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GATEFIELD
Budget Alternatives
Community Vote

Budget Alternatives

Three options for the 2027 annual budget, presented for homeowner consideration and vote.

The Choices

Three scenarios.

Each option maintains current service levels while building reserves at different rates. All three use the same expense baseline of $22,900.

Baseline
$1,200
$100.00 per month
$3,500
Annual surplus
No change from 2026
Alternative #2
$1,600
$133.33 per month
$12,300
Annual surplus
+$33.33 per month
Maximum Reserve Growth
Detailed Breakdown

Side by side comparison.

Complete financial picture for each budget alternative.

Category Baseline
$1,200/home
Alternative #1
$1,400/home
Alternative #2
$1,600/home
Number of Homes 22 22 22
HOA Dues Revenue $26,400 $30,800 $35,200
Landscaping & Maintenance $13,400 $13,400 $13,400
Special & Non-Recurring Projects $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Holiday Lighting $2,300 $2,300 $2,300
Liability Insurance $2,700 $2,700 $2,700
Printing & Supplies $250 $250 $250
Postage & PO Box Rental $250 $250 $250
Social Events $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Total Expenses $22,900 $22,900 $22,900
Annual Surplus $3,500 $7,900 $12,300
Decision Framework

Factors to consider.

Questions to guide your vote on the appropriate budget level for 2027.

Reserve Position: Our projected 2026 ending balance of $6,475 provides approximately 3.4 months of operating expenses. Industry guidelines suggest 3-6 months as healthy. All three options maintain this standard, with Alternatives #1 and #2 building additional cushion for future capital needs.

Known Future Expenses: The three-year tree removal plan will conclude in 2026. No major capital projects are currently planned for 2027, but entrance improvements and ongoing landscaping needs will continue.

Historical Context: Dues have remained at $1,200 since 2022. During 2019-2021, dues ranged from $600-$1,200 as the association recovered from higher-expense years. The baseline option continues this stable rate.

Monthly Impact: Alternative #1 adds $16.67 per month ($200 annually) per household. Alternative #2 adds $33.33 per month ($400 annually). Consider this alongside other household budget priorities.

Flexibility: Higher surpluses in Alternatives #1 and #2 create options: accelerate reserve growth, fund additional community improvements, or provide buffer against future assessment needs.