The last I heard the developer was not for the fee. Of course they could change their mind. My guess is the option would be dead if they were against it based upon the feedback I am seeing on this board. I think we should find out first. Is someone looking into their position?

I would expect we should get their proxy in writing if they are against it. Assuming they are supporting the fee, we should determine why. I continue to believe that the POA is not spending effectively and has not provided enough financial information to its members regarding operational and financial efficiency. The lack of financial analysis is causing an alarm within the community that something may be wrong. I would suggest a special POA meeting be conducted for all the community to address financial issues with open Q and A before, during, and after the meeting.

After we get clear and complete financial information, we can search alternatives to reduce costs and plow those cost reductions into a reserve. Also, we can scale back our plans for non-amenity construction costs and seek alternatives other than the proposed building program.

If after all controllable actions and options have been considered we still find ourself in a bind, as a last resort we should consider other revenue options. I have a few:

1. Create a fee to join the Golf Club that is comparable to other communities.

2. Establish a significant and material impact fee for all new home construction and a reasonable fee for any SF additions to existing homes. Based upon the condition of our roads program, it obvious that most of the wear and tear comes from large trucks and traffic from home construction. That’s fine, but they should pay for it. Since the sentiment at the board is to establish fees for new owners it should not be an issue and could provide existing homeowners price support. Have the fee proceeds applied only and directly to a roads and entry maintenance reserve including the cost of gate staff it takes to manage all the construction. The existing funds we now spend on roads and the gates should be diverted to a reserve for all other infrastructure needs.

3. Increase the fee for architectural review and provide more staff trained in design to support our staff. A few homes that do not fit in with the integrity of Big Canoe have cropped up in the community and we must be short staffed to have that happen.

4. Trash Dumpster - Staff it and charge for trash. Give homeowners the ability to drop of normal bagged trash for free. Any construction debris and furniture will come at a cost that is higher than the dump. I have a feeling we are spending a fortune on the dumpster for debris and I know homebuilders and subs are using it - I have seen it happen myself.

5. Fishing on the lake - Start policing the lake. Staff with volunteers paid based on the number of tickets they issue. If someone receives more than 2 violations, prohibit them from using the lake for 3 years. Post the fee and enforce it. There are a number of people using the lake without permits

6. Employee Services - Confirm if the employees have the appropriate discount for food. What is it and is it reasonable? Also, do they have access to use the amenities without paying? I hear stories that all employees can fish the lake. Is that reasonable if true? Do they have golf discounts as well? Maybe not, but I never hear about it from the board.

7. Employee Cost - Find out what it is and confirm we are adequately staffed and paying the market rates for salary and benefits.

8. Create a PR campaign and possible political action committee to address the lack of attention we get from both of our county services. The proposed moving of the polling place and the tone of the people at Dawson County seem to suggest they do not care about the taxpayers of Big Canoe. Well, we have a few options here. We can vote another resident into the commission at Dawson and we can suggest and campaign that one commissioner is not appropriate government for Pickens. We can also reconsider incorporation as we have in the past. The pressure of potential tax revenue loss might influence some addiitional funding for fire protection, a new library and adequate building inspection from both counties. This community pays an enormous amount of tax and generated significant jobs to be treated the way we are.

9. Charge a fee for any non-residents attending the Southern living home that would go to the POA. If we want people outside the gate to visit, then why not open up the new clubhouse restaurant and bar to non residents.

10. Increase the quality of the food and experience at Sconti and open the restaurant and bar to people outside the gate and CHARGE for it. Only allow people with a reservation for dinner to come inside the gates.

11. Create a preferred vendor list and charge contractors to be on it.

12. Approach Dish, Direct TV, and Alltel for a Big Canoe contract and keep some of the savings at the POA. The community would benefit with better options and prices.

13. Create revenue generating pay incentives for employees that can sell. Also, create a plan to tie the GM’s pay to fiscal performance. If the GM can create higher NET income (not gross) they should be paid for it. We may be able to attract some good talent with that incentive to replace our interim manager who must be getting tired of the position by now!

14. Open a coffee/wine bar at the Lake Disharoon restaurant space. Allow a third party vendor to staff and run this establishment, similar to Piazza.

15. Finally, this may be way out there. Pay the POA board for their time. We have a lot of qualified people that would serve bt its a very large time commitment. If we could offset that commitment with some pay or elimination of fees for those serving, we may be attract some more talent to the board. I know this doesn’t save money, but it will hopefully attract folks that have the skills to move in that direction.

The POA asked for alternatives and have respectfully responded to their request.