The Board majority’s current proposal to increase dues raises several concerns:

Operational Contradiction: A proposed dues increase is being advanced four months into the fiscal years even though cul-de-sac maintenance was previously used as the primary cost increase driver.

If a 20% assessment increase were legitimately necessary, that need should have been identified and addressed during the budget preparation process in August 2025, when the Association’s financial planning for the fiscal year was conducted.

A 20% increase would generate approximately $205,000 in additional annual assessments, raising legitimate concerns that similar increases could be proposed in future years. Members may reasonably question whether such increases are being contemplated to offset legal expenses and other discretionary costs.

Campaign Misrepresentation: During the election campaign, members were misled to understand that dues would not be increased, a representation that is inconsistent with the current dues increase proposal.

Accountability and Governance: The current actions of the Board majority raise questions regarding accountability to the commitments and politicized positions presented to the membership during the election process.

Until approximately 2021, prior LCPOA Boards generally operated within the framework of the Association’s governing documents since La Cresta was established. Historically, the Association’s primary expenditure has been maintenance of roads, culverts, and storm drainage that receive approximately $500,000 annually, with the remaining funds supporting other Association expenses.

Since 2021, successive Board majorities (Westra–DeAndero–Kreamer–Marvin) and today (Paulson–Boyd–Gaarenstroom) have advanced policies that many members believe represent a significant departure from the Association’s historical precedence setting priorities and former governance approach. Rather than focusing on the condition of the community’s 26 miles of private roads, which many members report have deteriorated over the past several years, the current Board majority has emphasized isolated projects and public messaging highlighting personal initiatives, such as the lighted crosswalk at Calle Centro and Avenida La Cresta, reportedly costing over $100,000.

Members have also expressed concern that meaningful transparency and open discussion have been limited, while broader policy changes affecting the character of La Cresta are being advanced. These concerns include the introduction of mobile home, expansion of commercial business activities and other special interest projects.

As a result, some members believe the current direction of the LCPOA represents a substantial shift from the community’s historical governance practices, Residential & Agricultural zoning and land-use expectations established over the past 50 years.