Just wanted to take a moment and give a quick update from the board.
2024 has been a challenging year in terms of managing our budget. This has been a year that saw plenty of unexpected events impacting our expenses:
• Replaced a failed pool pump prior to the pool opening for the season.
• Complete pool drain and cleaning after glass was found in the pool.
• Replaced a failed irrigation controller at the front entrance.
• Replaced Security Camera controller system and one camera following Helene.
• Replaced outdated and unserviceable pool key card system.
• In the process of contracting a vendor to complete the stump clean up at the pool lot entrance.
These events total almost $15,000 in unbudgeted expense to the neighborhood, or to put in simple terms, nearly another $75 (14%) per resident in annual dues. The good news is that these expenses could have been MUCH higher, if it wasn’t for the overwhelming support we received from some generous neighbors who donated their time to come out and help with the fallen trees left behind from Hurricane Helene this past September. The board cannot thank those individuals enough, so proud of the way y’all came together!
Speaking of Helene, we are also exploring additional options on removing the debris lining the entrance of Bridgewater. The board did not expect the removal process to drag out this long but understand given the impact this storm has had on our community.
Unfortunately, many of our 2024 improvement plans fell short, given the reallocation of funds. It feels like we spent most of this year addressing failures rather than making the upgrades we planned for earlier this year. We will provide a full 2024 recap in early January.
Before we close out this year, we will have some exciting news to share in the upcoming weeks regarding addressing the overnight and extended parking issues in Bridgewater….as well as the addition of a simpler more convenient way to submit community violations and concerns. More details will be forthcoming.
Looking ahead to 2025, the board has just completed our operating budget, and despite the additional expenses, we have honored our commitment to keep the Bridgewater HOA annual dues flat for the coming year. Everyone should be receiving a copy in the mail along with the 2025 annual dues in December.
Finally, are in the process of finalizing our 2025 community upgrades, and look forward to sharing them with the community in the coming weeks. However, next year is an election year, and the results could impact these goals.
Given we are so close to Thanksgiving, I just want to thank all of my fellow board members for volunteering their time and dedication over the past 20 months to make this community just a little bit better. I look forward to what 2025 must bring!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of us on the board directly. We wish everyone a safe and restful Thanksgiving!
