Hey Alta Mar Villas neighbors – has anyone else noticed the major error in our new budget disclosure?
The packet we just received from Associa explicitly states there is a 0% increase in assessments. However, if you look at the actual numbers, our dues are jumping from $443 to $460.
Even worse, the Board sent a "correction" email on December 23rd—just 8 days before the new year. Under California law (Civil Code § 5615), any increase in assessments requires at least 30 days' notice. A notice sent two days before Christmas for a January 1st increase is legally void.
Our current Board leadership (Eric Rowland, Sanjay Katabathuni & Ramon Torre) hired Associa to manage these details, but they are failing to provide the oversight we pay for. Don’t let Associa get away with their mistakes at our expense. When management fails, the Board’s job is to protect the homeowners and follow the law, not rubber-stamp an illegal increase at the last minute.
2026 Budget & Reserve Disclosures
Fact vs. What the Documents Show
This page compares statements made by the Board and management regarding the 2026 Annual Budget with the figures and disclosures contained in the 2024 Reserve Study, the 2026 Budget Package, and the December 23, 2025 “Correction” notice.
1. Annual Assessment Increase
What Was Stated
The Board’s cover letter described the 2026 budget as having a “0% increase.”
What the Documents Show
- 2025 regular assessment: $442.99
- 2026 regular assessment: $460.00
- Increase: $17.01 per month (3.8%)
Regardless of how it was described, the assessment amount increased.
2. Timing of Legal Notice
What Was Stated
Management acknowledged the assessment increase in a “Correction” notice dated December 23, 2025.
What the Documents Show
- The increased assessment was scheduled to begin January 1, 2026.
- Notice period provided: 9 days.
Relevant Law
California Civil Code §5615 requires 30 days’ written notice before an assessment increase takes effect.
3. Special Assessment Planning
What Was Stated
Current materials reference a $6,000 special assessment in 2029.
What the Documents Show
- The 2024 Reserve Study recommends a $5,000 special assessment in 2026.
- The funding plan table still shows a $5,000 special assessment in 2026, despite narrative language shifting the amount and year.
Only one amount and one year can be correct. The documents currently conflict.
4. Reserve Funding Level
What Was Stated
Reserve funding was described as approximately 37% funded.
What the Documents Show
Another page in the same budget package lists reserves at 14% funded for 2026.
This difference materially changes how homeowners assess the Association’s financial condition.
5. Budget Review & Documentation
What Was Stated
The budget was presented as complete and ready for approval.
What the Documents Show
- No reconciliation of conflicting reserve percentages
- No reconciliation of special assessment timing or amounts
- No clear explanation addressing the assessment increase discrepancy
Purpose of This Page
This comparison does not advocate for or against any assessment increase.
Its sole purpose is to present a side-by-side comparison of statements made
versus what appears in the Association’s own financial documents, so
homeowners can review the information clearly and independently.