Clarification Regarding Recent Changes to Annual Dues

Subject: Clarification Regarding Recent Changes to Annual Dues

Date: November 13, 2025

Dear Residents of Magnolia Shores Subdivision,

We hope this message finds you well. Recently, some of you have reached out with questions regarding the changes to our annual dues, and we wanted to take a moment to address those questions and provide some clarity.

1) Are there any planned projects?

At this time, there are no specific projects planned. We’ve heard suggestions from residents about potential future initiatives, such as a pavilion or a new building. We’ve also considered the possibility of addressing community needs following future hurricanes. However, these projects would require significant funding, and our reserve account currently has approximately $8,100. Until we can accumulate additional funds, we are unable to pursue any of these ideas.

2) Would the dues increase be necessary if everyone paid on time?

The simple answer is no. Currently, five homeowners have not yet paid their 2025 dues, which amounts to approximately $2,000 in uncollected fees. The dues increase will generate around $1,700 (or $1,644 with the current number of paid dues), which is necessary to cover the shortfall. We continue to work diligently to collect outstanding dues in accordance with our Collections Policy.

3) How can I stay informed about the HOA’s finances?

Homeowners can access the current year’s budget and soon, the 2026 budget via the online portal at portal.cmgt.org. This portal also contains financial statements and other key documents. We encourage all residents to attend board meetings, where we openly discuss the status of the community’s finances.

4) What is the status of the Landscape Budget?

We are currently reviewing potential vendors for the upcoming contract that will begin on June 1st, when our current landscaping agreement expires. We’d like to highlight that the flowers at the main entrance were included at no extra cost as part of the 2024 contract with Sexton Landscape, and all 15 trees added to the community last spring were donated and planted by board members during Arbor Day events. We are continuing to explore cost-effective options for ground cover in our common areas, while keeping our budget constraints in mind.

Regarding electricity and water costs for the common areas, these rates are set by Baldwin County and, unfortunately, cannot be negotiated. We continue to closely monitor our utility usage and strive for any savings wherever possible. The only vendors we work with—Community Management and our landscaping company—have committed to holding their rates steady for next year.

Get Involved

We truly appreciate your continued involvement in the HOA, and we encourage more residents to attend our open meetings. The next meeting will take place in the new year, and we look forward to seeing you there. In June, we will also be holding an election for up to three new board members. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the governance of our community, we encourage you to consider running for a board position.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email any of the board members at the HOA email addresses listed on our website: magnoliashoreshoa.com.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Warm regards,

The Magnolia Shores HOA