Amenity Fees

[rhood]

Every house on our block (18 houses) is paying a different amenity fee. There are a few who have been here longer than us that are paying more than us.
Fees range from $163.12 to $196.22. I know it changes yearly based on the cpi, but that’s a big difference. I guess I might have expected the range to be much smaller.

[TrapX]

When a house is sold, the amenity fee is pushed up to the max as a welcome gift to the new owner.

[jrref]

When a house is sold, the amenity fee is pushed up to the max as a welcome gift to the new owner.

Not really true.

Each year on the anniversary of when the house was originally closed after being built you will see the increase in amenity fees. It doesn't matter how long you lived in the home.

So for example if a neighbor's home closed in January and yours in March of the same year your neighbor will pay the new rate and you will get the increase in March.

[dewilson58]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Here we go.

[rustyp]

The Amenity Authority Committee is considering putting a cap back on amenity fees paid by residents north of County Road 466.

[Laker14]

The Amenity Authority Committee is considering putting a cap back on amenity fees paid by residents north of County Road 466.

How would that work? As costs go up, you either have to raise amenity fees, or reduce amenities. What is the plan?

[Bill14564]

How would that work? As costs go up, you either have to raise amenity fees, or reduce amenities. What is the plan?

If costs continue to go up then eventually the cap would need to raise or something would need to be cut.

Today, there are two things (that I can think of) that make a cap possible:

1. Expenses might not be increasing at the rate of inflation. There are a lot of items in the RAD budget that may not increase at the rate of inflation. Principal and interest make up a quarter of the budget but those may not increase at all. Services (pay) make up a lot of the budget but those don't automatically increase with inflation.

2. Not everyone is at the cap. Increases for those that are not at the cap may be sufficient to cover the increase in expenses.

The accounting for the different rates and different dates of increases must be a nightmare. Perhaps this could be used as a start of a different process. Set a cap and let everyone slowly rise to that cap. Once there, calculate a budget in June/September and then set everyone's amenity fee to what is needed to fund the budget. One fee for everyone, annual increases for everyone, same increase date for everyone.

[Mrs.Guy]

When a house is sold, the amenity fee is pushed up to the max as a welcome gift to the new owner.

;) But the fee is NOT a surprise to the new owners if they did their homework! :)

[Bill14564]

When a house is sold, the amenity fee is pushed up to the max as a welcome gift to the new owner.

Not really true.

Each year on the anniversary of when the house was originally closed after being built you will see the increase in amenity fees. It doesn't matter how long you lived in the home.

So for example if a neighbor's home closed in January and yours in March of the same year your neighbor will pay the new rate and you will get the increase in March.

Yes, really true.

This is covered in 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) of my deed restrictions. (a) says that a new owner will be obligated to pay the prevalent rate in effect. 4.1(b) says the amenity fee for existing homeowners will increase with the CPI. Unless the prevalent rate is recalculated each year to increase by the CPI, the existing homeowner is likely to always be behind the new purchaser.

(Now if only I could find the rate for the Villages of Sumter)

[Bogie Shooter]

Why change anything, seems to have worked for a very long time?
:popcorn::popcorn:

[Bill14564]

Why change anything, seems to have worked for a very long time?
:popcorn::popcorn:

Worked well for who? Considering the number of threads trying to explain and justify why it costs some homeowners up to $400 more per year to use the same amenities, it seems it isn't working all that well.

Rotary phones, cash-only, paper tax returns, asbestos insulation, and the USPS all worked well for a very long time.... until there was a better idea.

[Bogie Shooter]

Worked well for who? Considering the number of threads trying to explain and justify why it costs some homeowners up to $400 more per year to use the same amenities, it seems it isn't working all that well.

Rotary phones, cash-only, paper tax returns, asbestos insulation, and the USPS all worked well for a very long time.... until there was a better idea.

