Is the latest buzz circulating around our village fact or fiction? Here's where we'll verify, clarify or deny any rumors you may have heard. If you know of one circulating and would like the straight scoop on whether it's true or not contact us here and we'll do our best to nail it down on this page.
Board members are paid for their service
The Book of Indentures allows for an earned stipend (or credit) equal to 1/12th of the annual assessment for each board member in attending the board's monthly business meetings. If a board member has an unexcused absence from a scheduled monthly meeting and doesn't make it up, they are debited the amount of the stipend and must pay it. Attending extra meetings or putting in anything beyond the required monthly meetings is at each board member's personal option, time and expense.
The monthly board meetings are for the residents
The only scheduled resident's meeting is the annual meeting which takes place the first Saturday in June of each year, as set by the Book of Indentures. This is not to be confused with the required monthly meetings set for the board to conduct its agenda of official business, which is not held for resident's input or participation. If a resident has something to be addressed, there is a formal procedure for getting their topic placed on the agenda of official business. That's the only way issues are heard at the regular monthly business meetings.
Residents have no say or input into the decisions being made
Actually, the management company is the entity the board has entrusted with making most daily decisions. The board meets monthly to consider issues and decisions not within the scope of the management company’s duty. On issues where the board hasn't the power to decide, a vote is put before the homeowners. Generally speaking, this only happens in matters of special assessments.
The board is making decisions without me
Yes; because that's the way it's supposed to be and the very reason you have a board of directors in the first place. It would be impossible, if not totally impractical for every decision to be put before all homeowners to vote. Not only would everything slow to a screeching halt, it's not the way representative government works. Like other forms of representative government, the board does not act on its own behalf. As a legal homeowner, you have the right to make your opinions known to the management company. They, in turn, present your concerns to the board members.
The board is making bad decisions, period
Of 582 homes, it can be expected that not everyone will always be satisfied with every decision the board makes. If a homeowner vote isn't required, the board will take into consideration whatever actions and steps necessary to make a decision in the best interest of the subdivision as a whole. The board looks at the greater good and larger, long term interests of our community for its continued viability. Personal preferences do not come into play as no single board member makes the final decision or is allowed to rule the board. While there is a formal President, Vice President and other officers, all are just board members and any one of them can be outvoted by other board members without regard to office or position held.
Our assessment money is being misused
First, be sure of your suspicions. Casting frivolous allegations without concrete proof of wrongdoing can have serious implications and possible legal consequences. If still in doubt, review the books posted on the website (as is your right) but be prepared to have professional representation ready in the form of an accountant (preferably a CPA) to explain proper accounting practices, if necessary. The subdivision books are kept using a computerized bookkeeping program which is submitted to a professional accounting firm for periodic and yearend review. It's neither the management company’s nor board's responsibility to explain accounting procedures to any resident.
Financial records are not being kept or filed properly
Every single transaction, whether making a payment or receiving a payment, is entered into a professional accounting program, reviewed monthly by the entire board of directors and again, independently by the outside accountant. Each Board of Director receives monthly balance sheets. In addition, quarterly reports are filed with both state and federal government agencies and are periodically audited by those agencies as well as by worker's compensation.
Financial entrees don't match up
There's a huge difference between a proposed annual budget and the actual year end financial. The budget is a projection of costs anticipated for the upcoming year's events. Things like snow plowing, grass cutting along with emergency repairs and more can dramatically alter even the most experienced expectations. As a result, certain expenses may or may not reflect the actual expenditures encountered as the year progresses. The actual expenditures are shown in the yearend financial records prepared by the outside accountant. Misunderstanding occurs over uncertainty of which records are being referred to and/or lack of necessary financial skills for proper interpretation. If in doubt, hire a professional accountant for guided assistance.
The monthly board meetings are being closed to shut residents out
First off, the business meetings of a private subdivision are not required held open under the Sunshine Laws. This does not mean the board is doing anything illegal or somehow conspiring against the homeowners. Don't forget, the board members are residents, too. Whatever they enact they'll have to live with, same as all other residents. There can be any number of sound, legitimate reasons why the monthly meetings are closed and it is well within the right of the board to decide which ones are closed and for how long. It is not unprecedented, as business meetings have been closed in the past without issue.
