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As a resident of Talega, I would like to call to the community’s attention the hypocritical nature by which the Talega Home Owners Association is treating its residents.
One example is with regard to “excessive overwatering.” The HOA has sent certain homeowners notices of alleged “excessive overwatering,” but they are not really able to describe what that is with any certainty. It apparently means water on the sidewalk and streets is considered “excessive overwatering” because it might damage the street. While I understand the desire to compel residents to respect drought restrictions, the HOA itself has a duty to comply with such rules as well.
In fact, the HOA itself should be the first to follow its own rules. However, the HOA has categorically failed to follow its own rules time and time again. At night, when common areas are being watered, there is “excessive watering” by the HOA itself. There is water all over the place and much more so than any home. This is a clear example of the HOA flagrantly violating its own rules. It seems to me HOAs should be made to follow the community rules it put in place rather than just claiming they are enforcing rules on the residents. Such residents pay approximately $200 in HOA fees only to be treated unfairly and, for some, abused. Further, different communities within Talega are treated differently. In some communities, there is absolutely zero enforcement. In others, the HOA hones in on certain homes in an extremely targeted manner. There is no uniform application of the rules throughout Talega, which is a problem.
Another example would be the fact that the HOA board members themselves are known violators of the community rules but do not feel compelled to follow the rules that every other resident in Talega is supposed to follow. For example, during the community’s discussion of the sober living facilities in the community, it came to light certain board members run businesses out of their homes, some of which are in violation of the community rules. They do not comply with the community rules but have the audacity to enforce the rules on those residents who don’t sit on the board. This is a clear abuse of authority.
The HOA does not allow the residents to view the minutes of any committee meetings, including enforcement meetings. As residents who are theoretically stockholders of the HOA, why shouldn’t they have access to minutes? This lack of transparency blocks residents from ensuring that the HOA and the board and committee members do not abuse their authority.
I believe it is only fair for all current and future residents to be made aware of the uneven treatment of the community rules on the residents and on the HOA. I guess it is good to be king, but it certainly shouldn’t be at the expense of the vast number of homeowners paying $200 per month. Had we known how terrible this HOA was, we would not have moved here or encouraged friends to move here as well.