8/13/2010
We have found that our members often have similar concerns and many have shared their suggestions to deal with these issues. The solutions presented below are based on Wicomico County MD.
Need Mosquito control?
• Work with the County to get mosquito control. The County will spray for mosquitos for a small fee based on the number of houses in an area. Contact MOSQUITO CONTROL at 410-543-6626.
Is the County after you for repair of on-site drainage ditches?-
•Consider contracting with the county, they already have the equipment and the work is guaranteed to pass county inspection. Unfortunately, the budget impacts of 2010 eliminated this capability. Specific concerns regarding the storm water management pond maintenance can be referred to the Public Works Inspector (Herman Davis) at 410-548-4810.
Want street lights in your area?
• If you are outside of an incorporated area, you have two options. 1. Petition the county to install street lights and have the costs billed to your property taxes or 2. Contact your electric power company. The county option will require county council action and a non-refundable application fee.
Got a lot that is full of grass and weeds?
• If you are outside of an incorporated area, contact Wicomico Planning and Zoning at 410-548-4860. If the grass/weeds are taller than 18 inches, the county will give the owner 2 weeks to correct the problem or they will correct the problem and charge the owner.
Pros and cons to having a HOA management company:
• Strongly oppose a HOA management company: It costs thousands of dollars to pay a company who will only advise the Board. They can help remove some of the burden but they are not on call 24/7. You still need a Board of Directors to make capital decisions, covenants, by-laws, etc.
• You still need a Board of Directors to "direct" the management company and approve what's being done. You can ask a management company to enforce covenants, but they are still under the purview of the HOA because it is the vested party.
• To abandon the Board of Directors and turn over EVERYTHING to a management company means surrendering control to an organization that has no vested interest in the property they manage.
• The Home Owners Association is there for group management of common/community property.
