Clarification of association dues

When I posted the compliance rates for association dues, my intent was to encourage more households to contribute, but I seem to have generated some confusion instead. Hopefully, this posting will clarify some issues.

First, a big thank you to those who have already paid their 2009 dues. Every year we send out fliers and post signs, and now we also post information online, all in an effort to gather dues without the additional expense of postage. Those who have already paid make my job as treasurer easier. I really appreciate that!

Now, if you read the abstract for your property, you will discover that our association dues are voluntary. Originally, the dues were $10 a year, and a few residents kept the pond property mowed and trimmed out of the goodness of their hearts. The association later voted to raise dues to $30, in part so that the mowing could be hired out.

As treasurer, I am guilty of playing down the voluntary aspect of paying dues. However, when mortgage companies contact me, I explain the dues are voluntary and there are no liens against the property. They either don't believe me or don't care because invariably I receive at least partial payment of any outstanding dues.

Some of you are probably wondering why you should pay your dues when not everyone does. The simple answer is, Because it is the right thing to do. As you can see by my report, the dues the association collects barely cover our expenses. If enough residents don't contribute, the pond property won't get mowed, and we will be at the mercy of the city for snow plowing.

Most Limberlost residents do pay their dues. There are just a few households that don't. It could be that some truly cannot afford $30 a year, but I'm guessing the bulk of the non-compliant simply do not see the benefit in being a good neighbor.

So please, please continue to pay your dues, and encourage your neighbors to do likewise.

Thanks!

Mayor Henry To Meet With Residents At Dupont Library For Mayor’s Night Out

Residents can call to schedule an appointment for April 29

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will hold a Mayor’s Night Out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at the Dupont branch of the Allen County Public Library, 536 E. Dupont Road.

Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in the meeting rooms of the Dupont branch library to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.

“This month we are taking our show on the road, so to speak, to the Dupont branch of the library. It is important to me to meet with residents on a regular basis, and perhaps this session will be a little more convenient for residents in north Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Meeting with residents is one of the most important things I can do. Taxpayers deserve access to the leaders they elected and I am glad to participate in this event multiple times a year.”

Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor’s Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff.

Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Anyone who has had a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out appointment in the last year will be placed on a waiting list to give other residents the opportunity to meet with Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry plans to host a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out during each quarter of 2009.

Contact: Rebecca Karcher, Public Information, 427-1120
rebecca.karcher@cityoffortwayne.org
Rachel Blakeman, Public Information, 427-1120
rachel.blakeman@cityoffortwayne.org