The board is hiding something with their closed meetings
Confidentiality for one thing. The board decides appropriate actions to be taken against named residents who violate the Book of Indentures or refuse to pay their annual assessment. They discuss matters of pending foreclosures, bankruptcies, vacancies and many other matters not for public airing. They also review competitive bids and award contracts, as well as discuss personnel issues and other internal procedures. Again, the monthly business meetings are conducted by and for the board, who can choose to close the meetings at any time for any reason. Doing so does not suggest or imply impropriety or conspiracy.
Since the pool is now closed, the annual assessment will be reduced
Possibly, maybe but not right away or anytime soon. The reason? While closing the pool did result in significant savings, the truth of the matter is for the last three years the pool has operated using funds from other areas of the budget (road repairs, as an example.) One of the main reasons behind closing the pool was to stop the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario. Much needed community improvements had been delayed just to keep the pool operational and financially speaking, something had to give. There are still road improvements and other areas that need attention and will benefit from the current assessment.
The board is made up of the "good ol' boys" buddy system
The board is made up of elected members, one from each plat, of which there are eight plats. To have equal representation, all seats should be filled but most of the time they are not. Nominees come from the homeowners themselves with votes cast for one half the available seats at the annual June resident's meeting. Even numbered plats vote one year, odd numbered the next to insure there's never a completely new, untested or inexperienced board being seated. If a seat is unfilled or becomes vacant mid-term, anyone wishing to fill a vacant plat seat can do so by applying for appointment to the board. This mainly consists of sending a letter of intent and meeting other basic requirements determined by the board. Just doing so does not guarantee one a board seat, as it's ultimately at the board's discretion and vote whether any applicant will be accepted for a mid-term appointment, a situation distinctly different from the formal election process.
The board arbitrarily changes the mid-term appointment procedures
While it sometimes may seem that way (especially if your application was rejected) the board updates the appointment procedures in continuing attempt to keep all eight board seats filled. It recognizes a full board offers broader member experience, discussion, input and voting with increased benefit to the whole subdivision as a result.
Our home values are low because the board won't do anything to clean up this place
The board is certainly trying and making some inroads to boot but they can't do it alone. For every assessment delinquency or violator, it takes money from the collected assessments to bring these residents into forced compliance. Money for legal fees and resources that could have been, should have been used elsewhere. Sitting on the board gives one an eye opening reality check into the number of residents who either just don't care or think it some kind of cat and mouse game when it comes to their responsibilities. That kind of mentality (or lack of it) costs the rest of us a sizable portion of our paid-in assessments. So, not only do these people get a free ride off the rest of us but they actually cost even more money to continually chase after them. And chase after them we do and will continue doing, stepping up efforts at forced compliance in 2013. This is a responsibility owed all residents who do pay their assessment on time and live within the rules of our community. For your part, insist your neighbors pay their fair share, clean up their property once and for all and make it known how their behavior is costing you money!
The board plays favorites with some residents
While it may sometimes appear that way, the more likely reason is some people make a game of avoiding their assessment or causing more violations and drawing out the entire process. Many full well know the rules but choose to ignore them and some even defy them. The only method in which to approach these residents is through a prescribed legal process, both time consuming and costly. Some ignore every request until their actual court date and then may only comply for a short time, if at all. To them it's just a game but their irresponsible behavior proves very costly to the rest of us in time, money and resources lost.
The board doesn't care what the residents have to say
The board welcomes all resident's constructive input but there's a correct way to be acknowledged. Calling on the phone and swearing will get you nowhere (except maybe the police being called.) Imagine someone calling the mayor or councilperson and behaving like that. In this day and age, they could be considered a stalker or even a terrorist. It's just not the correct way to be heard. All residents are encouraged to contact the management company with questions, comments or complaints. If asked in a polite way, they'll do their best to get answers to your questions. If it's an issue you'd like brought before the entire board, put it in writing and send it to the management company requesting it be put on the upcoming formal business agenda. Send it no later than ten (10) days before the next scheduled monthly business meeting to give members a chance to research your issue. Should it arrive after the ten days, it will be moved to the following monthly business meeting. If it's a closed session, the board will still address your issue and you'll be contacted with their response.