Lot of threads trying to explain things by people who have no idea what they are talking about.
Why do newbies seem to want to change everything?
Pay your fee…..eventually everyone will catch up with you.

[Bill14564]

Lot of threads trying to explain things by people who have no idea what they are talking about.
Why do newbies seem to want to change everything?
Pay your fee…..eventually everyone will catch up with you.

Not without a cap or a change. In fact, unless I reach a cap, everyone may continue to fall farther and farther behind me.

[Goldwingnut]

First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible. In fact, with the current prevailing rate of $179 (since January 2022) even with a 10% CPI adjustment applied it's not possible to have a monthly amenity fee at $200 yet. Yes, you may see a one-time rate higher than this due to a billing catch-up or error, otherwise it's impossible.

The CPI adjustment does not keep up with real world cost increases that have and continue to occur. The budgets prove it year after year, hence the reason the Deferral Rate (there was never a "cap" on the amenity fee contrary to what many believe) was removed; Repair and Replacement reserves were going to start to be eroded to meet the operating budget requirements.

The R&R reserves need to continue to be adjusted to compensate for future inflation. The R&R fund for the SLAD (amenities between 466 and 44) is projected to have a balance of just over $28M at the end of this fiscal year. For reference the Paradise rec center is projected to cost approximately $20M for the replacement facilities. With more than twice the amenities between 466 and 44 than north of 466 the long-term exposure is substantially greater - eventually we're going to have to start replacing amenities and we have a lot of them, we need to protect and adequately fund the R&R funds.

The CPI is controlled/manipulated by Washington DC frequently to make their economic projections and political needs look better, they are far from accurate (party in power doesn't matter, they all do it). Resetting the amenity fee upon sale of a home is the only way we have to make up for lost ground caused by the CPI. The annual reset of the Prevailing Rate is outside of the Deed Restrictions CPI limitations and looks at real numbers, the real operating costs, and is adjusted to "balance the books" to reality. The developer is the one who sets the Prevailing Rate. In the grand scheme of things are a minor, if any, profit center for them, they just need to break even. They make their profits in selling homes, trying to milk a few extra dollars a month per home in amenity fees would be self-defeating in comparison to the ability to sell more homes with the lowest amenity fee possible.

No, the system isn't perfect, but it has been working well for the last 30+ years. Trying to change it would be next to impossible at this point; there are hundreds of different deed restrictions contracts (one for each unit) that would have to be altered and getting the thousands of residents to agree to the changes would prove impossible.

Some complain the system isn't fair, especially when they buy a new home and they are paying the max amount, what is quickly overlooked is that it becomes more "fair" for them as new residents move in after them and the complainers are no longer paying more, they're paying less than someone new here. How much are we really talking about, in my neighborhood (8 1/2 years old) where I'm one of 15 original residents remaining, I pay $173.12/month, my newest neighbor pays $179/month, if $6/month breaks my budget, I need to move. Yes, in some cases it may be a few dollars more, but the point of the matter doesn't change, it simply isn't that much.

The Deferral Rate was a 1-year deferral that was renewed and continued several times. It was not a lifetime "your amenity fee will never go up" promise as some would have you believe.

The Deferral Rate first went into effect on 1 August 2012.

The Deferral Rate is exactly that a deferral, and the resolutions that were past (attached below) by both VCCDD and SLCDD allows for restoration of deferred rate increase. When the Deferral Rate was terminated in 2019 these deferred rate increases were not imposed on the residents that benefited by the Deferral Rate (over 85% benefited), they could have been and legally can still be reimposed.

The idea of reinstating a Deferral Rate or cap is both foolish and dangerous, as many have pointed out, the cost will continue to rise and without an increase in the operating budget (amenity fee) the only other option is the degradation of the amenities we all enjoy. If crying about being on a "fixed income" doesn't work at Publix, McDonalds, or the gas station, it certainly won't work for paying for our amenity operating costs. No body like cost increases but they are a reality we must live with.

