I want homeowners to see the numbers behind my claim that we cut landscaping costs substantially and why I’m advocating for an assessment reduction beginning in 2027.
2025 Landscaping: Budget vs Actual
From the year-end income report as of December 31, 2025, landscaping was budgeted at $109,100.00 (contract + non-contract + small maintenance). Actual landscaping spend came in at $74,403.93.
That is a confirmed 2025 savings of:
$109,100.00 − $74,403.93 = $34,696.07
2026 Landscaping Contract
Our new landscaping contract cost for the ongoing recurring services (mowing, weeding, routine upkeep) is:
$45,882
For comparison, the prior contract budget line was:
$80,000
That is a contract-line reduction of:
$80,000 − $45,882 = $34,118
Non-contract landscaping items still exist and are tracked separately, but this shows the baseline contract cost has been materially reduced.
Combined Impact
When you combine:
the confirmed 2025 landscaping savings ($34,696.07), and
the 2026 contract-line reduction ($34,118),
that totals:
$68,814.07
That is more than half of last year’s total landscaping budget of $109,100.
Why I’m Advocating a $50 Assessment Reduction Starting in 2027
Because of these savings, I am advocating for the board to vote to reduce the annual assessment by $50 beginning in 2027, lowering it from $650 to $600.
With 523 homes, a $50 reduction returns:
523 × $50 = $26,150
The confirmed 2025 landscaping savings alone already exceed that amount, with room to spare.
Potential for a $100 Reduction
If 2026 finishes with lower off-contract landscaping expenses and the full-year numbers confirm these savings are recurring, then near the end of 2026, as part of the 2027 budget process, we can evaluate expanding the reduction to $100 annually.
Bottom Line
I believe homeowners should benefit when costs are reduced. That is what responsible HOA management looks like: cut waste, lower expenses, and return savings to the community.