I can refuse to pay my assessment if I want
While you theoretically could, doing so is equivalent to cutting off your nose to spite your face and actually makes you part of the problem rather than any workable solution. As a practical matter, paying the annual assessment is not an option as it's used to cover a wide range of services, amenities and expenditures necessary to run a subdivision the size of VOJ. What you can physically notice is just a small part of what the assessment covers on a day to day basis. With 582 homes and well over 1,400 people on average, we literally have the population of a small town along with most of the issues in running one, including things like aging infrastructure, maintenance and other issues. Like any governing body, decisions will be made that not everyone will agree on. It is expected. That doesn't mean you can just stop paying your assessment any more than you can stop paying your taxes. From a legal standpoint, it can put you in a very precarious financial position as far as your home goes and can negatively impact your credit rating as well. Property liens, which must be satisfied before a sale or refinance can occur, as well as an eventual forced sale can result. The board can and will actively pursue all delinquent assessments to the fullest extent of the law. It's their duty and obligation to the other homeowners who do pay their assessment on time. Accrued interest, collection and legal fees will be added to all delinquent accounts, without apology or exception.
The whole board is incompetent and should be replaced
Each board member brings certain strengths and weaknesses to the table. Most have little to no experience but are only genuinely interested in what's good for the community. There are no non-resident board members, as all who sit on the board live in the Village and have a vested interest in the community, its image and related property values. They may have families or raised families here, may just be starting out or hoping for a decent retirement but it would be safe to say, none are professionally trained as board members. The amateur mix of backgrounds and personalities create a healthy give and take on issues as important to each member, as to the community at large. A new board member soon learns not everyone on the board always agrees with each other and no one member is allowed to "rule the board," which are both good things. While there can be board members with ulterior motives and no doubt has been, the pressure of the other members generally keep combined intentions honorable, above board and in check. The same will hopefully hold true for any group of people sitting as replacement board members. The only difference will be in the mix but it's enough of a difference to ensure a fairly level playing field. Of course, the more people on a board make for a better mix of ideas, opinions and votes but if a board can generally get along in spite of their differences and still vote their conscious, you have as good a board as can ever be expected. To replace it without just cause or provable corruption is simply rolling the dice and hoping for a better combination.
We pay one of the highest assessments around
The assessment is only $292 per year. Just $24 a month or 80 cents a day to have our streets plowed, common grounds looked after, playgrounds improved, street light operation, road signage, pothole repairs and more. As a private subdivision, we're responsible for our own operation and maintenance and receive no government funding. We do that all from the collection of the annual assessment. Despite delinquencies, abandonments and foreclosures, absentee landlords and the economy in general, our assessment hasn't been raised in over 6 years and yet, we continue to operate without a special assessment to make up for lost income. That comes from not just dumb luck but experienced planning and realistic budgeting. If we were in the city limits of Arnold, Festus or Pevely, it's a safe bet we'd be paying more than 80 cents a day for city services not nearly as good as we enjoy in the Village. But don't just take anyone's word for it, do a little research. Find out what others outside the VOJ are paying for their subdivision assessment and ask what they get in return. It may come as a surprise how much we get for how little we actually pay. Compare apples to apples and you'll find living in the Village provides one of the lowest costs of living, if not the lowest cost, of any managed community just about anywhere.
The Windsor School District owns Monticello Drive and pays for its maintenance
Monticello Drive (aka the main drive) through the Village, like all other roads in the Village are privately owned and supported only by the annual assessment. No local, city, state or federal funding is received for the upkeep of our roads in the VOJ.
The board wasted $30k of road salt by spreading it over the parking lot located at the main ballfield
Cinders were temporarily stockpiled at the parking lot in anticipation of a pending, severe snowstorm which never materialized. The agreement made with the snow plowing company was to only pay for whatever cinders were actually used during the season. Any leftover cinders would be spread over the parking lot at their expense, incurring no charge to the VOJ for either the unused cinders or the spreading of same. No road salt was involved.
Charter Cable Company pays franchise fees to the Village
Thanks to the diligent efforts of our former administrator, Ms. Angelean Mobley succeeded in negotiating a new, increased franchise fee agreement from Charter along with a check for past unpaid fees. Charter claimed to have been paying the Association all along despite Ms. Mobley's insistence they had not paid anything. Several residents cited their Charter bills showing a franchise fee was being paid to the Village, further supporting Charter's claim. Ms. Mobley's perseverance finally prompted a deeper investigation by Charter who discovered no fees had been paid the Village for the last five years. They immediately offered a renewed franchise contract, upping payments from 3% to 5%, along with a check for past fees in the amount of $29,100. This money went into the Village general fund to help with maintenance and operating costs of our community.
DISCLAIMER: The intent of the information published here is an effort to keep VOJ residents apprised of the validity of circulating rumors. Since the nature of rumors vary widely, each is subject to review and correction as needed, for improved clarification and/or accuracy. All statements are believed true at the time of publication. If you find a statement you believe untrue or otherwise misleading, please contact any board member for further clarification or correction where applicable. Thank you.