I've covered this topic many time here and also have made videos explaining all of this The Villages Information/Fees Videos - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhsy5KtCo4HAND0Dbf0JXOwQl_Py42dSX)

[golfing eagles]

Thank you, Don for setting the record straight (once again).

My former business partner lives in a condo in Venice overlooking the gulf. He's on the 7th floor of 2 14 floor towers. The "amenities" consist of 1 swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, and a gym the size of my living room. For that, he pays an HOA/amenity fee of $750/month. So IMHO, all those that complain about the difference between $173 and $179 or even $190 should STOP WHINING.

[Djean1981]

I saw an article comment on the villages news site. Someone claimed that they filed a non-sale quit claim on their house from one spouse to another every year to avoid the amenities fee increase. Do you think it's legit? I can't see how it would be legal. See attached screenshot.

[Rainger99]

First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible.

The reference to $400 was paying $400 more a year or $33.33 a month.

[golfing eagles]

I saw an article comment on the villages news site. Someone claimed that they filed a non-sale quit claim on their house from one spouse to another every year to avoid the amenities fee increase. Do you think it's legit? I can't see how it would be legal. See attached screenshot.

IF, and it's a big IF that is true, it only goes to prove the lengths some people will go to game the system. Plus, when they pay less, we all pay more. What's worse, they appear to be proud of it.

[JMintzer]

First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible.

Pretty sure they meant $400/YEAR (an extra $30+/month)...

[JMintzer]

Thank you, Don for setting the record straight (once again).

My former business partner lives in a condo in Venice overlooking the gulf. He's on the 7th floor of 2 14 floor towers. The "amenities" consist of 1 swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, and a gym the size of my living room. For that, he pays an HOA/amenity fee of $750/month. So IMHO, all those that complain about the difference between $173 and $179 or even $190 should STOP WHINING.

Does that also include HVAC/utilities/insurance/groundskeeping/security to the common areas, and several other things I'm sure I'm forgetting?

[Djean1981]

IF, and it's a big IF that is true, it only goes to prove the lengths some people will go to game the system. Plus, when they pay less, we all pay more. What's worse, they appear to be proud of it.
That's my concern. If this is a loophole, how many others are doing it and making it so others pay more to cover the lost revenue...

[Bill14564]

That's my concern. If this is a loophole, how many others are doing it and making it so others pay more to cover the lost revenue...

It works if the new homeowner rate is less than what you are currently paying. That rate is now $179. I wonder if the scheme worked to their advantage this time

[golfing eagles]

Does that also include HVAC/utilities/insurance/groundskeeping/security to the common areas, and several other things I'm sure I'm forgetting?

No utilities or insurance

[DARFAP]

Then why did mine go up this summer when my closing month is October?

[Oldragbagger]

Then why did mine go up this summer when my closing month is October?

It goes up on the closing month of the original owner when the house was first sold is my understanding.

[rhood]

OP here--There is one home on our block who has been here only a few years and his amenity fee is the lowest on the block, $163 which is less than the oldest home on the block and less than others who have been here much longer.
The highest on the block (less than one year) is $196.
Not complaining, but just wondering why folks that have been here the longest have fees that are more than newer residents.

[Nucky]

Isn’t it true that the amenity fee is adjusted at each three year anniversary of the month you purchased?

When mine went up the first time I called headquarters to find out why and what to expect in the future. We just passed the second three year anniversary and as of this moment no increase. I am more than happy to pay my share. It’s a great big bargain!

[LuvtheVillages]

Isn’t it true that the amenity fee is adjusted at each three year anniversary of the month you purchased?

When mine went up the first time I called headquarters to find out why and what to expect in the future. We just passed the second three year anniversary and as of this moment no increase. I am more than happy to pay my share. It’s a great big bargain!

That is only true in the original historic section. The rest of us get annual increases.

