Hunter's Overlook in Severance needs reform.

I hope to bring to your attention some concerns within the Hunter's Overlook and Severance Shores communities in Severance that homeowners like myself have been grappling with. Here's a breakdown of the key issues:

1. Communication Challenges:

   • Public meetings often catch us off guard with little to no advance notice.
     • For example, during the latest October meeting, notice was only provided because a resident from another district posted about it on their social media approximately four days prior without any notice or acknowledgement from official sources. This incident underscores concerns that the management of the district may intentionally delay notices, hindering community engagement.
   • Important information is primarily shared through opt-in newsletters, leaving some residents feeling out of the loop.
2. Excessive Water Rates:
   • The water rates in Severance Shores and Hunter's Overlook are disproportionately high, by mroe than double the costs of other HOAs or Metro Districts in our city and neighboring towns.
   • There is a perceived lack of transparency in the cost breakdown, and residents are concerned about the source of the water being linked to the president's private fishing lake.
3. Authoritarian Decision-Making:
   • Homeowners expressing a desire to participate in governing their houses have faced dismissive attitudes from the board, creating an atmosphere of exclusion.

4. Unfair Appointment Practices:

   • A nonresident member was appointed to a district with veto authority over others, while a homeowner's desire to participate was denied, raising concerns about fairness and equal representation.

5. Billing and Online System Issues:

   • Residents have experienced surprise fees on bills, and the online billing system lacks transparency, making it difficult for homeowners to navigate.

I hope the Task Force can take a closer look at these matters to ensure a fair and inclusive community governance. Your engagement with residents will provide valuable insights for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in our community.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns, and we look forward to the positive changes that can come from your efforts.