Westchase Homeowners Assessment Steady Under Proposed Budget

Westchase homeowners association fees would not change under the Westchase Community Association's proposed budget for 2012.

That means a $320 WCA assessment bill for Westchasers.

The board presented the $1.39 million budget during a workshop earlier this week.

The proposal must still be approved by the WCA board of directors during their September meeting, scheduled for Sept. 8 at 7:30pm. Monday's workshop gave the public and board a chance to view and discuss the proposal.

The is charged with maintaining the community's swim and tennis centers, as well as the regulation of deed restrictions.

The association also manages the community's revenue earing recreational progarms including tennis, swimming and summer camps.

This year's budget includes $37,000 in capitol improvements, including a concession area at the pool, outdoor exercise equipment and a tennis building for the C-courts at the tennis center on Countryway Blvd.

The latter -- proposed to cost about $27,000 -- sparked discussion among those in attendance at the meeting.

"I would like to see this building when the economic situation improves," said Carlos Quiros, a voting member. "Why now; can't it wait two years?"

Dyan Pithers, board vice president, empathized with Quiros comments, but said the new tennis facility could mean more revenue for the board in the long run.

"This year's board has made a specific commitment to grow these programs," Pithers said. "I'm in favor of leaving this capital improvement in."

Patrick Knight, a voting member, questioned whether the tennis building would serve the greater community.

"I want us to be a premiere community," he said. "But...shouldn't we look at things that serve a larger portion of our community."

Last year the community's tennis programs earned about $88,000 in revenue, including the youth tennis academy, private lessons and tennis camp.

"Every year we postpone building this basic building is increasing the cost of it," said Mary Griffin, board treasurer.

The tennis facility remained in the budget at the close of Monday's meeting.

The next step for the budget includes going before the voting members. If the group does not veto the budget, the association board will vote on it at its regular monthly meeting, Sept. 8 at 7:30pm. The board will meet at 10049 Parley Drive.

Correction: **The proposed tennis center approvement would cost $27,000. A earlier version of this story had an incorrect amount.**