Board members are paid for their service
The Book of Indentures allows for an earned stipend (or credit) equal to 1/12th of the annual assessment for each board member in attending the board's monthly business meetings. If a board member has an unexcused absence from a scheduled monthly meeting and doesn't make it up, they are debited the amount of the stipend and must pay it. Attending extra meetings or putting in anything beyond the required monthly meetings is at each board member's personal option, time and expense.
The monthly board meetings are for the residents
The only scheduled resident's meeting is the annual meeting which takes place the first Saturday in June of each year, as set by the Book of Indentures. This is not to be confused with the required monthly meetings set for the board to conduct its agenda of official business, which is not held for resident's input or participation. If a resident has something to be addressed, there is a formal procedure for getting their topic placed on the agenda of official business. That's the only way issues are heard at the regular monthly business meetings.
Residents have no say or input into the decisions being made
Actually, the management company is the entity the board has entrusted with making most daily decisions. The board meets monthly to consider issues and decisions not within the scope of the management company’s duty. On issues where the board hasn't the power to decide, a vote is put before the homeowners. Generally speaking, this only happens in matters of special assessments.
The board is making decisions without me
Yes; because that's the way it's supposed to be and the very reason you have a board of directors in the first place. It would be impossible, if not totally impractical for every decision to be put before all homeowners to vote. Not only would everything slow to a screeching halt, it's not the way representative government works. Like other forms of representative government, the board does not act on its own behalf. As a legal homeowner, you have the right to make your opinions known to the management company. They, in turn, present your concerns to the board members.
The board is making bad decisions, period
Of 582 homes, it can be expected that not everyone will always be satisfied with every decision the board makes. If a homeowner vote isn't required, the board will take into consideration whatever actions and steps necessary to make a decision in the best interest of the subdivision as a whole. The board looks at the greater good and larger, long term interests of our community for its continued viability. Personal preferences do not come into play as no single board member makes the final decision or is allowed to rule the board. While there is a formal President, Vice President and other officers, all are just board members and any one of them can be outvoted by other board members without regard to office or position held.
Our assessment money is being misused
First, be sure of your suspicions. Casting frivolous allegations without concrete proof of wrongdoing can have serious implications and possible legal consequences. If still in doubt, review the books posted on the website (as is your right) but be prepared to have professional representation ready in the form of an accountant (preferably a CPA) to explain proper accounting practices, if necessary. The subdivision books are kept using a computerized bookkeeping program which is submitted to a professional accounting firm for periodic and yearend review. It's neither the management company’s nor board's responsibility to explain accounting procedures to any resident.
Financial records are not being kept or filed properly
Every single transaction, whether making a payment or receiving a payment, is entered into a professional accounting program, reviewed monthly by the entire board of directors and again, independently by the outside accountant. Each Board of Director receives monthly balance sheets. In addition, quarterly reports are filed with both state and federal government agencies and are periodically audited by those agencies as well as by worker's compensation.
Financial entrees don't match up
There's a huge difference between a proposed annual budget and the actual year end financial. The budget is a projection of costs anticipated for the upcoming year's events. Things like snow plowing, grass cutting along with emergency repairs and more can dramatically alter even the most experienced expectations. As a result, certain expenses may or may not reflect the actual expenditures encountered as the year progresses. The actual expenditures are shown in the yearend financial records prepared by the outside accountant. Misunderstanding occurs over uncertainty of which records are being referred to and/or lack of necessary financial skills for proper interpretation. If in doubt, hire a professional accountant for guided assistance.
The monthly board meetings are being closed to shut residents out
First off, the business meetings of a private subdivision are not required held open under the Sunshine Laws. This does not mean the board is doing anything illegal or somehow conspiring against the homeowners. Don't forget, the board members are residents, too. Whatever they enact they'll have to live with, same as all other residents. There can be any number of sound, legitimate reasons why the monthly meetings are closed and it is well within the right of the board to decide which ones are closed and for how long. It is not unprecedented, as business meetings have been closed in the past without issue.
The board is hiding something with their closed meetings
Confidentiality for one thing. The board decides appropriate actions to be taken against named residents who violate the Book of Indentures or refuse to pay their annual assessment. They discuss matters of pending foreclosures, bankruptcies, vacancies and many other matters not for public airing. They also review competitive bids and award contracts, as well as discuss personnel issues and other internal procedures. Again, the monthly business meetings are conducted by and for the board, who can choose to close the meetings at any time for any reason. Doing so does not suggest or imply impropriety or conspiracy.
