Dear Fellow Homeowner:
On behalf of the Hidden Lakes Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors, let me be the first to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.
Well, 2024 has certainly been an interesting year. We now have a “new normal,” with challenges driven by inflation and supply chain issues. Our homeowner’s association is a small business that works with numerous third-party contractors to help ensure the common areas and owned assets within Hidden Lakes maintain the quality that played a role in all our decisions to live here. As a result, we are not immune to these same economic issues.
While I’m sure you’ve seen higher prices for most if not all of your household’s purchases this year. The Board worked diligently together to design and pass a 2025 Operating Budget that is both revenue neutral (as required of not-for-profit entities) and that funds meaningful repairs and improvements throughout our community. However, that comes with increased costs and our Board made the difficult decision to increase dues by 10% to $748. This increase follows two (2) years of no increases. All our basic costs have risen, some dramatically like insurance and pool chemical cost due to numerous events across the country.
We formed a committee to begin reviewing and updating our governing documents. This is a lengthy process and requires your participation. Response to date has been “lukewarm” hovering around 30%. State of Texas law requires 67% participation to make the changes. If you need information on how to vote or need a proxy please contact our on-site management team. The Board recommends approving all changes.
Some of the major projects you’ll see get underway in 2025 include:
Repairs and/or enhancements to the landscaping and structures throughout the community
Replacement of trees along Bear Creek Parkway, Preston, and Bloomfield Drive
Turf replacements/improvements along our sidewalks
New pool furniture at Preston Pool
Continued repairs to brick walls (now that our brick is available)
Enhanced security measures at all three pool areas to help reduce vandalism and a new entry system
Pergola installation at Bloomfield Pool
You can review our 2025 operating budget, Reserve Study, quarterly financial performance, and our governing documents through the homeowner portal at https://hiddenlakes.connectresident.com. There you can also update your email address, communication preferences as well as view your account.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Payment for assessments must be received in full and credited to your account on or before January 1, 2025, to avoid late fees.
Late fees, administrative fees or interest fees can be applied to accounts with a balance due.
Assessments need to be paid in the full amount of $748.00. Partial payments are not allowed. If you need to discuss the payment of your annual assessment, please contact management at accountservices.tx@fsresidential.com.
o Pay online by visiting: www.ClickPay.com/FirstService
o Pay by phone: 1.888.354.0135 (select Option 1)
o Pay via the homeowner portal: https://hiddenlakes.connectresident.com (login required)
o Mail your payment to:
Hidden lakes
c/o FirstService Residential
P.O. Box 30343
Tampa, Fl 33630-3343
Payments sent using our preferred, third-party payment processor ClickPay take 3-5 days to post to your account. Payments sent through U.S. mail can take up to two weeks. Please plan accordingly to meet the January 1 due date.
We are always available either through manager@hlhoa.com or board@hlhoa.com or the HOA office at 817-337-9726 to address any questions or concerns you have. Thank you for your continued support of our community.
Todd Almand
President, Hidden Lakes Homeowners' Association