To: Sonterra HOA Board of Directors

Subject: Demand to Abolish the unanticipated HOA Dues and Address Governance and Transparency Concerns

We, the undersigned residents of Sonterra, formally petition for the immediate abolition of the recently imposed Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. This decision, made during a single HOA meeting with minimal community representation, has sparked widespread frustration and distrust among homeowners.

Key Issues
Unjustified and Sudden Financial Burden

When purchasing our homes, HOA dues were paid upfront at closing. Imposing an unexpected $240/year fee, without prior agreement or transparent justification, constitutes a significant financial burden on households.
Minimal Responsibility for Claimed Assets

The HOA claims ownership of community assets such as the common areas, pool, playground, and land improvements in their financial breakdown. However, they disclaim responsibility for maintaining or managing these assets, focusing solely on enforcing HOA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs). This contradiction raises questions about the legitimacy of the fees and their intended use.
Lack of Community Engagement and Accessibility

The decision to implement this fee was made during a single HOA meeting, held on one day, without adequate options for broader participation or absentee voting. In a community of over 5,700 households, this process is neither inclusive nor representative.
Transparency and Accountability

The financial breakdown provided lacks clarity on the true necessity of the $240/year fee or how the projected revenue of over $1.3 million annually will be allocated. Residents have not been adequately informed about the HOA’s ongoing dispute with MUD or alternative solutions considered.
Our Requests
We respectfully demand the following:

Immediate Abolition of the unanticipated HOA Fee: Halt the collection of this fee until a transparent, community-wide process is conducted.
Comprehensive Financial Audit and Disclosure: Provide a detailed and independent audit of HOA finances, including a clear explanation of the HOA’s claimed assets and responsibilities.
Transparent Governance Process: Establish fair procedures for significant decisions, including multiple meeting dates, virtual attendance options, and sufficient notice to all residents.
Community-Wide Referendum: Require a community-wide vote with accessible voting options (online, mail, and in-person) for all major financial changes.
Conclusion
We, the residents of Sonterra, believe the sudden imposition of this fee, combined with the HOA’s contradictory claims and lack of transparency, is both unfair and unacceptable. Decisions affecting our community's financial and operational well-being must prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and fairness.

We urge the HOA Board to take immediate action to repeal the nonsensical fee and address the community’s concerns through an open and collaborative process.