GREENE COUNTY
Residents of Harbor Club have formed a task group to address taking control of the Property Owners Association (POA).
This comes on the heels of concerns addressed earlier in the year about a big subdivision that was proposed adjacent to Harbor Club, which, for now, is off the table.
The group’s efforts were successful in working with the developer to make several amendments to its plan. It speaks to the need of homeowners to pay attention to county planning and bylaws in place.
John and Brandon Matney, owners of Harbor Club, are board members for the subdivision, along with a family friend, Kenny Hyatt. This small, unelected group effectively directs all spending for Harbor Club, prompting residents to ask, “Where is the money?”
To the credit of the task force, Kolter Homes, the builder interested in developing more than 300 acres adjacent to Harbor Club, was asked to address multiple concerns. Although tabled for now, the Matneys have said the property along the Richland Connector will eventually be sold and developed. But, not before residents have a say about access to their community.
More than 300 residents attended a meeting at Lake Oconee Church last week to hear about the next steps to potentially level the playing field in Harbor Club. However, an article was added to the bylaws some time ago by the Matneys, which essentially keeps them involved for several years.
The primary concerns appear to be spending allocations in light of significant HOA fees assessed, including a recent 7-percent increase in fees, amounting to $1,500 a year.
Many feel they are not seeing the improvements needed throughout the subdivision that currently has more than 800 homes. Lackluster amenities, promises made to new buyers not realized, sinking ponds, failing silt fences, and road and infrastructure repairs needed are just a few issues seen on a growing list.
Larry Miller, a Harbor Club resident for more than 20 years, addressed the group and spoke about the priorities of the residents could control the POA.
“We want to manage a budget that reflects the best interest of the owners,” Miller said. “We need any reserve funds accounted for so that we have an accurate picture of what is occurring here. We also need to find out what is considered Harbor Club property and what is ours.
More importantly, we want involvement with the management company as they work for us, the homeowners.”
An earlier budget shared last year showed that reserve funds were limited at best. Roughly 300,000 dollars in reserves were spent but fixed only some of the drainage issues and under-bridge damage along the main road.
The total budget for next year is projected to be $1.9 million, with homeowners’ fees alone making up $1.2 million. Yet, roughly half a million dollars alone of the budget is allocated for road repairs in Harbor Club.
Task force members believe a resident-controlled POA would better serve the subdivision.
The group sought legal counsel, formed its own LLC, and initiated an important engineering review analysis. It is not clear what areas of Harbor Club are part of the POA and four other Harbor Club entities owned by the Matneys.
According to Miller, he has sat down with John Matney to discuss a plan to turn over the POA. Although Matney said he would look at it, he would not confirm at present if he and his son Brandon would retire from their roles.