Unit 2 Proposes Website to Save Thousands

Unit 1's Questionable Cost-Cutting Measures & Need for Transparency

Since taking control, Unit 1 has implemented changes that appear to be financially detrimental to the Herschel Condominium Association, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Dubious Outsourcing:

• Termination of Long-Term Staff: Unit 1 unilaterally terminated the long-time housekeeper (30 years of service) and the gardener. These individuals were reportedly reliable and likely provided cost-effective services.
• Inflated Janitorial Service Costs: A janitorial service was hired to replace both roles, at a significantly higher cost than the previous arrangements.
• Landscaping Expense Soars: Our previous landscape contract cost the HOA approximately $150.00 per month. This has been replaced with an unspecified portion of the janitorial service fees, which, in total, amount to $600.00 per month – a staggering 400% increase in cost for potentially less specialized service.

Lack of Transparency with APS Fees:

• Unclear Billing Practices: Associated Property Services (APS) has been charging the HOA for each phone call and email related to reported repairs and other matters.
• No Fee Schedule Provided: Despite these charges, APS has never provided the HOA with a clear and transparent fee schedule, leaving owners in the dark about the costs associated with their services. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to assess the reasonableness of these charges.

Unit 2's Proposal for Cost Savings and Efficiency:

Recognizing the need for greater transparency and cost-effectiveness, Unit 2 has proactively developed a website for the Herschel Condominium Association. This platform offers the following potential benefits:

• Centralized Communication: Posting quotes for repairs and documenting required maintenance directly on the website would eliminate the need for individual email communications regarding these issues, potentially reducing APS charges.
• Automated Notices: The website can automate the distribution of important notices, such as meeting schedules, water shut-offs, and other community updates, further reducing administrative overhead and potential APS communication fees.
• Online Calendar: A shared online calendar would improve organization and communication regarding maintenance schedules, community events, and other important dates.
• Streamlined Approval Processes: The website can facilitate online submission and tracking of approval requests for unit modifications or other actions, creating a more efficient and transparent process for all owners.
• Document Repository: Serving as a central storage location for HOA documents (meeting minutes, financial statements, CCRs, etc.) would reduce administrative costs associated with printing and distributing these materials.

Potential Savings: Unit 2 estimates that utilizing this website for automated notices, repair management, and document storage could save the HOA owners up to $600 per month in administrative costs and potentially $10,000 per year overall by streamlining processes and reducing reliance on costly external services like APS for basic communication.

Call to Action: It is imperative that the HOA Board, and Unit 1 in particular, consider the potential financial benefits and increased transparency offered by the website proposed and developed by Unit 2. Understanding the fees charged by APS and scrutinizing the increased costs associated with the outsourced janitorial service are crucial steps towards responsible financial management for the Herschel Condominium Association.

This website can save the HOA thousands in per year by simply automating -using a website for payments, meeting notes and repair calendaring! Let's modernize now! Unit 2 Volunteers to end secrecy and only 3 people seeing bills, approvals and legal spends