As we enter October and begin preparing for the upcoming year, the Board of Directors of Garden Patio Villas wants to provide an important update regarding our budget and community expenses. Looking ahead to 2027, residents should anticipate an increase in our monthly HOA fees. The primary driver behind this adjustment is a significant and avoidable surge in our community’s water usage.
When setting the budget for the current year, the Association allocated $81,000 to cover our community’s water expenses for the year. However, as of September, we are already $4,650 over our anticipated year-to-date amount.
If current consumption trends continue, we estimate that our total water bill for the year will reach between $86,000 and $90,000 by December 31st.
In Garden Patio Villas, water inside our villas is provided by the City of Margate and paid directly through the Association. That cost is ultimately divided among and collected from all 83 villas. It is essential for everyone to remember that this water is not free, and higher usage directly impacts every single homeowner’s pocketbook.
While basic water needs are expected, the Board has observed several unnecessary habits and maintenance issues across the property that are driving costs out of control:
Money does not grow on trees, and as a community, our bills must be paid. Because our operational expenses are exceeding expectations, an increase in our 2027 HOA fees will be necessary to balance the budget next year.
Furthermore, our financial resources have been stretched by other unexpected expenses this year, including recent repairs to the pool and sprinkler system (which is now working again). The Board is working diligently to manage these repairs in the hope of avoiding a special assessment before the end of the year.
Now that October is underway, the Board and our Treasurer are carefully evaluating all final numbers and projections. A formal notice regarding the exact 2027 proposed budget will be issued later this year once the necessary calculations are completed.
In the meantime, every Member can help limit further fee increases by taking immediate action:
By working together to conserve water today, we can help protect our shared community budget tomorrow.
Please note: All financial projections and figures mentioned above are estimates. Final figures will be provided later this year and in 2027 as our year-end budget is finalized.
