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Article Courtesy of WESH 2
News Orlando
By
Dave McDaniel
Published May 17, 2024
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WATCH VIDEO |
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ORANGE COUNTY -- Some condo owners in Orange County started speaking out when
their HOA fees and special assessments were scheduled to spike.
Some of it is driven by new state laws that require condo associations to set
aside reserve cash for repairs following the surfside condo collapse in South
Florida.
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"I've never felt so sad, like scared and
so hopeless in my whole life," said Britney Brawdy, a
homeowner.
Brawdy's social media posts drew attention to new fees and
assessments at Regency Gardens Condominiums.
"Special assessment, can't pay it. It's too high,
incredible," said Marines Ollarves, a homeowner.
Many in the complex pushed back on what was suggested.
"Increase dues per month about 300%, and a special
assessment ranging from $12,000 to $22,000 for the
homeowners in the community," said Bryan Pricher, HOA board
member.
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A
recall replaced the HOA board. Minutes later, WESH 2 spoke with one of the new
members.
"If I were to say dues are going to go down, or no special assessments, I can't
do that, that's not realistic," Pricher said.
Pricher pointed to tarps on many roofs in the nearly 400-unit complex. These
also had rotten wood and missing pieces.
"The condominium, it needs some repairs, has some hurricane damage from the past
few years, and quite frankly, we've not done a good job as a community in
funding our reserves to account for these things," Pricher said.
State laws now require reserves necessary to make repairs by the end of next
year.
Pricher promises a thorough budget review and only asks residents what they must
have.
"Why some of the components are being recommended for replacement now when they
did the study four years ago? They had a longer expected life," Pricher said.
A resident is relieved that there's new leadership here and said it gives her
hope.
"I'm so happy, I'm happy right now," said Marines Ollarves.
But the laws do now require cash on hand for needed repairs and safe housing.
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