From the Treasurer

By Mike Breslin SRCA Finance Committee Chair and Treasurer

One of the most important responsibilities of the board is to manage the association’s funds—your money. We take this responsibility seriously; these are the procedures we insist on to protect your money:

• Association financial records are audited annually by a certified public accountant. • Bank statements are reconciled promptly each month. • The balance sheet and profit and loss statement are reviewed each month, and expenses are compared to the budget each month. • Association reserve accounts are analyzed annually to ensure they are adequate for future needs. • The association has an investment policy that safeguards the principle of invested funds, a signature policy that safeguards operating funds, and a collections policy that safeguards cash flow. • Checks and balances are in place to ensure the safety of association funds—such as requiring two approvals on all invoices to be paid.

As previously reported, the accounting firm of Butler Hansen, PC completed its audit of SRCA for the year 2021 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 2022.

As another year is almost in the books, it was time once again for the board, finance committee and staff to prepare for the next year and compile another budget. The budget was developed through an objective, step-by-step process based on historical data and careful research. Due to rising costs of services, supplies and labor, it was necessary to increase the annual assessment by 10% taking the assessment from $395 to $435 per unit effective January 1, 2023. The association was able to forego any assessment increase for the last two years, but the inflation and the economy caused goods and services to be much more expensive forcing an increase.

By Matt Metz SRCA Board President

Living in Scottsdale Ranch brings so many benefits, it’s hard to know where to begin. Our beautiful Lake Serena is a great place for boat rides, kayaking, fishing, and paddle-boating – all for free. Our manicured common areas provide great venues for walking or jogging, and a great place to meet your neighbors. Our own Community Center is available for private events and parties. SRCA events are very popular with our residents – from young families to empty nesters. We also have a great local shopping center – the Mercado – as well as Via Linda Senior Center, a Boys and Girls Club, great schools, and Scottsdale Ranch Park with: playgrounds; basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball courts; lighted baseball fields; picnic areas with ramadas; Desert Garden Park; and more.

Nationally, people living in homeowner and condominium associations are very satisfied or even delighted to live there. A 2022 survey conducted by the Community Associations Institute shows that an overwhelming majority – 67% – rate their living experience as good or very good. (Another 22% give a “neutral” rating.)

With that high level of satisfaction, one would think we would have more of our Scottsdale Ranch residents engaged with our HOA. While we do see many of our neighbors taking advantage of our public events, only a few actually get involved by serving on a committee or running for a board position.

A few also show up at our board and committee meetings, and this participation in our meetings has increased since we started using technology to enable hybrid meetings; members can physically attend at the Community Center or join us online.

But Scottsdale Ranch has struggled to get out the vote at our annual elections. Polls shows that 60% of the nation says they vote in national elections, but only 53% say they vote in state and local elections. And at the HOA level, only 38% say they vote in their association elections.

Actually, at Scottsdale Ranch, we would be delighted if we saw a 38% turnout in our elections; this last time around, we struggled to get just the 10% required by our documents for a voting quorum.

It’s very possible the low voting turnout at Scottsdale Ranch is due to an overall satisfaction (or dare we say, delight!) with how the Association is being run.

But it really is important that each of us makes the effort to cast an informed vote every year.

We encourage you to read the resumes of board candidates and to understand the proposed document changes you’ll be voting on. Ask your neighbors, board members, or friends who serve on committees if you want more information about the candidates and issues. Your informed vote will help ensure Scottsdale Ranch continues to provide top-notch services and amenities, and that your property values are protected and enhanced.

And we make it super-easy to vote. Expect a notice on how to vote electronically (or otherwise) in mid-February. If you have questions, contact our able staff at the Community Center offices.

As with local, state, and federal elections, it’s very important to become informed for our HOA election and cast your ballot to ensure we have the finest and best qualified volunteers serving you. These are your neighbors who will perform the important function of setting the direction for Scottsdale Ranch – your community!