2026 Dues, Assessments & Fees

Dear Lake Santee Members,

I hope you all enjoyed wonderful and safe holidays and are looking forward to the new year!

I am writing to discuss important budget changes coming for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, as we have some significant projects on the horizon that will require both immediate and future funding.

Firstly, the seawall at the marina is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Additionally, a professional dam inspector has advised that our concrete spillway needs immediate repairs. Addressing these repairs now will extend the lifespan of the spillway by an additional 15 years. However, we must also begin planning for its eventual replacement, which could exceed $2 million. Furthermore, we are experiencing rising costs associated with wages, fuel, utilities, and materials for general upkeep.

To effectively address these and future opportunities, we established a Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC). The LRPC thoroughly reviewed revenue opportunities, best practices from other similar lake communities, and potential future amenities. The survey that was circulated in 2025 was part of this initiative.

During our open budget meetings held in November, the Lake Santee Board of Directors outlined the following changes for the 2026/2027 budget. These changes are based on our immediate and long-term needs, insights gleaned from similar communities, and the revenue-generating strategies proposed by the LRPC:

• Increase Dues & Assessments from $970 to $1,020
• Increase Multiple Lot Assessment from 10% to 12.5%
• Non-member entities (corporations and LLCs) will incur a 15% Multiple Lot Assessment fee based on full dues & assessments, rather than on non-member dues & assessments
• Increase New Home permits from $250 to $1,000
• Increase Building Permits requiring concrete or asphalt from $100 to $250
• Raise the Initiation Fee from $500 to $1,000
• Introduce a HOA Property Transfer Fee of $250 (applicable to all property transfers)
• Increase Boat & Cart fees by $5

*Reminder: $100 Marina Assessment for those that didn't pay the lump sum. This is year 4 of 10.

These adjustments are essential to cover immediate projects and rising costs, but more importantly, they will enable us to build reserves over the next 15 years for the spillway replacement, thereby avoiding the need for a special assessment.

We invite you to attend an open meeting scheduled for January 28 at 6:30, where we will review the budget line by line and present the 15-year forecast developed by the Long-Range Planning Finance sub-committee.

If you have questions, please call me, any board member, or John Lecher.

Best regards,

Steven Knight

LSPOA President