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Things to consider on GVR ballot

By Dick Hansen

Published: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 4:10 PM MST

Ballots will be mailed to Green Valley members very soon for the election of four candidates to the GVR board of directors.

The purpose of this commentary is to shed some light on important factors to consider when voting.

There are several important responsibilities of the GVR board of directors, including:

Strategic planning for the long-term

Approve major governance policies

Communicate with the membership

Approve the annual operating and capital budgets

Approve the amount of the annual dues

Monitor financial condition

Hire, monitor, review, and, if necessary, terminate the executive director.

It is tempting for board members to involve themselves in day-to-day operating matters, and that is very undesirable. GVR has an excellent, well-managed staff who are the optimal people to run GVR for the benefit and pleasure of all GVR members.

In the fall of 2004, the board declined to approve the $5 per year annual dues increase that was recommended by the Fiscal Affairs Committee. That was very short-term thinking. A $5 dues increase is 42 cents per membership per month - a little more than a penny per day. But, over the next 10 years, that decision results in GVR having $600,000 less in their bank account. Why would it be beneficial for GVR to have that $600,000? Here are a few reasons:

GVR's cash reserves are significantly lower than is desirable.

A significant expansion of the Las Campanas Center will occur in the near-term future and it will result in a significant increase in annual operating expenses

The new Canoa Ranch Center will be built in the near-term future and it will result in a significant increase in annual operating expenses

Unexpected cash requirements arise from time to time (for example, the bridge at the Santa Rita Springs Center cost about $175,000, and was built because Pima County required it late in the construction process)

It is my opinion - and the opinion of many other GVR members - that the decision by the board of directors to deny the recommended $5 dues increase was very bad for GVR in the long-term!!

Who sits on the GVR board of directors can make a huge difference in the long-term health and stability of GVR.

When considering which four candidates to vote for when casting your ballot, I encourage you to vote for individuals who will put on their long-term thinking hats every time they walk into a GVR board of directors meeting.

The four individuals that I think meet those criteria best are Ann Gillingham, Susan Hicks, Carol Yarborough and Jay Kinne. Thank you!

Dick Hansen, a CPA, is a former GVR board president. The opinions expressed above are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.


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