Since the pool is now closed, the annual assessment will be reduced
Possibly, maybe but not right away or anytime soon. The reason? While closing the pool did result in significant savings, the truth of the matter is for the last three years the pool has operated using funds from other areas of the budget (road repairs, as an example.) One of the main reasons behind closing the pool was to stop the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario. Much needed community improvements had been delayed just to keep the pool operational and financially speaking, something had to give. There are still road improvements and other areas that need attention and will benefit from the current assessment.
The board is made up of the "good ol' boys" buddy system
The board is made up of elected members, one from each plat, of which there are eight plats. To have equal representation, all seats should be filled but most of the time they are not. Nominees come from the homeowners themselves with votes cast for one half the available seats at the annual June resident's meeting. Even numbered plats vote one year, odd numbered the next to insure there's never a completely new, untested or inexperienced board being seated. If a seat is unfilled or becomes vacant mid-term, anyone wishing to fill a vacant plat seat can do so by applying for appointment to the board. This mainly consists of sending a letter of intent and meeting other basic requirements determined by the board. Just doing so does not guarantee one a board seat, as it's ultimately at the board's discretion and vote whether any applicant will be accepted for a mid-term appointment, a situation distinctly different from the formal election process.
The board arbitrarily changes the mid-term appointment procedures
While it sometimes may seem that way (especially if your application was rejected) the board updates the appointment procedures in continuing attempt to keep all eight board seats filled. It recognizes a full board offers broader member experience, discussion, input and voting with increased benefit to the whole subdivision as a result.
Our home values are low because the board won't do anything to clean up this place
The board is certainly trying and making some inroads to boot but they can't do it alone. For every assessment delinquency or violator, it takes money from the collected assessments to bring these residents into forced compliance. Money for legal fees and resources that could have been, should have been used elsewhere. Sitting on the board gives one an eye opening reality check into the number of residents who either just don't care or think it some kind of cat and mouse game when it comes to their responsibilities. That kind of mentality (or lack of it) costs the rest of us a sizable portion of our paid-in assessments. So, not only do these people get a free ride off the rest of us but they actually cost even more money to continually chase after them. And chase after them we do and will continue doing, stepping up efforts at forced compliance in 2013. This is a responsibility owed all residents who do pay their assessment on time and live within the rules of our community. For your part, insist your neighbors pay their fair share, clean up their property once and for all and make it known how their behavior is costing you money!
The board plays favorites with some residents
While it may sometimes appear that way, the more likely reason is some people make a game of avoiding their assessment or causing more violations and drawing out the entire process. Many full well know the rules but choose to ignore them and some even defy them. The only method in which to approach these residents is through a prescribed legal process, both time consuming and costly. Some ignore every request until their actual court date and then may only comply for a short time, if at all. To them it's just a game but their irresponsible behavior proves very costly to the rest of us in time, money and resources lost.
The board doesn't care what the residents have to say
The board welcomes all resident's constructive input but there's a correct way to be acknowledged. Calling on the phone and swearing will get you nowhere (except maybe the police being called.) Imagine someone calling the mayor or councilperson and behaving like that. In this day and age, they could be considered a stalker or even a terrorist. It's just not the correct way to be heard. All residents are encouraged to contact the management company with questions, comments or complaints. If asked in a polite way, they'll do their best to get answers to your questions. If it's an issue you'd like brought before the entire board, put it in writing and send it to the management company requesting it be put on the upcoming formal business agenda. Send it no later than ten (10) days before the next scheduled monthly business meeting to give members a chance to research your issue. Should it arrive after the ten days, it will be moved to the following monthly business meeting. If it's a closed session, the board will still address your issue and you'll be contacted with their response.
I can refuse to pay my assessment if I want
While you theoretically could, doing so is equivalent to cutting off your nose to spite your face and actually makes you part of the problem rather than any workable solution. As a practical matter, paying the annual assessment is not an option as it's used to cover a wide range of services, amenities and expenditures necessary to run a subdivision the size of VOJ. What you can physically notice is just a small part of what the assessment covers on a day to day basis. With 582 homes and well over 1,400 people on average, we literally have the population of a small town along with most of the issues in running one, including things like aging infrastructure, maintenance and other issues. Like any governing body, decisions will be made that not everyone will agree on. It is expected. That doesn't mean you can just stop paying your assessment any more than you can stop paying your taxes. From a legal standpoint, it can put you in a very precarious financial position as far as your home goes and can negatively impact your credit rating as well. Property liens, which must be satisfied before a sale or refinance can occur, as well as an eventual forced sale can result. The board can and will actively pursue all delinquent assessments to the fullest extent of the law. It's their duty and obligation to the other homeowners who do pay their assessment on time. Accrued interest, collection and legal fees will be added to all delinquent accounts, without apology or exception.