[rustyp]

First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible. In fact, with the current prevailing rate of $179 (since January 2022) even with a 10% CPI adjustment applied it's not possible to have a monthly amenity fee at $200 yet. Yes, you may see a one-time rate higher than this due to a billing catch-up or error, otherwise it's impossible.

The CPI adjustment does not keep up with real world cost increases that have and continue to occur. The budgets prove it year after year, hence the reason the Deferral Rate (there was never a "cap" on the amenity fee contrary to what many believe) was removed; Repair and Replacement reserves were going to start to be eroded to meet the operating budget requirements.

The R&R reserves need to continue to be adjusted to compensate for future inflation. The R&R fund for the SLAD (amenities between 466 and 44) is projected to have a balance of just over $28M at the end of this fiscal year. For reference the Paradise rec center is projected to cost approximately $20M for the replacement facilities. With more than twice the amenities between 466 and 44 than north of 466 the long-term exposure is substantially greater - eventually we're going to have to start replacing amenities and we have a lot of them, we need to protect and adequately fund the R&R funds.

The CPI is controlled/manipulated by Washington DC frequently to make their economic projections and political needs look better, they are far from accurate (party in power doesn't matter, they all do it). Resetting the amenity fee upon sale of a home is the only way we have to make up for lost ground caused by the CPI. The annual reset of the Prevailing Rate is outside of the Deed Restrictions CPI limitations and looks at real numbers, the real operating costs, and is adjusted to "balance the books" to reality. The developer is the one who sets the Prevailing Rate. In the grand scheme of things are a minor, if any, profit center for them, they just need to break even. They make their profits in selling homes, trying to milk a few extra dollars a month per home in amenity fees would be self-defeating in comparison to the ability to sell more homes with the lowest amenity fee possible.

No, the system isn't perfect, but it has been working well for the last 30+ years. Trying to change it would be next to impossible at this point; there are hundreds of different deed restrictions contracts (one for each unit) that would have to be altered and getting the thousands of residents to agree to the changes would prove impossible.

Some complain the system isn't fair, especially when they buy a new home and they are paying the max amount, what is quickly overlooked is that it becomes more "fair" for them as new residents move in after them and the complainers are no longer paying more, they're paying less than someone new here. How much are we really talking about, in my neighborhood (8 1/2 years old) where I'm one of 15 original residents remaining, I pay $173.12/month, my newest neighbor pays $179/month, if $6/month breaks my budget, I need to move. Yes, in some cases it may be a few dollars more, but the point of the matter doesn't change, it simply isn't that much.

The Deferral Rate was a 1-year deferral that was renewed and continued several times. It was not a lifetime "your amenity fee will never go up" promise as some would have you believe.

The Deferral Rate first went into effect on 1 August 2012.

The Deferral Rate is exactly that a deferral, and the resolutions that were past (attached below) by both VCCDD and SLCDD allows for restoration of deferred rate increase. When the Deferral Rate was terminated in 2019 these deferred rate increases were not imposed on the residents that benefited by the Deferral Rate (over 85% benefited), they could have been and legally can still be reimposed.

The idea of reinstating a Deferral Rate or cap is both foolish and dangerous, as many have pointed out, the cost will continue to rise and without an increase in the operating budget (amenity fee) the only other option is the degradation of the amenities we all enjoy. If crying about being on a "fixed income" doesn't work at Publix, McDonalds, or the gas station, it certainly won't work for paying for our amenity operating costs. No body like cost increases but they are a reality we must live with.

