There have been some interesting letters to the editor in our local papers concerning the proposed fee increases for Bella Vista owners. Some are in favor, some are not. From the results of the last vote, most are not interested.
One thing is missing: cooperation. The Property Owners Association Board is consumed with the idea of getting more dues money to spend instead of trying to gain our trust in their management skills. Why? An example is our business manager paying $9,000 to a consultant to come inspect the job, what it should cost and who should do it. Most likely, whomever he works for. That job should be advertised, let out for bids and let the local contractors bid for it. That gives the board a choice.
When asking about the present practice, I was told it is being done this way because that is how it has always been done. That could be why the board always needs more money. They get more from us to throw away to their friends and associates in business. Come on, board, get in step.
The first step to cooperation is trust that you are being frugal, which means you should be looking at cutting overhead first. Let's stop the favoritism and use business acumen to balance the budget. Show us you mean to do things the right way and you may be surprised at the cooperation you may get.
Our amenities should be priced to be self-sustaining, which means the users pay for them, not everyone. That is good business.
Gerald Kitrush
Bella Vista
Commentary on 07/02/2014