Thank You!

The following information is the result of nearly two years of research and analysis focused on our community's immediate and long-term maintenance and repair needs, along with potential funding options.

As a reminder, much of our infrastructure and many of our homes are now 30 to 40 years old. As outlined in our CC&Rs, our HOA is responsible for “… enhancing and protecting the value, desirability, and attractiveness of the property.”

In 2023, the previous board hired a reserve specialist to conduct our first Reserve Study. This study helps identify predictable future expenses over a 30-year period (calculated at today’s costs) and determines when repairs or replacements will be due. It allows the HOA to plan ahead, save, and allocate funds in a structured manner rather than reacting to repairs as they arise.

Before the Reserve Study, funds were set aside for necessary repairs as issues emerged—such as roof replacements, irrigation problems, pool maintenance, siding repairs, and painting—without a long-term financial plan.

 A copy of the Sunset Meadows Reserve Study is available upon request. 

Our buildings and associated structures (townhomes, carports, fences, and trash enclosures) require immediate repairs, particularly for rot damage and painting. The last community-wide painting was completed in 2012–2013—over 11 years ago. Industry standards recommend repainting at least every eight years to prevent siding deterioration, which can lead to costly repairs. 

We have obtained several bids (with more expected) for this work:

• Painting all buildings and structures – $406,000
• Trash enclosure repairs – $42,227
• Fence repairs & painting (most damaged sections only) – $47,504
• Rotted siding repairs (before painting) – $72,000
• Total Cost Estimate: $567,731 ($19,577 per building)

 Our current savings of $236,000 will not cover the full cost, averaging only $8,137 per building. 

Option 1: Three-Year Plan (No Special Assessment)

• Work completed over three years: 9 buildings in 2025, 9 in 2026, 11 in 2027
• Pros: No additional special assessment for homeowners
• Cons: If we change paint colors, buildings and structures will be mismatched for three years, potentially lowering curb appeal

 Option 2: Two-Year Plan ($500 Special Assessment per Member)

• Work completed in two years instead of three
• Pros: Lower special assessment, payable over a year, speeds up project timeline
• Cons: Color mismatch for at least two years, additional special assessment required

 Option 3: One-Year Plan ($1,500 Special Assessment per Member)

• Work completed in one year if possible
• Pros: Immediate curb appeal improvement, all structures painted uniformly, increased property values
• Cons: Higher one-time special assessment

Projected Work Schedule for Options 1 & 2:

• Option 1:
  • Year 1: Buildings A–I
  • Year 2: Buildings J–L & 12–17
  • Year 3: Buildings 1–11
• Option 2:
  • Year 1: Buildings A–L & 16–17
  • Year 2: Buildings 1–15

📍 See schematic maps at the bottom of this page for the painting schedule and where your home falls in the order.  Buildings with the oldest paint (according to our records) would be prioritized for repairs and repainting first. 

HOA dues were not raised annually in past years, even as inflation increased costs. For example, from 2017 to 2021, dues remained at $155 per month, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by a total of 31.6%. 

Dues will likely need to increase annually moving forward. Board members pay the same dues as all homeowners, and some are on fixed incomes. While we aim to keep costs manageable, maintaining our property adequately is essential. 

CC&R Limitations on Raising Assessments

Our CC&Rs restrict how much the Board can raise assessments without a membership vote. Currently, the HOA may increase dues only in line with the CPI (typically 2–4% per year), but maintenance costs often rise faster than CPI.

To raise dues above CPI, a membership vote is required. CC&R Article 7, Section 3 states that such an increase must be approved by at least 51% of voting members present in person or by proxy at a duly called meeting. 

 Consider Amending the CC&Rs

We encourage homeowners to explore amendments that could give the Board more flexibility in managing finances. Potential changes could include:

1. Allowing the Board to approve increases up to 10% annually without a membership vote
2. Adjusting the voting requirement so that an increase is approved by 51% of those present at a meeting, rather than 51% of all members

Get Involved!

• Join the Reserve Study Committee to help plan for future repairs and funding
• Participate in an Ad Hoc Committee to explore possible CC&R revisions

Maintaining our community’s infrastructure and townhomes is crucial to preserving property values and preventing costly future repairs. Your input and participation in these discussions will help shape the future of Sunset Meadows HOA.

📩 For questions or to get involved, please contact the HOA Board at sunsetmeugene@gmail.com