I urge everyone to take a thorough look at the summary that was presented at the Feb. 27th, 2025 LMOA Board Meeting. The summary may be found by logging in to lmoa.org > "Governance" dropdown > click [Board Meeting Details] option > "Board of Director Meetings" page loads > scroll to "February 27, 2025" > click [PACKET] link > packet pdf opens / downloads > scroll to pdf page 22. The summary gives all of the publicly available background concerning the matter and directly answers 15 specific questions asked of the Board by the community.
Update 01 March, 2025: the summary I mention above was attached to the LMOA Member Services communication as "PPP Loan Forgiveness Q&A.pdf" with subject line "Around Lake Monticello | Weekly News 02/28/2025"
It is my understanding that since the PPP disbursement, LMOA members have since enjoyed an absence of requests by the Board for dues increases, or at least requests in an amount less than what they might have been, because of the PPP funds made available to the budget. Like the summary above mentions, all LMOA Financials are posted on the LMOA website under the Finance tab.
I believe that applying for the loan and then later operating with the understanding that the obligation was forgiven / fulfilled was the absolute right thing for the Board to have done at the time. I vividly recall the uncertainty of the beginning of 2020 with the emergence of the pandemic while my wife and I waited to welcome our first child, expected and then delivered, in July of that year.
From my perspective, there is nothing more for the Board or the community to do. As difficult as it is, we must wait for responses from the DOJ and will then have to respond and act accordingly.
The board acted appropriately, given the information available and the timing under which they needed to decide, to not enter in a fireworks contract for 2025 due to safety concerns.
When the Department of Public Safety, the General Manager and senior staff, legal counsel, the insurance carrier, and input from the Membership all recommend that the fireworks show not proceed without the proposed safety measures, they should be heeded. My family and extended family's Independence day / weekend celebrations have been growing every year we've been at the Lake. Our plans revolve around all the community-planned events, especially the fireworks show. But, if the experts we trust to maintain our collective safety won't let events happen until they can be assured to be safe for all, then it is our responsibility to respect that decision. As disappointing as it is, I will gladly forego my usual celebrations to protect my community.
I really look forward to the progress and eventual recommendations of our Fireworks Workgroup!
I support responsible dues increases when demonstrably necessary for Lake Monticello's continued stability and quality of life. When increases are required to maintain essential services, address infrastructure needs, or meet unforeseen obligations like potential PPP loan repayment, I believe in implementing them thoughtfully. Our community's long-term sustainability sometimes requires making difficult financial decisions, and I'm committed to supporting increases that are truly required for our collective benefit.