Patrolling the Pond by Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Home Owners Association
Perspectives and Changing Times
I love fall. The colors, cooler temps, and a quiet lake getting ready for its winter snooze bring peace and calm. One thing I am not a fan of is the switch from Daylight Saving Time to standard time. I am still adjusting. It is not a fun season for those who like light sunny days. Despite the time change, Patrolling the Pond does not end for the season. Not at all! We just take a different perspective on what “Patrolling the Pond” brings to you in each issue. There are stories out there on and around the Pond. Let’s find a few!
I am writing this on the eve of the 2026 election. As you drive around the lake, it’s easy to see the diverse and vocal points of view on all of the issues on the ballot. This diversity is what makes our community what it is. I would call myself a fairly quiet campaigner, not typically one to put signs up in my yard. That has changed over the years. Not really sure why. I certainly see why someone would, and why people do. I don’t have a problem with it at all (as long as they go away after the election). I am generally a fairly enthusiastic person and get excited about things I believe in. I’m happy to put a US flag up on the dock or house, or a Chief’s flag next to my door or even on my car from time to time. We all have the right to speak our mind and show our support for whatever cause is out there. The thing is, and maybe the way I look at it these days, I have never changed the minds of Broncos fan to cheer for the Chiefs by putting up my Chiefs flag. I wonder if political positions are the same? Are more bridges built with conversations than signs? Something to think about next time you see a sign you disagree with.
As I mentioned earlier, we will count the ballots for the 2027 HOA Budget on November 10th. This takes place at the Annual Membership Meeting at the Church of Christ inside Gate 2. I encourage everyone to attend! First, my hat is off to the loyal and dedicated volunteers who spend hours creating a budget that rivals the work done in large firms. You can agree or disagree with the budget and what it supports, but please always take time to thank those who work extremely hard behind the scenes and give their expertise free of charge to the HOA. Our budget needs would be much larger if it weren’t for our volunteers. I see a lot of griping and complaining online for different reasons. I also see supporters. Don’t let social media be your primary source for understanding the budget. The BEST thing to do is to come to the meeting on Tuesday night, listen to the story, and then cast your vote. You will also have a chance to voice your opinion and ask questions. Whether you vote at the meeting on Tuesday or mail in your ballot or drop it off at the Association office, please vote with your eyes wide open and closed, one way or another, by social media posts.
I support the proposed budget, especially as it relates to setting funds aside for future expenditures. Times have changed since our lake was a sleepy little community on the outskirts of KC. And with those changing times, our needs as an HOA have changed. We can no longer afford to do many things DIY. We need expertise. That expertise has a cost to make sure whatever we do is done right and we use the funds in the best way possible. Increases are going to reserves that address large capital expenditures like the spillway, dredging, and roads. I thought about listing everything the association does: operating a lake, roads, buildings, silt ponds, dredges, equipment, boats, patrols, staff, mowing, etc. It is a bit like operating a small town with a lake. Operating fees are the same in the 2027 budget as the 2026 budget. You can see how it all comes together in the budget and the financials. They are open to review for anyone who would like to review them. There are no secrets. Better yet, you can volunteer your time and talents to a number of different committees or run for a Board position and see it all up close. I did that about 5 years ago, and it changed my perspective on just what is required to efficiently and effectively operate a lake community.
As we all adjust to the recent change to standard time, not only did the time change but times have also changed. Prioritizing and funding the needs of a nearly 100-year-old lake community can be challenging. Patrolling the Pond’s only ask is that you have a fully informed perspective on the “why, what, and how” of the 2027 budget before you vote. In the end, I still love fall. Until next time, see you on and around the Pond!