrum of members has access to pertinent information. By disseminating updates and insights through this platform, the association fosters enhanced communication and transparency, empowering members to stay informed about crucial developments within the community.
4. Out-of-Control Spending Reigned in
Fourthly, in response to the excessive and irresponsible spending of the previous board, decisive actions were taken to rein in expenditures. One notable measure involved rectifying an unauthorized increase in the TMT management fee, which was neither approved nor stipulated in the contract. By securing a refund for this unjustified expense, the current board demonstrates its commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent management of resources, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and in accordance with contractual agreements, ultimately safeguarding the financial well-being of the association.
5. Insurance Policies Corrected
In addition, all insurance policies were reviewed and many inaccuracies were corrected. Airport insurance was obtained at a lower cost. A new lake- maintenance vendor was hired that provides more service at a significantly lower cost. The cost of road maintenance was cut by seeking more vendors to bid on the work. Payments of SCPOA expenses were audited for accounting errors, overpayments, and late fees, and refunds were secured for those found. The board continues to research other management companies and legal options for better service options for the members.
6. Community Building Issue Resolved
The “Community Building” debacle was put to rest. A detailed audit was conducted by the board with the following findings:
1) It was determined that TMT had charged SCPOA twice for the down payment on the building. The overpayment was returned.
2) The sprinkler plans and parts that the previous board designated as purchased were in fact, not purchased, and the item was closed with the vendor at no cost to SCPOA.
3) The building that the previous board had ordered to serve as a community center was not engineered to hold gatherings.
4) The permit fees that SCPOA had incurred were determined to be overpaid, and a refund was obtained. It was determined that the estimated final cost of the building – according to the previous board – was significantly understated. The board concluded that SCPOA does not have the necessary funding to proceed with the project without a significant increase in membership dues.
7. Need For Zoom Meeting Addressed
Of course, there will always be resident members who express dissatisfaction no matter what improvements are made or how much money is saved. The subject of a Zoom connection at board meetings is a case in point. This matter was discussed at length early last year by a special committee. A decision was made and the board voted. First, the board did not believe the Zoom project had an acceptable cost/benefit ratio. Second, that when the issue was put to the membership, nobody stepped up to provide the equipment and perform the setup at each meeting. And third, there was a matter of privacy. Board meetings are not open to the public, and special provisions are taken to assure that only Swansboro Country property owners are allowed to attend meetings. Ironically, one of the “aggrieved” complainants on social media is a person who doesn’t even own property in Swansboro!
8. Overpaid Fees Mitigated
The board has taken proactive measures to rectify previous overpayments and implement solutions for various financial discrepancies, including overpaid fees, insurance premiums, lake and road maintenance costs, unaccounted parts falsely claimed as purchased, and instances of double-charging for payments. Recognizing the potential for mismanagement, these actions aim to address concerns among dues-paying members and restore confidence in the integrity of the association’s financial practices.
The membership is breathing a sigh of relief. The current board and a new TMT manager are a game-changer for the residents of Swansboro. Thankfully, there is no more demonizing and hectoring of groups of dues-paying members who disagree with an overbearing board president.
The current board and a new TMT manager are a game-changer for the residents of Swansboro. The Sentinel believes that dues-paying residents of Swansboro owe a debt of gratitude to members of the current SCPOA board for their diligence, foresight, and transparency.
Dues Paying SCPOA Member
Plus, the meetings are back at the fire station because the new board has a healthy relationship with the chief! The Sentinel believes that dues-paying residents of Swansboro owe a debt of gratitude to members of the current SCPOA board for their diligence, foresight, and transparency. We look forward with confidence to the new members joining the board in 2024, and continuing the hard work and expertise that probably saved SCPOA dues-payers thousands of dollars last year alone.
The next SCPOA meeting is the membership meeting on February 24, at noon at the fire station.
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