An increase in dues is coming in 2025. The rising cost of goods and services, along with new reserve requirements and federal regulations would have resulted in a nearly $15,000 deficit in the current annual budget if left unchanged. Starting in 2025, we are following a best-practice recommendation of moving 6% of our budget to reserves. This is based on changing laws in Oklahoma and the belief that this will be a legal requirement in years to come. Many laws affecting HOAs are beginning to change in Oklahoma and Robson Property Management is keeping us informed of these changes. We have also seen an increase in cost of services such as landscaping and repairs along with increased costs of retail goods such as pool furniture and other supplies. Like all of us, inflation has affected the HOA as well. 

The board reviewed all options and carefully weighed the best approach to meeting our obligations. It should be noted that over the last few months, every expense was reviewed and in some cases re-bid to make sure we are being as efficient with our funds as possible. In the end, an increase is required to not only meet our contractual obligations, but also to take care of several maintenence issues, purchase new pool furniture and meet the required reserve amount.

The board met on August 12th and again on October 10th to review these matters and vote. On August 10th, the board voted unanimously to take two actions regarding dues- raise the annual assessment to $550 per home and move the due date to March 1 annually. These decisions will go into effect in 2025. The board also voted October 10th to accept the proposed budget for 2025. It should be noted that Silverhood HOA operates on a calendar year, so even though dues historically were not collected until late Spring, the income from those dues are to meet obligations for the calendar year starting from January 1.

For a full copy of meeting minutes of each meeting and to see the budget, members may visit the Robson portal. For questions about the new dues and date, please reach out to Katie Reid at Robson Property Management whose contact information appears at the bottom of this newsletter.

The current board has been very busy since electing officers in June. Some of the highlights include:

The board discussed several areas of improvement at the pool which had been previously identified or newly identified. These included having the roof checked for damage after recent storms, getting estimates on some general handyman work, new pool chairs for the 2025 season and general cosmetic improvements to the pool and pool area including the bathrooms.

The board reviewed previously identified areas of concern including repair and refurbishment of the wood fence along 111th on the east end of the neighborhood, removing and leveling the buildup of soil and grass along the brick fence, and touch up/cleaning  of entrance signs and the guard house. These items were identified by previous boards/meetings but were delayed due to lack of funds and collection of dues in a timely manner. Some of the work has already been completed such as cleaning the entrance signs, repairing the east-end fence and other misc. items, while other work is currently underway.

The City of Bixby has awarded the expansion project of 111th to Diversified Civil and they expect the project to begin in the next few weeks. This will widen 111th from Memorial to S. 83rd St E. Ave. If the north side of the road is impacted, with the city's oversight, we will work with them to replace any fencing that is removed (at the contractor's cost) and make sure our neighborhood (which includes the retention area) is not negatively impacted.

Some improper dumping of tree limbs and debri by homes adjacent to our retention area (West side) have been addressed by the City of Bixby to help ensure our property is maintained properly.

Due to warm weather the pool was kept open a record three additional weeks this year! We hope you were able to take advantage!

Trick or Treat (Safely)!

Silverwood has an abundance of families with young children and we expect to see many of them out trick or treating this year. Here are some tips for a safe, fun time.

• Younger children may start before dark, so drive slowly as you get home from work and watch for pedestrians as you enter the neighborhood.
• Carry a flashlight if you are walking kids around after dark so they can be easily seen.
• Respect private property and decorations others have put up.
• If you are handing out candy, be sure your porches and doorways are well-lit and inviting.
• Only use factory-wrapped candy
• Take time to get to know your visitors. It's a great time to meet a fellow resident and their family.

The current Board Of Directors are:

President - Stephanie O'Connell

Vice President - Gary Yaeger

Treasurer- Van Peters

Secretary - Bob Thornton

Member at Large: Laura Crismon

Member at Large: Robert Rodriguez

Member at Large: Tim Sanderson