By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) board of directors is launching a Funding Model Survey to gather member input on the value of LPA services and amenities, as well as opinions on the association’s current dues structure.
John Rutledge, LPA general manager, says the survey is intended to begin an informed, transparent discussion with the LPA membership about how LPA is funded, and how members perceive the value they receive in return.
“Over the last several years, I’ve received consistent feedback from LPA members who believe our dues structure is outdated and needs to be updated. When consistent feedback emerges from the membership, it is our job to listen, ask questions, and begin conversations with members of our community. This survey is our first step in beginning these conversations,” Rutledge says.
LPA bylaws require any proposal to restructure dues be voted on by the LPA membership.
“If this survey suggests changes are needed, the board would develop and present a proposal to the LPA membership as part of a future ballot,” Rutledge says. “To be clear, neither the board nor LPA management have the authority to restructure dues or increase them beyond 5% annually.”
Rutledge says many of the conversations he has had regarding the LPA dues structure have evolved into conversations about the increasing costs of maintaining and upgrading LPA’s critical infrastructure.
“Inevitably, I’m asked if LPA is going to propose a substantial dues increase. The honest answer is maybe,” he says.
“Unfortunately, inflation is a very real challenge for LPA. Certain segments of our budget have substantially outpaced average inflation numbers, and this makes it difficult to keep pace with our goals for things like road surfacing and water distribution system upgrades,” Rutledge says. “But, before we outline these project details to the membership, we believe it is essential to first understand how members feel about the dues structure currently in place. Plus, we want to know how the membership views the work we’re currently doing, and the value we’re currently providing for the dues they currently pay.”
Rutledge says the survey intentionally does not include lengthy detail about LPA’s annual budget and critical infrastructure goals.
“I can promise those conversations will be given full attention prior to any proposal to restructure LPA’s funding model,” he says. “But first, let’s begin this conversation by understanding where we stand today with some of these important, foundational questions.”
The Funding Model Survey opened March 10 and will close March 22. It’s available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GKJPTLV. Members who are unable to complete the survey electronically may request a hard copy by contacting the LPA office at 641-755-2301 or emailing info@lakepanorama.org.