Road paving controversy in local subdivision

A key vote that affects landowners in the Crooked Horseshoe Homeowners Association takes place this Wednesday, July 14.

The vote will decide the fate of an amendment to the bylaws of the association to change the percentage needed to pass a tax assessment from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority vote.

Bill Sampson, board president, said the vote on the bylaw change will pass if approved by a majority of those who vote on Wednesday.

He said the board has been working on the road tax improvement for several years. A vote to repair the road took place on May 27, with 21 in favor and 11 opposed, meaning the measure failed by one vote because of the two-thirds requirement.

He said the board decided to ask for the bylaw change after hearing "repeatedly" from the majority of people that it didn't seem fair that a minority controlled the fate of the roads.

If the bylaw change passes, then another vote on the tax assessment will take place July 29. Each landowner would be assessed roughly $6,000 to pay for the improvements.

The vote this Wednesday is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., while the vote on July 29 is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Both votes will be held at the Sisters Library.

Thirty-four households in the association will be eligible to vote. The improvements and repairs affect 2.2 miles of road, primarily Crooked Horseshoe Road and some side roads.

Sampson said an earlier vote passed with the needed two-thirds majority, but was nullified on what he called a "technicality," since the election did not meet a 30-day public notice requirement.

Sampson said the roads in the association have not had proper attention in 20 years, except for a sealer applied about 10 years ago.

"The roads are reverting back to gravel. Something needs to be done," he said.

Board member Kim Gaudette agrees that the roads need repair, but that not enough consideration has been given to cheaper methods such as a chip seal.

Gaudette also is concerned about long-term maintenance costs.

She also cites the current economic climate.

"The board does not have compassion for people's economic difficulties. That's a chunk of money right now," she said.

Gaudette said opponents are handing out information this week to all land owners regarding their point of view and are considering a letter to the editor (see page 14).

The area of controversy is about two miles north of Sisters in the Indian Ford area.

Sampson added that the board consulted a Portland legal firm with experience in homeowners associations. The legal firm said that when the Crooked Horseshoe association was formed 30 years ago it was common to require a two-thirds majority on tax measures.

The firm advised the board that the norm today is to require only a majority.

Sampson said he welcomes inquiries about the tax assessment, and that residents in the area can call him at 541-549-8578. Sampson said he will be at the polling place on Wednesday to answer any final questions.

He added that the board has had informational meetings led by civil engineers and the construction firm Knife River to provide information.

If the measure passes, residents will have the option of financing their portion at a cost of $68 per month over a 10-year period with an interest rate of 6.25 per cent.

Sampson said he realizes that no one wants to spend $6,000, but the association has no reserve funds to pay for the repairs.

Sampson said the road experts predict the improvements will last 15 to 20 years.