Avendell HOA Update 10/21/2025
Thank you to those who attended the Avendell HOA Annual meeting. We had some good conversations and hopefully were able to answer questions and concerns to everyone’s satisfaction. We understand that not every issue can be resolved by the board, but we are here to help however our position allows.
The new budget was approved and does include a $100 increase in annual assessments, taking our new annual fee to $525 per member. This decision was not easy and was thoroughly researched to determine the correct amount of the increase. We have used the Reserve Study as a guide for budgeting and believe this is the best option for Avendell. Obviously we can’t predict the future, but based on the information available to us this year, we feel like we will not have to do another increase for several years. The new assessment of $525 is significantly less than most neighborhoods of our size, with our amenities. The neighborhood that is most comparable (similar number of homes, lazy river, pool and clubhouse) has annual fees of $700 per member, so we feel like we’re running things very responsibly and lean. Many of the neighborhoods in our area charge annual fees of $500 or more and do not have a pool and/or clubhouse.
We are planning to replace pool pumps and filters in the spring of 2026 and will schedule a resurface of the pool in 2027.
We were also able to trim several budget line items and keep the 2026 expenditures very similar to the 2025 budget.
One of the items the Board wanted to mention to the neighborhood at large is that the roads are maintained and under the jurisdiction of Anderson County, not private roads. As such there are limits on what we can do in terms of enforcing parking rules.
That being said, some concerns were raised on vehicles parking on the street for extended periods or restricting access for emergency vehicles, large trailers, and school buses.
Please be conscientious of parking as close to the curb as is reasonable, and make sure you aren’t so close to another vehicle on the other side of the street that vehicles cannot pass.
Here are some Anderson County rules on street parking that we think are good reminders for the neighborhood:
General prohibitions
• Blocking driveways: You cannot park in front of a public or private driveway.
• Fire hydrants: Maintain at least 15 feet of clearance from a fire hydrant.
• Crosswalks and intersections: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• Traffic signals: Stay at least 30 feet away from flashing signals, stop signs, or traffic-control signals.
• Signs: Do not park where signs prohibit it.
Again, we are not here to be traffic police, just wanted to send out a reminder.
Thanks again for helping us keep Avendell a safe and fun place to live.
Copied from FB as submitted by Chip Acker
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Avendell HOA Update 9/16/2025
The HOA Board just met to begin the process of budgeting for the 2026 budget year. Each board member takes this responsibility seriously and we have been getting quotes to make sure we are being good stewards of your membership assessments. We look at everything from internet service, phone service (required by DHEC), pool cleaning and maintenance, management companies, janitorial services, trash pickup, lawn care, and more. We have made several vendor changes during this calendar year, resulting in savings to our current budget, but we have also had some unexpected expenses that have wiped out those savings.
At the beginning of 2025 we all received an assessment increase so that we could have the budget needed to manage the business of the Homeowner’s Association. As we look toward 2026, we are facing increased costs and potential for higher assessments and/or special assessments due to our aging amenities. In our bidding of the pool contract, multiple vendors indicated that our equipment was failing, plus the pool surfaces and tiles will need attention prior to opening the pool in 2026. Preliminary estimates for this work could reach $50,000.
I know this is not news that anyone wants to hear. However, in 2022 we had a reserve study done to help us budget accordingly to prepare for these types of situations. According to the study, we should have about $47,000 in our reserve account for 2025. Unfortunately, the first steps towards reaching this goal was not implemented until the 2025 budget year, putting us way behind in our fiscal responsibility. Currently we have about $11,000 in our reserve account. This means, to be in line with our 2026 reserve goals and make necessary repairs, we could be as much as $75,000 to $90,000 short going into 2026.
Most people will respond to this, as I did, and try to affix blame, but this is not the time to look backwards. Instead we need to respond with creative, constructive solutions. Pulling out the proverbial “pitch forks and torches” and pointing out the problem is easy. However, finding a path forward will require patience, wisdom, and cooperation to keep our neighborhood operating with excellence.
That being said, we will have 3 open board positions for 2026. If you would like to be part of the solution, we invite you to step up and help lead the efforts to get things back on track. You should have received an email from Town and Country a few weeks ago with an appeal for candidates. We have also asked them to send a reminder email out this week. Please take time to fill out the forms and add your name to the ballot for the upcoming HOA elections.
If you have specific question you may comment here or email your board of directors privately at: avendellhoa@gmail.com)
(Copied from the Avendell HOA (Official) Facebook Page as submitted by Chip Acker on 9/16/2025)
