Assoc. procedures for dues/assessments

[Fernhill John]

Hello, I was trying to obtain some information regarding the Suisevale or other Associations in the Lakes Region. I am a member of another Association on a lake in Alton and we are developing guidelines for payment procedures of dues and assessments.
Would anyone know the process, or be in a position to direct me to the e-mail address or phone # of a person(s) responsible for collection activity. I understand that Suisevale has been organized for some time and I would welcome their feedback to assist us with our development.

Thank you,

Fernhill John

[mcdude]

Fernhill John:
Welcome to the forum. :D I don't know much about Suissevale but am familiar with some other associations closer to you in the Alton/Barnstead area. It's usually all very legal with a board of officers, etc and yearly meetings with voting etc...some associations keep their dealings private...others have them on line. Written into your deed is usually some easement to a boat ramp, clubhouse or community beach. You may voluntarily choose to belong to your association, pay dues and maintain the common properties.
Here are some links to other associations that may help you with contacting people with more specific information about your questions:

LAKE WENTWORTH ASSOCIATION (http://www.lwa.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&wrap=whoweare&Itemid=46)

RUST POND ASSOCIATION (http://rustpond.org/)

MERRYMEETING LAKE ASSOCIATION (http://mmlake.org/)

OTHER LAKE ASSOCIATION SITES (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3nm2c/visitmorelakes/)

This is an interesting topic. I hope some others chime in! McD

[secondcurve]

Fernhill John:

This is a very interesting and somewhat controversial topic. Often, one or 2-things happen in these associations. First, you can get an overly zealous treasurer (read: collector) who is willing to throw "Aunt Mtilda" into the streets for non-payment of a few hundred bucks. Alternatively, and more usually, is the opposite problem where the treasurer is asleep at the switch and doesn't follow up aggressively enough with the members and as a result the past dues pile up. I would say the proper approach is somewhere in the middle and perfecting it is clearly more of an art than a science. In any event, please beware that this job is thankless and I guaranty you will want out within 12-18 months. I have never seen businessmen, doctors, etc. behave more like children than anywhere other then the "Association Board".

I found McDude's bolding of the word "voluntarily" interesting. In our Association, membership is mandatory since maintenance of the roads, snow plowing, etc. is not optional. All members enjoy these services. His situation may be different. I suggest that your Association make membership a requirement when you refine your bylaws, or you will have too many people opt out. Further, I think it is important that your bylaws have teeth. By that I mean the ability to lien a property after all collection efforts fail. Otherwise, some folks will never pay their fair share. I could write for hours on this topic!!!

[dpg]

Bob Boyan works in the Suissevale office and collects dues as their business Mgr. Suissevale.com