I've covered this topic many time here and also have made videos explaining all of this The Villages Information/Fees Videos - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhsy5KtCo4HAND0Dbf0JXOwQl_Py42dSX)

I question your statement in paragraph #2 - never a top stop. Possibly a case of semantics. Indeed it is not written in my deed however in practice my amenity bill for 2019 2020 and 2021 was $155 and no cents. Two points to note 1. no change for 3 years and 2. exactly $155 even. This is exactly the amount my TV sales agent told me would be the top stop when I purchased my pre owned home many moons ago north of 466. FYI the CPI-U for those years was 2017 - 2.1%, 2018 - 2.4%, 2019 - 1.8%, 2020 - 1.2%, 2021 - 4.7%. I believe your statement of no top stop maybe correct in practice for the PWAC not the AAC. The significance of this is the recent announcement by the AAC to review the merit of "reinstituting" a top stop. In fact did not the AAC drag their feet about removing the top stop? At first the AAC said no then buckled a significant amount of time later after the PWAC affirmative vote and finally reversed their position.

[Bill14564]

OP here--There is one home on our block who has been here only a few years and his amenity fee is the lowest on the block, $163 which is less than the oldest home on the block and less than others who have been here much longer.
The highest on the block (less than one year) is $196.
Not complaining, but just wondering why folks that have been here the longest have fees that are more than newer residents.

It appears that the New Homeowner rate does not get increased every year. I believe the current rate is $179 so any home purchased this year will be set to $179. If it is not increased then any home purchased next year will also be set at $179. At the same time, the home purchased this year will have increase by about 10% and will be at about $196. The new home will be paying less than the one or two year old home.

Not a theory, that is exactly what happened when I purchased my home.

The $196 for the home less than one year may be due to adding a partial month for when the home changed hands. My first bill was quite high but then settled back to the New Homeowner rate in place at the time.

[JMintzer]

No utilities or insurance

So who pays for insurance on the common areas? Who pays for the lights in the common areas?

If someone slips and falls in the lobby or gym, the condo has no protection? I highly doubt it...

[golfing eagles]

So who pays for insurance on the common areas? Who pays for the lights in the common areas?

If someone slips and falls in the lobby or gym, the condo has no protection? I highly doubt it...

I should clarify: No insurance or utilities for each condo. Of course the common areas are covered by the HOA fee. My point is simply we get 100x the amenities for 1/4 of the cost, so the whiners should stop complaining over 6 or 20 dollars/month

[Marathon Man]

It works if the new homeowner rate is less than what you are currently paying. That rate is now $179. I wonder if the scheme worked to their advantage this time

Yea. I think they may be in for a surprise. If the story is even true.

[Villagevip]

I bought my house the first day, five years ago....No real research ...Told the amount of the amenity fee you pay at time of purchase, is written in stone...Included in amenity fee, neighborhoods without fences receive lawn cutting service weekly, both sides of street, same day, time.....This, so that you don't hear lawn mowers each morning....Drank the kool-aid, but, not the end of the world...

[JMintzer]

I should clarify: No insurance or utilities for each condo. Of course the common areas are covered by the HOA fee. My point is simply we get 100x the amenities for 1/4 of the cost, so the whiners should stop complaining over 6 or 20 dollars/month

Agreed...

I have a friend who lives in a country club community in Palm Beach Gardens. He pays over $50K/year in HOA and Country Club fees. 2 pools, 2 golf courses, 1 clubhouse and gym, and a handful of tennis and pickleball courts. Also a monthly food minimum.

Granted, the clubhouse is gorgeous and the golf courses are pristine... But still... :22yikes:

[pauld315]

The Amenity Authority Committee is considering putting a cap back on amenity fees paid by residents north of County Road 466.

That will only happen if the developer approves since the really are in control of everything here. Very slim chance they let the PWAC and AAC ger out of synch.

[pauld315]

Thank you, Don for setting the record straight (once again).

My former business partner lives in a condo in Venice overlooking the gulf. He's on the 7th floor of 2 14 floor towers. The "amenities" consist of 1 swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, and a gym the size of my living room. For that, he pays an HOA/amenity fee of $750/month. So IMHO, all those that complain about the difference between $173 and $179 or even $190 should STOP WHINING.

I have owned multiple condos like this. Typically, the HOA fee includes electric, cable TV, water, insurance on the building, all landscaping, upkeep to the building exterior as well as amenities. I have paid more than this before as well as less in some of them.

