In August 2023, a majority of Homestead in the Willows homeowners approved a special assessment and accompanying line of credit to fund replacement of our 30-year-old perimeter fence. Thanks to everyone who cast a vote.
The special assessment of $3,100 will begin in April of 2024. The payment schedule is as follows:
- April 2024: $516.67
- October 2024: $516.67
- April 2025: $516.67
- October 2025: $516.67
- April 2026: $516.66
- October 2026: $516.66
As a reminder, these payments are in addition to the regular dues of the association. If you are able and want to pay the entire assessment up front, we will use those funds to reduce the amount borrowed, thereby reducing interest costs.
Updates from the Board to Our Community
- Update from April 2024 Homestead Herald
- Update from December 2023 Homestead Herald
- Update from November 2023 Homestead Herald
- Update from October 2023 Homestead Herald
Latest Perimeter Fence FAQs
1. What was the vote count?
Vote Count: 498 votes for the Line of Credit vs 167 against. 496 votes for the Special Assessment vs 169 against. The total number of votes cast was 665 out of 898 homes. The Village I townhomes were not included in the vote and will not be assessed for the Perimeter Fence as that community has its own fence to maintain.
2. Was the $132 due Aug. 1 part of the special assessment?
No, it was a single assessment. The $132 was collected because the Board did not raise the 2023 assessment from the 2022 amount hoping the first fence ballot would pass. When it did not, the Board voted to assess the owners 10% (allowed under the Governing Documents) to pay for fence maintenance. Those funds will go into the Perimeter Fence Reserve Fund.
3. When is the special assessment due?
Residents will be billed in April 2024 and will have the option to make one payment of $3,100 or six payments of $516.67. There is no discount for early payment or payment in full. The interest for the line of credit is assessed to all owners equally,
4. Who will need to pay the special assessment?
Only the residents of Homestead in the Willows HOA will pay the $3,100 special assessment. The residents of Village I Townhomes and Homestead at Willows End are in separate HOAs and are not subject to the special assessment.
5. If the Perimeter Fence borders my lot do I have to do anything?
Yes! Start now to get your yard ready! Any owner who has Perimeter Fencing bordering their property should start now to remove all plant material, rock, and mulch to a distance of 12 to 18 inches away from the fence line. Trees and shrubs that are close to the fence must be trimmed to at least 12 inches away from the fence. Overhanging branches from trees and shrubs need to be trimmed to a height of at least 7 feet from the ground.
6. When will the installation begin?
Work will begin on October 2 and continue for approximately 8 months. The first section will be the East side of Homestead Parkway starting at Dry Creek Road and continuing north to Easter Avenue. The Business Office will email Perimeter Fence owners at least two weeks prior to work beginning at their property with a projected start date and reminder to remove trees, shrubs and plant material from the fence line. Please make sure you are registered with PayHOA and have an email address listed. Notices will be hand delivered as well.
7. What happens if my lot bordering the perimeter fence is not prepared for installation?
If a property is not properly prepared, the HOA will have its contractor perform the necessary work and bill the
homeowner.
8. Do I have to pay for a gate if I want one?
Yes, gates are purchased privately by homeowners. Split Rail Will provide custom built gates to match the HOA fence for $1,080 for either fence height.
9. I want to add more fencing on my property to match the Perimeter Fence. Will Split Rail install that for me?
Yes, the cost for private fencing to match the Perimeter Fence is $99 per foot and will be installed on a different schedule by the Split Rail residential team. Details will be in the letter emailed to owners prior to Perimeter Fence installation on their property.