Let’s go back a few years. In 1980-1981 the ECA Board
decided after a non-binding vote of all property owners to acquire the
Eastman Golf Links/Center from the developer. The acquisition was done after
community officials committed to operate the Golf Course/Center as a
stand-alone financial operation. It is
stated on the deed that it be run only as long as it was economically feasible.
The intent was that community members would not subsidize through annual
assessments the operation of either the Golf Course or the Center.
Some years later, around 2000, the golfers (we were golf
members) determined that the golf course needed an automated irrigation system.
The then owner of the golf irrigation system (CEC) required that the community
buy, not only the irrigation system, but also the sewer system, the dam and
certain lake rights. Up until then the financial stand-alone commitment had
been maintained for the Golf Course and Center. In acquiring the Sewer Company,
which all property owners paid for (on the sewer or not)-- ECA
governance committed that the Sewer Company would also operate independently
and stand on its own financial capabilities--the same conditions as the Golf
Course/Center. Golf members and players were required to pay incremental annual
or per round assessments to fund the acquisition of the irrigation system and
to fund the improvements to the golf course. Then as ECA members recall, before
the golf members paid their full agreed share of the irrigations system, the
Board forgave $65,000 that then became the responsibility of the community.
A few years later
