I don't want to be part of an HOA. Can't I just "opt out"?
No. In Washington, an HOA is an entity in which named properties are legally bound to one another. By buying a home within this or any other HOA, you agree to be a part of that legal relationship whether you want to or not.

What happens if I don't pay assessment fees associated with my property?
In Washington, an HOA's Board of Trustees has the legal right to compel home owners to pay assessment fees. Failure to pay will result in a lien or liens being placed against a property through the county assessor's office. Liens will be for the amount of the unpaid assessment(s) as well as legal fees associated with administering them.

What are my responsibilities as part of the Lemen Airpark HOA?
Home owners' responsibilities are outlined in the Lemen Airpark HOA's Covenants and Bylaws. The HOA's primary responsibility is upkeep of the common property, the park located at 14105 E 17th Ave. Prior to 2021 this has included the cost to maintain a swimming pool and associated outbuildings. However, in 2023 the Association voted to demolish these properties.

How much will it cost to demolish the swimming pool?
The Board has estimated the cost to demolish the pool at $48,300. Divided by the 92 homes in the Association, this means that each home owner will be required to pay a special, one-time assessment of $525. Payment of the Special Assessment is due in full by December 31, 2024.

How much is the Annual Assessment?
Once the swimming pool and associated outbuildings have been accomplished, ongoing costs to maintain the park property are likely to be between $150 and $250 annually. The Board of Trustees is responsible for creating a budget for each upcoming year. This budget determines the amount of the Annual Assessment. Toward the end of the year, the Board calls a meeting at which members of the HOA can review the proposed budget, ask questions, provide input, etc. The body of the Association then votes whether to keep or reject the budget.

How does the Board of Trustees communicate with members?
The Board's principal means of communication is the US Mail. Letters notifying members of upcoming meetings are mailed at least 30 days in advance. Once letters have been delivered, individual home owners are responsible for reading and responding to them. Home owners who are renting their property must ensure that the Board of Trustees has their correct mailing address on file as renters typically do not forward such letters to owners.

How can I communicate with the Board of Trustees?
Members can communicate with the Board of Trustees by e-mailing a message to lemenairpark@gmail.com. 

How do I cast my vote for a budget or other decision?
Anytime a vote of the general membership is required, the Board of Trustees will issue a Call to Meeting. All Call to Meeting letters will be mailed via US Post. Notice of meetings will also be posted on the HOA's website. Home owners can cast their vote in one of three ways: 1) In person at the meeting. 2) By sending a proxy to the meeting to vote on their behalf. 3) By mailing or personally delivering a ballot to a member of the Board of Trustees before the designated voting time period expires.

How are decisions for the HOA made?
All 92 home owners in the Association have the right to cast a single vote relative to any specific decision. In accordance with the HOA's bylaws and Washington State statute, a simple majority among members of the Association who cast votes carries any decision. It is not necessary to have a minimum number of members present for a decision to carry. For this reason home owners should make themselves aware of issues affecting the Association and participate in the decision-making process.

It is possible to dissolve the HOA?
Yes. Washington state law allows for HOAs to dissolve upon a vote of its members. However, because each member of the HOA owns a 1/92 part of its common property (the park), simply dissolving the HOA does not dissolve ownership of this property; it would have to be sold. Historically, HOAs in Washington that have tried to sell their common properties have found getting everyone to agree on the terms of a sale virtually impossible. Dissolving the HOA without selling the property would leave no legal means for its maintenance, and it would soon become an attractive nuisance.