President’s Message Treasurer’s Report

President’s Message

By Matt Metz SRCA Board President

To paraphrase a line from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, “To get involved, or not to get involved, that is the question.”

I’ve served on, and consulted to, many HOA boards. Boards often note that very few people come to board meetings or committee meetings and wonder if that’s good or bad. The answer is that low membership attendance at these meetings is a mixed message.

Probably the overriding reason SRCA members don’t attend board or committee meetings is that they are pleased with how the Ranch is being run – or at least not majorly upset about any issues. “I don’t have any concerns or issues – why would I spend my time at a board or committee meeting?”

In that sense, non-participation by members represents satisfaction (at best) or apathy (at worst).

But there are times when community and membership involvement is appropriate because of projects being considered – whether those projects are taking place on the Ranch or nearby.

That’s why the Board of Directors and our able staff have multiple ways of communicating with our membership: our web page; our monthly magazine; our email blasts; etc. It’s important that you read these communications. If you have not already signed up for the email blasts, please call into – or drop by – the office and add your email address to the distribution list. Or visit our website at www.scottsdaleranch.org to sign up.

These many channels of communication will let you know about so much that’s going on. You can learn about social events on the Ranch, get landscaping tips, learn how and when to apply for architectural changes, find coupons for Mercado merchants, and perhaps most importantly, hear about upcoming board and committee meetings.

It’s also your chance to learn about significant City of Scottsdale projects and proposed developments nearby the Ranch, and get information on how you can learn more; especially, if you feel these items may impact your quality of life in Scottsdale Ranch or our part of the city. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard, by attending a Scottsdale Ranch board or committee meeting, or a developer open house, or a City of Scottsdale event.

Of course, in addition to attending these meetings, you might consider volunteering to serve on a committee or run to serve on the Board of Directors. These are additional opportunities for you to actively work to protect Scottsdale Ranch quality of life and property values.

If you choose “not to get involved”, it’s your choice. But as master Po said to the young Caine on the 1970’s Kung Fu television series, “choose wisely.” You don’t want to miss an opportunity to understand and to be involved in important decisions that can affect all of us in Scottsdale Ranch.

Treasurer’s Report

By Mike Breslin SRCA Finance Committee Chair and Treasurer

I am currently serving as your Treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee having previously served as a Director, Vice President, and President of the SRCA Board of Directors.

Our financial condition continues to be excellent in large part because of the outstanding work of our Executive Director, Kathe Barnes and her gifted staff. As of September 30, 2021, total revenue is $140,856 ahead of budget, much of which was due to resale disclosures and compliance fees, while expenses are currently at $61,504 below budget indicating a positive trend for full year 2021. The lake dredging is now complete and was successful. The accounting firm of Butler Hansen, PC completed its audit of SRCA for the year 2020 and reported that we continue to have a good system of financial controls in place and concluded that we remain in sound financial condition. The Board will again be engaging Hansen Butler, PC to conduct an independent audit of the association’s books and records for 2021.

In August of this year, the SRCA Finance Committee reviewed and approved a proposed budget for FY 2022 which was reviewed and approved for adoption by the Board of Directors. Highlights of the 2022 Budget: No assessment increase. Annual assessment will remain at $395 per unit for the 2nd year. General operating expenses in the 2022 budget are 3.6% higher than in the current budget. The main reasons for the change is higher umbrella insurance costs, software upgrades for the homeowner portal and accounting and increased tree service costs due to size and age of trees. Our umbrella insurance costs are increasing causing us to shop additional companies to maintain our $15 mil coverage. The Reserve Study dropped below the recommended 95-105% due to lake dredging in 2021. The budget recommends additional deposits to the reserve fund in order achieve 100% funded no later than 2024. Some additional 2022 expenses are: Refurbishing of lake well pump; resurface Community Center patio {deferred from 2020}; exterior painting of Community Center building; painting of common walls {based on 7-year cycle}; and replacement of office carpet.

The Board of Directors and SRCA staff are committed to being good stewards of your money, keeping Scottsdale Ranch the premier master planned community in Arizona and will dedicate our expenditures to enhance the aesthetics of the Ranch, further increasing home values and maintaining our “Ranch Lifestyle”. As is always the case, you are welcome to review any documents as allowed by law related to the Finance Committee and/or The Board of Directors by visiting the association office.