In yet another quick reaction to the latest post from this writer, (1) the Director of Finance has spoken. As the gatekeeper to the Association’s money, she has made the determination that a property owner should not be entitled to a response to questions regarding the Association’s finances.
The red flags must literally be flying in a frenzy.
To read the denial in its entirety, click here.
Secret agreements . . .
For example, although someone in the Association has obviously retained a law firm to defend the trademarks against any infringement at an apparent $10k monthly fee, the Director of Finance has determined that this property owner and the community do not have the right to know when or who approved this arrangement.
In contrast, the contract with the General Counsel was openly discussed and approved 7-0 in the November 20th board meeting. (2)
Abandoned capital projects . . .
Further, considering the Finance Director’s refusal to provide requested detail regarding the $121k in architectural and engineering fees for previous renovation considerations at the Chimneys, it is appropriate and reasonable to anticipate that many of those expenses may have been on the books since as far back as 2020. (3)
And exactly what does it mean when abandoned capital projects have been allowed to sit on the books without being expensed or written off?
It means that the net income reported in those years by management was overstated.
Clear and simple.
Quashed . . .
As for now, it certainly appears that management is attempting to stymie any effective financial discussions on these pages by refusing to answer simple, straightforward questions regarding the Association’s money as referenced in the previous post. (1) https://bcmatters.org/whitewashed-updated/
And that is a foolish stance to be taken particularly since the directive comes from the gatekeeper.
Not a good look.
The distant light at the end of the tunnel is glowing brighter . . .
However, there is hope that the days of management and leadership so blatantly withholding vital information from this community will be numbered given the Georgia Legislature’s March 31st passage of the “Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights Act”. (4)
As referenced in a recent post on this site, (5) https://bcmatters.org/whitewashed-part-two/ the “Act” will provide property owners protections and relief along with a mechanism for airing complaints outside the filing of a lawsuit. The bill is currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. If signed, it will go into effect January 1st, 2027.
To read the full text of the “Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights Act” click here:
https://legiscan.com/GA/text/SB406/2025
The bill is somewhat lengthy, but at a minimum, scroll down to Section 43-17A-7, pages 13 -14 for the bill of rights.
Note: An “owners association” may choose not to register with the Secretary of State or comply with the Act. However, as a non-registered owners association, the POA would not be allowed to assess or collect fines or fees.
It may not be perfect, but it’s a start.
Now, let us hope.
. . . . .
Should you believe the information found in these posts is important, please continue to share with your friends and neighbors wherever possible. As for those who wish to see additional articles posted in the future, please subscribe for an email notification or check back frequently. And as always, feel free to contact me directly at thepcrosses@gmail.com for questions or further discussion. Meanwhile, take care and thank you for your readership.
Patricia Cross
10438 Big Canoe
References:
1) “Whitewashed: Updated”, March 25th, 2026, bcmatters.org, https://bcmatters.org/whitewashed-updated/
2) Board Meeting Minutes, November 20th, 2025 (POAwebsite>login>meetings>Minutes>2025>November20th)
3) 2020 Capital & Master Plan Reports (no longer available on the POA website)
4) https://legiscan.com/GA/text/SB406/2025
5) “Whitewashed: Part two”, March 14th, 2026, bcmatters.org, https://bcmatters.org/whitewashed-part-two/
So much secrecy around how property owners’ money is spent. The nerve it must take to tell property owners they are not entitled to know this. We’re entitled to know how and where every penny of our money is spent. This kind of secrecy would never be tolerated in a municipality.
Once again, an excellent call to those who wish to continue to reside at Big Canoe and need to be aware of the various obstacles to our voices and objections to dubious governance. Over time, Property Owners rights to speak out have been seriously eroded in this community. This forum serves to give a voice to opinions that deserve consideration. Thank you, Patricia. You state facts and write with knowledge and professional expertise.
What an insulting response Colonel Hagen gave to Ms. Patricia merely asking for a legitimate accounting of where our money is going. Mumbo jumbo legalese word salad to make it as difficult to respond as possible. I receive better communication from my congressman. You would never know that WE pay these people’s salaries. They have no shame.