Tri-County Q&A Edit page

Heartland Crossing HOA and Tri-County

Homeowner Question: In regard to Tri-County and Heartland Crossing HOA, who is responsible for what expenses?  Can you provide a clear lineation between the two as it pertains to expenses?

Management Company Answer:  HOA is responsible for all common area expenses except those pertaining to pump stations or water issues.  Tri-county will help the HOA by picking up Trash, fixing park equipment, painting benches, tables, etc.  These type expenses are normally the responsibility of the HOA, however the HOA at Heartland benefits from Tri-County’s help.
Tri- County Answer: Heartland Crossing HOA is responsible for all common area expenses of the development, except those pertaining to specific Tri-County Conservancy District (“District”) facilities, such as pump stations, and sewer or water lines.  The District employs some personnel which may assist the HOA by picking up trash, fixing park equipment, painting benches, tables, etc.  These expenses are normally the responsibility of the HOA; however the HOA and the District often work together for the benefit of the development.  Please remember that every property owner of Heartland Crossing is both a member of the Association and a Freeholder of the District.  Further, each property owner provides the revenue (through HOA fees and District billings) for both entities.  Whether the District pays for these expenses, or the HOA pays for them, they are essentially paid by each property owner.

Homeowner Question:  In regard to the HOA being responsible for everything except pump stations and water issues, that seems inconsistent with the covenants and bylaws as it clearly states Tri-County is responsible for common area.  Please explain?

Management Company Answer: Tri-County is “responsible”, that does not mean financially, it means they govern the common area assets.
Tri-County Answer: The District owns and governs many of the common areas throughout Heartland Crossing, such as ponds and amenity areas.  Through its agreements with the Association, the property owners benefit from these assets with the understanding that the HOA will monitor and maintain them.

Homeowner Question:  Can and will the by-laws and covenants be updated to reflect clear lineation of responsibilities between HOA and Tri-County?

Management Company Answer:  We will check with Tri-County and the Declarant.
Tri-County Answer:  The Developer has no immediate plans to amend the Association documents.

Homeowner Question:  Who insures the common area, including all assets on the common area?  Tri County or the HOA?  If Tri-County, why would the HOA insure their assets?
Management Company Answer:  The HOA insures the common area and the assests (Buildings, playground equipment, etc.) Note:  We were not correct in our answer.  After checking with the HOA’s insurance agent, the HOA does not insure the pools, pool buildings, playgrounds, park equipment or clubhouse.  The HOA does insure light poles, entry signs, etc.  Tri-County insures the pools, pool buildings, playgrounds, park equipment, and clubhouse.

Tri-County Answer:  Tri-County would agree.

Homeowner Question:  If we build a new pool, would Tri-County own it or the HOA?

Management Company Answer:  We will ask for clarification.
Tri-County Answer: Any plans for future improvements, such as a pool or clubhouse, is a future decision to be decided between the leadership of the HOA and Tri-County.

Homeowner Question: HOA pays for roof repairs, playground and pool repairs & updates, but HOA does not own any of this, Tri-County owns it.  Resident finds it hard to support funding a new roof or playground equipment if it is owned by Tri County and not the HOA.  Please help explain how that works.

Management Company Answer:  The Common area and the assets are owned by Tri-County.  Tri-County could lease/rent these areas back to the HOA.  The members of the HOA are the ones utilizing the assets, therefore they are the ones that pay for it.
Tri-County Answer:  As explained above, each property owner of Heartland Crossing is both a member of the Association and a Freeholder of the District.  By working together, the Board of the District and the Board of the HOA use their joint funds in the most efficient manner to keep the amenities of Heartland Crossing in good repair.  Since each homeowner is both a member of the HOA and a Freeholder in the District, this collaboration is the best way to keep the rates and charges of each entity as low as possible.  

New Development and Current Heartland Community

Homeowner Question:  Who decides the builders used in the community?

Management Company Answer:  We believe the Developer decides.