Important Notice: 9.9% Dues Increase

2026 Operating Dues

Questions: Contact Chip Durpo
(706) 746-2900
Email:
Chip@Durpo.com

Key Highlight: The 2026 operating dues increased by approximately 9.9% relative to 2025 levels for River Vista Lot Owners. 

This is a significant jump worth noting, as it contributes to the overall increase in River Vista Lot Owners Quarterly Payments. I’ll explain the details below, based on the Treasurer’s official letter, including where this 9.9% fits.

Following up on my previous note about the 2026 dues and reserves, I’ve reviewed, and appreciate, the official letter from our Treasurer, Sue Stevens, dated December 22, 2025. This letter provides a clear breakdown to address any confusion around the increase from 2025 to 2026. I’ll explain it in simple terms here, using her figures, and include a spreadsheet Exhibit at the end to visualize the comparison. This should help everyone see the changes side by side, with special emphasis on the 9.9% dues increase.

Key Points from the Treasurer’s Letter:

1. 1. 2025 Breakdown: The quarterly dues (operating account) were $421.05, plus a $25.00 contribution to the reserve fund. This made the total quarterly payment $446.05. This aligns with what we’ve seen in prior documents and reflects the 2024 introduction of reserve funding into our quarterly payments.

1. 1. 2026 Breakdown: Quarterly dues (operating account) are now $462.89—a 9.9% increase from 2024’s Quarterly dues of $421.05—plus a $50.00 contribution to the reserve fund. This brings the total quarterly payment to $512.89. Note that the total of $512,89 clearly states that $50.00 of that amount is being deposited in the reserves account, and $462.89 into the Operating Fund. Therefore, the Board did not add $50.00 to the prior year reserves of $25.00

1. The Increase Explained: The overall jump from 2024’s total ($446.05) to 2026’s total ($512.89) is $66.84 per quarter. According to the Treasurer:
   1. The dues portion increased by $41.84 (from $421.05 to $462.89), representing a 9.9% increase in Operating Dues.
   2. The reserve funding increased by $25.00 (from $25.00 to $50.00). which my research shows is much needed.
   3. These add up to exactly $66.84, the total difference.

The Treasurer recognizes that the Year-End (YE) Letter format—employed since 2013—may be confusing and recommends incorporating a brief explanation, such as this, in future communications to prevent misunderstandings. She welcomes inquiries via email at rvmvca.treasurer@gmail.com.

My Conclusion: Based on this official clarification, the 2026 increase is straightforward when broken down by component: a prominent 9.9% increase on the operating dues, plus a doubling of the reserve contribution. This results in a roughly 15% overall increase in the total quarterly payment (from $446.05 to $512.89). It might be worth reviewing Article 3.18 Powers in the By-Laws.

Please see the exhibit below for a clear side-by-side comparison using the Treasurer’s exact figures, with the (9.9%) increase.

Exhibit: Comparison of 2025 and 2026 HOA Dues and Reserves (Based on Treasurer’s Letter)

This table summarizes the Treasurer’s breakdown for easy reference. Percentages are approximate calculations for context: the dues increase percentage is based on 2025 operating dues (highlighted in bold for emphasis), and the total increase is based on 2025’s full payment.