(Why Directed Proxies Matter — and Why a “No” Vote Is the Responsible Choice Right Now)
***JUMP TO BOTTOM OF ARTICLE TO DOWNLOAD BLANK DIRECTED PROXY FOR THE 1/14 MEETING**
Why this matters
On January 14, 2026, the HOA is holding a Special Members Meeting to vote on a proposed 2026 alternative budget that would increase the maximum annual assessment by $35 per month for 2026 and 2027 2026-01-14_Special_Member_Meeti….
Many homeowners have raised a simple, reasonable concern:
“What if I can’t attend the meeting in person?”
At present, remote access is not being provided. That means the only practical way for many owners to participate is through a directed proxy.
This article explains:
- how directed proxies work,
- why they are important,
- and why voting NO for now is the most responsible option — even if you believe reserves need attention.
What is being voted on? (Plain English)
At the Special Members Meeting on January 14, homeowners will vote on one item only:
Whether to adopt the 2026 alternative budget that increases the maximum assessment by $35/month for 2026 and 2027 2026-01-14_Special_Member_Meeti….
That’s it.
No discussion of alternatives.
No committee process.
No member-driven review built into the vote.
If you cannot attend in person, you still have a voice
Use a DIRECTED proxy
A proxy allows someone else to attend and vote on your behalf.
A directed proxy means:
- you choose how your vote is cast (for example, NO),
- the proxy holder must follow your instructions,
- your vote counts even if you are not physically present.
This is especially important when:
- remote attendance is not offered,
- homeowners lack a trusted personal representative,
- or members simply want their vote recorded without debate.
The proxy form is included with the meeting notice 2026-01-14_Special_Member_Meeti….
Why many homeowners are urging a “NO — for now” vote
Voting NO does not mean:
- you oppose maintaining the community,
- you oppose funding reserves,
- or you oppose long-term planning.
It means you want the decision made correctly, transparently, and with member participation.
Key reasons to vote NO at this time
1. No member-level financial review
Homeowners have not been given:
- a committee-based review of the reserve study,
- alternatives to the proposed increase,
- or an explanation of enforcement risks if the assessment is challenged.
Once an assessment is approved, it is very difficult to unwind.
2. Reserve studies require careful handling
Under Colorado law, reserve funding decisions must align with:
- the current reserve study,
- the assumptions behind it,
- and the governing documents.
If there are open questions, the responsible step is pause and review, not rush to a vote.
3. Process matters
Good governance is not just about outcomes — it’s about how decisions are made.
A short-notice vote without:
- remote access,
- structured homeowner input,
- or a financial working group
puts both the HOA and homeowners at risk.
A better path forward: a Member Financial Review Committee
Many homeowners are advocating for a simple, constructive alternative:
- Vote NO for now via directed proxy.
- Form a homeowner committee to:
- review the reserve study,
- examine funding options,
- assess timing and affordability,
- and report back to the membership.
- Bring a revised proposal to members with clarity and consensus.
This approach:
- protects homeowners,
- protects the Board,
- and leads to stronger, more defensible decisions.
What about the Board meeting afterward?
After the Special Members Meeting, the Board will hold its regular meeting 2026-01-14_Regular_Board_Meetin…, including items on:
- trash,
- election of officers,
- and executive session topics.
However, the assessment decision happens first, and it cannot be undone by later discussion.
Bottom line
If you:
- cannot attend in person,
- want your vote counted,
- believe reserve funding deserves careful review,
- and want a solution that brings homeowners into the process,
then a directed proxy with a NO vote is the clearest way to be heard.
This is not opposition.
It is participation.
DOWNLOAD A BLANK DIRECTED PROXY HERE:
If you cannot attend the January 14 meeting in person, submitting a Directed Proxy ensures your vote is counted exactly as you intend. You do not need to name an individual proxyholder — appointing the Association is sufficient.