The whole board is incompetent and should be replaced
Each board member brings certain strengths and weaknesses to the table. Most have little to no experience but are only genuinely interested in what's good for the community. There are no non-resident board members, as all who sit on the board live in the Village and have a vested interest in the community, its image and related property values. They may have families or raised families here, may just be starting out or hoping for a decent retirement but it would be safe to say, none are professionally trained as board members. The amateur mix of backgrounds and personalities create a healthy give and take on issues as important to each member, as to the community at large. A new board member soon learns not everyone on the board always agrees with each other and no one member is allowed to "rule the board," which are both good things. While there can be board members with ulterior motives and no doubt has been, the pressure of the other members generally keep combined intentions honorable, above board and in check. The same will hopefully hold true for any group of people sitting as replacement board members. The only difference will be in the mix but it's enough of a difference to ensure a fairly level playing field. Of course, the more people on a board make for a better mix of ideas, opinions and votes but if a board can generally get along in spite of their differences and still vote their conscious, you have as good a board as can ever be expected. To replace it without just cause or provable corruption is simply rolling the dice and hoping for a better combination.
We pay one of the highest assessments around
The assessment is only $292 per year. Just $24 a month or 80 cents a day to have our streets plowed, common grounds looked after, playgrounds improved, street light operation, road signage, pothole repairs and more. As a private subdivision, we're responsible for our own operation and maintenance and receive no government funding. We do that all from the collection of the annual assessment. Despite delinquencies, abandonments and foreclosures, absentee landlords and the economy in general, our assessment hasn't been raised in over 6 years and yet, we continue to operate without a special assessment to make up for lost income. That comes from not just dumb luck but experienced planning and realistic budgeting. If we were in the city limits of Arnold, Festus or Pevely, it's a safe bet we'd be paying more than 80 cents a day for city services not nearly as good as we enjoy in the Village. But don't just take anyone's word for it, do a little research. Find out what others outside the VOJ are paying for their subdivision assessment and ask what they get in return. It may come as a surprise how much we get for how little we actually pay. Compare apples to apples and you'll find living in the Village provides one of the lowest costs of living, if not the lowest cost, of any managed community just about anywhere.
The Windsor School District owns Monticello Drive and pays for its maintenance
Monticello Drive (aka the main drive) through the Village, like all other roads in the Village are privately owned and supported only by the annual assessment. No local, city, state or federal funding is received for the upkeep of our roads in the VOJ.
The board wasted $30k of road salt by spreading it over the parking lot located at the main ballfield
Cinders were temporarily stockpiled at the parking lot in anticipation of a pending, severe snowstorm which never materialized. The agreement made with the snow plowing company was to only pay for whatever cinders were actually used during the season. Any leftover cinders would be spread over the parking lot at their expense, incurring no charge to the VOJ for either the unused cinders or the spreading of same. No road salt was involved.
Charter Cable Company pays franchise fees to the Village
Thanks to the diligent efforts of our former administrator, Ms. Angelean Mobley succeeded in negotiating a new, increased franchise fee agreement from Charter along with a check for past unpaid fees. Charter claimed to have been paying the Association all along despite Ms. Mobley's insistence they had not paid anything. Several residents cited their Charter bills showing a franchise fee was being paid to the Village, further supporting Charter's claim. Ms. Mobley's perseverance finally prompted a deeper investigation by Charter who discovered no fees had been paid the Village for the last five years. They immediately offered a renewed franchise contract, upping payments from 3% to 5%, along with a check for past fees in the amount of $29,100. This money went into the Village general fund to help with maintenance and operating costs of our community.
DISCLAIMER: The intent of the information published here is an effort to keep VOJ residents apprised of the validity of circulating rumors. Since the nature of rumors vary widely, each is subject to review and correction as needed, for improved clarification and/or accuracy. All statements are believed true at the time of publication. If you find a statement you believe untrue or otherwise misleading, please contact any board member for further clarification or correction where applicable. Thank you.