Increases in community budgets, fees, assessments need to be challenged. Challenge meaning why the increase?
Did they do a zero based budget or just incrementally increase expenses? Did they look at what it takes to stay within the previous years budget (no increase)?
It is not the size of the increase it is the philosophy of budgeting....the understanding line by line of actual vs budgeted amounts....there are some line items that will not spend the budgeted amount. There are others that may have been a one time (one year) expense.
It is too easy and convenient to just raise the revenue to accommodate increased expenditures.
From past experience on community boards I can assure you most members do not approach budgeting as advocated above. They do not understand the budgeting process....they do not take the time to understand what is spent where.....and it is always easier to ask for more of other peoples money......especially if the other people just roll over and pay.
Demand to know why any increase is deemed required.
Ask what needs to be done TO NOT HAVE an increase.
Just my 2 cents. The silent majority is a benefit to those who control community expenditures.
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