Association members consistently have similar questions about reserve studies.  This article addresses many common questions and misconceptions held by members.

This article was written to ensure that after each reserve study is delivered, the Board members make good use of it.

"After Your Reserve Study is Done -- How to Defend a Fee Increase" - SCHA Newsletter March/April 2005

When reserve studies recommend that a reserve funding increase is necessary, many board members are not able to effectively convince their membership or other board members that a fee increase is the right thing to do.  

This article summarizes typical objections to fee increases raised by members and how to overcome those objections with logic and reason.

"The Myths and Realities of the Percent-Funded Estimate" - Channels of Communications Magazine Nov/Dec 2002

Many association board members tend to focus primarily on their percent-funded estimate rather than on their funding requirements in the near term.  This article takes a new look at the percent-funded estimate and why it can sometimes be misleading if it is used to influence reserve budgeting decisions.

Assessment and Reserve Summary Disclosure Form

This new disclosure form is required for associations submitting their proforma operating budget after July 1, 2005 and will be required every year thereafter.  The text of the disclosure form is from Civil Code §1365.2.5, a new section created with the passage of Assembly Bill 2718 in the Fall of 2004.

The form is designed to be filled out and signed by Board members.  Some board members are hesitant to fill it out based on the forward-looking nature of some of the financial questions.  

Question #3, for which we coined the term "The 30-Year Promise" is a case in point.

To address these concerns, attorney James H. Smith of Grokenberger & Smith in Santa Barbara, CA drafted a supplement to the disclosure form and that is included here.