01/24/2007

OPA Town Meeting focuses on budget
By Bob Lassahn

The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) held a town meeting on January 20 on the topic of the proposed 2007-2008 budget. The 10 a.m. gathering in the Community Hall hosted by General Manager Tom Olson was well attended and 17 speakers took the podium to express their views on the proposed budget.

Olson started the meeting with a cursory overview of his proposed budget and a brief explanation of his rationale in determining its construct. The most notable feature of his proposed budget is a $150 increase in the assessments, an amount he justified by explaining that OPA reserves need to be increased in preparation for repairs and rehabilitation of aging facilities.

About six of the speakers protested the proposed $150 assessment increase with one calling it outrageous. One speaker commended Mr. Olson for the increase as "doing the right thing," while several others agreed it was necessary. One speaker noted that previous boards should have been increasing the assessments to keep pace with the times.

Several individuals, including Boat Club Commodore Dick Clark protested the proposed increase in slip rental fees. Mr. Clark referred to the increase as "inappropriate and insulting," commenting that OPA viewed the marina as a cash cow.

Some speakers offered suggestions and some simply asked questions in an attempt to better understand the budget process. A few took the opportunity to express opposition to the construction of the new Community Center, while others expressed their displeasure regarding the Sports Core poll enclosure.

The meeting continued for about two hours. A number of times Mr. Olson claimed ownership for the budget, pointing out this was his proposal and not something the board has created. The board will now consider all input and will have the opportunity to modify Mr. Olson's proposal before passing the final version.

The proposed budget is available online at the OPA website (www.oceanpines.org). It is in Microsoft Excel format and a free Excel reader is available from the Microsoft website. A hard copy of the budget is also available in the lobby of the administration building.



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