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)
