Oakwood East Newsletter

July, August & September 2006

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Annual Picnic:  The OEHA Annual Picnic will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2006.  It will be held at the pavilion east of the ponds from 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.  All Oakwood East residents are invited.  Again, our picnic will include National Night Out.  National Night Out is a national event started in 1984 to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti crime efforts.  Neighborhood watch groups and neighborhoods plan parties and events-----it’s a going away party for crime.  It is celebrated in communities in all 50 States, US Territories, Canada, and Military Bases worldwide to show appreciation to our law enforcement.  Bring a dish if you want, but there will be fried chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, desserts and drinks provided.

Assessments (Dues):  As of May 31, 2006, we still have not received $14,701.04 in assessed dues.  The price of goods and services, utilities, labor, and insurance costs has increased tremendously over the years. For example one of our six electric bills compares as follows: 

     April 2005  -  2306 kilowatts used was $207.52

     April 2006  -  2280 kilowatts used was $256.35

     Electricity 1995 - $  3,064.00   in 2005   $  6,970.26

     Insurance 1998 -  $  1,538.00   in 2005   $  5,060.89

So, as you can see we’re paying more for less.  Maintaining the common areas (4 entrances, playground and pond areas) is difficult with this kind of delinquency.  The few volunteers that have offset major labor costs in the past can not perform as many functions.  Also, “licensed and insured” professionals are required for most of our needs. As most of you know there is a percentage of homeowners that refuse to pay their dues and that makes it difficult for all of us. The combined efforts of our CPAs Gray & McClendon and Attorney Rick Rice continue to collect these delinquent accounts.  Some have gone into bankruptcies, foreclosures; Sheriff’s sales, etc., and we’ll never collect.