The annual meeting for the Villages at Brookside was held on Sat., Sept. 29, at the Bourne Methodist Church. New and returning trustees were introduced:
– Vik Mani, Chair
– Bob Suarez
– Tom McLaughlin
– Jim Lynch
– Jack Dewitt
There was an update on the Sea Knoll paint/repair project, with no conclusions yet as to the scope or cost of the work.
The Fiscal Year 19 Proposed Budget Analysis was presented. As always, some expenses went up, some went down. Overall, income will increase by 3%, the reserve will increase by 4.6%, and administrative expenses will increase by 1.5%. An overview indicates legal expenses being reduced by 11.3%; management fee increased by 2.2%; audit and taxes increased by 14.3%; property and liability insurance increased 5%; State income tax increased by 20%, and Federal by 15%, both reflecting income due to interest earned.
Building expenses decreased by 1.7%; grounds maintenance increased by 3.4%; utilities decreased by 2.8%; expenses for the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) increased by 25.6%.
Overall, grounds maintenance is the largest item in the budget, accounting for 27% of the total; followed by contributions to the reserve fund at 22%. The bottom line for Fiscal Year 18 is that expenses will run about $8000-10,000 less than budgeted. Good job, Trustees!
There was a 13 page handout explaining the Brookside Waste Water Treatment Plant that is very interesting. It is the largest asset of the community, and is totally independent and separate from Bourne’s sewage treatment system. The Brookside WWTP provides an effluent that is low in ammonia, total nitrogen and phosphorus, and provides all Brookside residents with a reliable sanitation system. A feather in the Brookside cap!
The CAAS and Landscape Committees presented summaries of the extensive work that was done this year to keep The Villages at Brookside sparkling and beautiful. In addition, the Landscape Committee is developing a 5 year plan for the Board.
Lastly, all residents who are are committee members were individually acknowledged for the commitment they make to keep The Villages at Brookside in great condition. Thank you all!
