I would like to thank our membership for allowing me to serve as a board member in recent years.  It’s been very rewarding and each year poses a new team with the election.   Some of the major changes occurring in the past few years –

• The Association is operated more like a business with quarterly staff/board member meetings and goals.
• Budgeting becomes an issue as we see consumer goods increase and changes in taxes – town, county and school.  The Association had eight years of no increases, so we began raising dues a little each year rather than by a larger amount.  In another year or two, the dues should be covering our annual expenses without using our reserves. 
• Allocation for a capital budget has been started for major repairs (i.e. septic system or building component). 
• Rome Water Utility is now a town entity where financing options may be at lower rates than available as a private utility. 
• Firewise program provides a process to clean up the dead wood in the outlot areas.

     Last year, we were approved for a Grant for shoreline restoration or buffer zone protection.  Twenty-eight property owners expressed interest for improvements that can be expensed into 2007.

     This is not to say there have not been challenges.  Lifestyle and zoning would top this list.  In the Lake Camelot area alone, we had 23 new homes built in fiscal year 2005-2006 plus additions, garages, decks and sheds.  As our rural appearance changes, we have a neighborhood of people with diverse backgrounds and ideas of what is best for our Association and Town.  The one thing that won’t change is we are all people wanting their perception of quality of life.  What brought us here was the beauty of the area - trees, lakes, environment, recreation and ideal of being safe.  As things continue to change, it is my hope that we can find harmony amongst all the changes and remain good neighbors.

     It’s been my pleasure serving you and the best of luck to everyone!  Please support our new board members.  They volunteer their time and we can best help by being involved and stay positive. 

Arlene Scalzo,  Ex-Chair