Despite the fact that it’s almost 60 degrees out today, the
fiscal year is already more than half over at Wild Acres. While some folks really enjoy the winter
weather scene in the Poconos, I can tell you that from where I sit, I couldn’t
be more thrilled with the weather!
There’s nothing that soothes my tired eyes more when looking
at our budgets than lower heating costs and snow removal costs. While I’m sure Old Man Winter is still
lurking around the corner, right now he’s still around the corner and can stay
there as long as he wants, as far as I’m concerned.
While we plunge headlong into the holiday season, I wanted
to take this time to inform you, the reader, of how Wild Acres is doing so far
this year. The numbers are quite
encouraging!
·
Our total income
isup $ 17,402 compared to last
year. ·
Our total expenses
areup $ 20,220 compared to last
year; this number is quite impressive considering we have done $ 63,000 more
paving than last year. ·
Our total wages
are down $ 26,947 compared to last year. ·
Due to a rainy summer and the Labor Day series
of storms / power outages, our concession
income was down $ 12,667 compared to last year. To offset that, our concession purchases were down $
10,107.
·
Those rainy days weren’t a total waste, though. We were also able to earn $ 4,390 more than last year from
recreation functions that were held during times the pools were not open. ·
At this time last year, we collected 91 % of our
budgeted dues. This year, we have
already collected 95 % of our budgeted
dues! Again, another impressive
number due to the condition of the economy.
·
We are forecasting all departments to make
budget, and for Wild Acres to make budget once again!
So far, I am quite happy with where we are financially. We’ve been able to give the residents more
this year, and have still maintained budget.
Roads have been professionally patched, many drainage issues have been
taken care of, more activities are taking place in the clubhouse, and even with
less staffing and the same work load, Wild Acres keep ticking along- a true
testament to the value of our employees and their hard work and dedication to
the Association.
Before I sign off, I’d also like to
point out and explain the funny little letters you will see after my name at
the end of this article. CMCA stands for Certified Manager
of Community Associations, which is a
designation earned from the Community Associations Institute (CAI) after
passing a vigorous course and exam. I
received my CMCA designation from CAI on November 28, 2011. I will also be receiving the AMS designation from CAI in the near
future. AMS stands for Association
Management Specialist, and it required the
successful completion the CMCA course / exam and two other exams measuring my
knowledge of financial management, community management, and facilities
management. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are currently 135 individuals with CMCA designation and 84 with AMS designation.