[Dusty_Star]

Worked well for who? Considering the number of threads trying to explain and justify why it costs some homeowners up to $400 more per year to use the same amenities, it seems it isn't working all that well.

Rotary phones, cash-only, paper tax returns, asbestos insulation, and the USPS all worked well for a very long time.... until there was a better idea.

:bigbow:

[Dusty_Star]

First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible. In fact, with the current prevailing rate of $179 (since January 2022) even with a 10% CPI adjustment applied it's not possible to have a monthly amenity fee at $200 yet. Yes, you may see a one-time rate higher than this due to a billing catch-up or error, otherwise it's impossible.

The CPI adjustment does not keep up with real world cost increases that have and continue to occur. The budgets prove it year after year, hence the reason the Deferral Rate (there was never a "cap" on the amenity fee contrary to what many believe) was removed; Repair and Replacement reserves were going to start to be eroded to meet the operating budget requirements.

The R&R reserves need to continue to be adjusted to compensate for future inflation. The R&R fund for the SLAD (amenities between 466 and 44) is projected to have a balance of just over $28M at the end of this fiscal year. For reference the Paradise rec center is projected to cost approximately $20M for the replacement facilities. With more than twice the amenities between 466 and 44 than north of 466 the long-term exposure is substantially greater - eventually we're going to have to start replacing amenities and we have a lot of them, we need to protect and adequately fund the R&R funds.

The CPI is controlled/manipulated by Washington DC frequently to make their economic projections and political needs look better, they are far from accurate (party in power doesn't matter, they all do it). Resetting the amenity fee upon sale of a home is the only way we have to make up for lost ground caused by the CPI. The annual reset of the Prevailing Rate is outside of the Deed Restrictions CPI limitations and looks at real numbers, the real operating costs, and is adjusted to "balance the books" to reality. The developer is the one who sets the Prevailing Rate. In the grand scheme of things are a minor, if any, profit center for them, they just need to break even. They make their profits in selling homes, trying to milk a few extra dollars a month per home in amenity fees would be self-defeating in comparison to the ability to sell more homes with the lowest amenity fee possible.

No, the system isn't perfect, but it has been working well for the last 30+ years. Trying to change it would be next to impossible at this point; there are hundreds of different deed restrictions contracts (one for each unit) that would have to be altered and getting the thousands of residents to agree to the changes would prove impossible.

Some complain the system isn't fair, especially when they buy a new home and they are paying the max amount, what is quickly overlooked is that it becomes more "fair" for them as new residents move in after them and the complainers are no longer paying more, they're paying less than someone new here. How much are we really talking about, in my neighborhood (8 1/2 years old) where I'm one of 15 original residents remaining, I pay $173.12/month, my newest neighbor pays $179/month, if $6/month breaks my budget, I need to move. Yes, in some cases it may be a few dollars more, but the point of the matter doesn't change, it simply isn't that much.

The Deferral Rate was a 1-year deferral that was renewed and continued several times. It was not a lifetime "your amenity fee will never go up" promise as some would have you believe.

The Deferral Rate first went into effect on 1 August 2012.

The Deferral Rate is exactly that a deferral, and the resolutions that were past (attached below) by both VCCDD and SLCDD allows for restoration of deferred rate increase. When the Deferral Rate was terminated in 2019 these deferred rate increases were not imposed on the residents that benefited by the Deferral Rate (over 85% benefited), they could have been and legally can still be reimposed.

The idea of reinstating a Deferral Rate or cap is both foolish and dangerous, as many have pointed out, the cost will continue to rise and without an increase in the operating budget (amenity fee) the only other option is the degradation of the amenities we all enjoy. If crying about being on a "fixed income" doesn't work at Publix, McDonalds, or the gas station, it certainly won't work for paying for our amenity operating costs. No body like cost increases but they are a reality we must live with.

