August Regular Meeting of the FCSA Board of Directors Considers HOA Assessment Increase

At the August Regular Meeting of the Fort Clark Springs Association (FCSA) Board of Directors, several items were addressed as the association approaches the beginning of the new fiscal year. Notably absent from the agenda, however, was the budget—despite a recent preliminary budget presentation projecting a $266,000 deficit and approximately a $30,000 decline in total bank balance from the most recent month.

Much of the discussion during the meeting included audience participation and public comment on items not listed on the agenda. The most impactful agenda item proved to be “HOA fees possible increase effective 10/1/25.”

Sandee Hagan approached the Board to explain the process of calculating the allowable increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), noting that she had previously provided calculation templates to General Manager Charlena Cavender. President Guzman clarified that “the CPI we're going to base it on is 2.67,” with general agreement from the board. Discussion also turned to the possibility of a special assessment in addition to the regular increase.

Guzman acknowledged that the preliminary budget did not include any employee raises, emphasizing the difficulty of identifying expenses to cut. He then asked GM Cavender for the revenue impact of a 2.67% increase. Cavender estimated approximately $32,000 in added assessment revenue, though she did not have exact figures on hand.

Board members, with the assistance of Sandee Hagan, began calculating specifics. After a 10-minute “pause,” during which Guzman reminded the room that “we're not really on break,” Director Wylie quipped, “After taking a class on calculus,” before confirming the calculations:

Following further questions, Director Sharon Wolfe moved to table the item, seconded by Director Wylie. The board anticipates calling a special meeting before the September Regular Meeting to discuss the budget, with a request to have both a balanced or positive budget and a capital budget for consideration.

While an assessment increase of nearly $32,000 is significant for members, it does little to offset the preliminary budget deficit, especially since the net loss figure of over a quarter million dollars already assumed a 2.71% assessment increase—slightly higher than what was calculated at the meeting.

In conclusion, FCSA is expected to bring forward a new budget that closes the gap from the projected $266,000 net loss to a balanced or positive net income in time for approval before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.

Watch the video online HERE.