I've covered this topic many time here and also have made videos explaining all of this The Villages Information/Fees Videos - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhsy5KtCo4HAND0Dbf0JXOwQl_Py42dSX)

The difference noted in the first post was $397.20 per year, not monthly.

[Dusty_Star]

IF, and it's a big IF that is true, it only goes to prove the lengths some people will go to game the system. Plus, when they pay less, we all pay more. What's worse, they appear to be proud of it.

:BigApplause:

[golfing eagles]

The difference noted in the first post was $397.20 per year, not monthly.

True. But I think that may have already been pointed out (post #17 and #19)

[Laker14]

I closed on a pre-owned in Feb. 2021. My previous owner's amenity fee increased in Dec. 2020 from 158 to 160 (plus change).
My first amenity fee was 164, so there was some increase at the time of sale. I'm confused by this.
In December of 2021, my amenity fee increased to 175.
So, I understand the increase in December. That must be the anniversary of the original closing, by the original owner.
Can someone explain to me why it went up just as a result of the sale to me?

I am in District 5.

[Bill14564]

I closed on a pre-owned in Feb. 2021. My previous owner's amenity fee increased in Dec. 2020 from 158 to 160 (plus change).
My first amenity fee was 164, so there was some increase at the time of sale. I'm confused by this.
In December of 2021, my amenity fee increased to 175.
So, I understand the increase in December. That must be the anniversary of the original closing, by the original owner.
Can someone explain to me why it went up just as a result of the sale to me?

I am in District 5.

When a home is sold the amenity rate is set to the "prevalent Contractual Amenities fee" that is in effect. It would seem that the rate was $164 in Feb 2021. It has since been changed to $179.

In December your rate adjusted by about 7% which is similar to the increase I saw in March 2022.

[La lamy]

We have access to ALL THE SAME AMENITIES, we should ALL PAY THE SAME AMOUNT. Any other story is absurd in my book.

[TrapX]

When a home is sold the amenity rate is set to the "prevalent Contractual Amenities fee" that is in effect. It would seem that the rate was $164 in Feb 2021. It has since been changed to $179.

In December your rate adjusted by about 7% which is similar to the increase I saw in March 2022.

I have payed $194 since it went up in May. For the exact same identical amenities others pay less for. How is that "working for years" ?

[golfing eagles]

I have payed $194 since it went up in May. For the exact same identical amenities others pay less for. How is that "working for years" ?

And now 46 posts, this just goes on and on. It's a few dollars/month and it will equalize over time. Who cares?
And to sit around and compare amenity fees with your neighbors???? Geez.
Did you compare income tax? Property tax? Sales tax on total of purchases? Capital gains tax on investments? Medicare cost by income bracket???? I doubt it.

[rustyp]

[QUOTE=Goldwingnut;2135355]First off, NOBODY IS PAYING $400/MONTH for the Amenity Fee, it is mathematically impossible. In fact, with the current prevailing rate of $179 (since January 2022) even with a 10% CPI adjustment applied it's not possible to have a monthly amenity fee at $200 yet. Yes, you may see a one-time rate higher than this due to a billing catch-up or error, otherwise it's impossible.

The CPI adjustment does not keep up with real world cost increases that have and continue to occur. The budgets prove it year after year, hence the reason the Deferral Rate (there was never a "cap" on the amenity fee contrary to what many believe) was removed; Repair and Replacement reserves were going to start to be eroded to meet the operating budget requirements.

The Amenity Authority Committee will discuss a deferral rate cap at its meeting set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Savannah Center.

In 2010, the AAC established an amenity fee deferral rate cap of $155 per month. In 2019, the AAC, working arm-in-arm with the Project Wide Advisory Committee, removed the deferral rate cap. The AAC oversees amenities north of County Road 466 and PWAC does the same south of County Road 466.

https://www.**************.com/2022/10/08/official-urges-villagers-to-speak-out-on-proposed-cap-on-amenity-fees/ (the other news)