What is a Property Owners Association?The POA is a membership of homeowners that is responsible for the enforcement of the Bylaws and Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs) for the properties in the neighborhood. The Association also maintains the landscaping, irrigation systems, insurance, and fences in the common areas of the neighborhood. The goals of the POA are to enhance the appearance of the neighborhood, to build a sense of community, promote safety, and maintain property values.
Are Homeowner Associations (HOA)/Property Owners Associations (POA) Common?
Yes. These self-governing organizations serve an important role in managing common areas and protecting the investment of the homeowners. According to research from property Management (April 2022):
- Homeowners’ associations in the United States manage 355,000 communities
- 80% of newly constructed homes sold in 2020 were part of HOA communities.
- 53% of all homeowners live in HOA communities.
What is the difference between Stoneridge POA and the Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (WBNA)?
The Stoneridge POA membership includes only the 132 property owners in the subdivision. Membership in the POA is mandatory. When a purchaser closes on their property, this information is disclosed and copies of governing documents, and the Assessment schedule, are provided to the purchaser by the title company. The Wells Branch Neighborhood Association is a social/civic organization that includes all addresses in Wells Branch. The WBNA publishes their own monthly newsletter. Joining the WBNA (and paying the annual membership fee) is optional. That membership fee is not applied to the Stoneridge POA.
Has the neighborhood always been known as Stoneridge?
The Association was formed by the developer (Wells Branch Joint Venture) and initially called Wells Branch Residential POA Inc., In 1999, at completion of the home building, the developer turned the association over to the homeowners. The Stoneridge name was adopted by a vote of the members at the 2001 Annual Meeting to distinguish it from the greater Wells Branch area. In 2022, the Bylaws were amended and the POA is now the Wells Branch Residential Property Owners Association, Inc, d/b/a Stoneridge Wells Branch, Property Owners Association.
Do I pay taxes to the Municipal Utility District and pay the POA assessment?
The MUD is responsible for the water service, flood control, garbage pickup and maintenance of the parks and trails throughout the entire Wells Branch area. They do not maintain the landscaping, irrigation systems, common areas or fences that are contained inside many of the various subdivisions and neighborhoods throughout Wells Branch. Travis County maintains the bridge.
For what areas is the Stoneridge POA responsible?
Stoneridge includes Ploverville Dr. east of Wells Port Drive, Bescott Drive, Purslane Meadow Trail, Rose Pavonia Place, Parralena Lane, and Camas Drive. All of the homes on these streets are members of the Stoneridge POA. The POA maintains the common landscape property areas along Wells Port, the entrance walls, fences, signs, and flower beds on Cervin and Ploverville, and a property easement on Camas Drive.
When did I join the Stoneridge POA?
Every property owner becomes a member of the Association when they purchase their home. At the closing of your home purchase, buyers are notified in a document titled “Planned Unit Development Rider”. This document informs the property owner, that she/he is responsible for payment of a Annual Assessment. (sometimes referred to as "dues").
What is meant by "Assessment"?
There are two types:
- Annual Assessment - often referred to as "dues", this is the recurring yearly amount each homeowner contributes to cover daily operations. It is due in January of each year.
- Special Assessment - a one-time fee shared among all owners to pay for an unexpected POA expense that the normal budget and financial reserves cannot cover.
How does this amount compare with other neighborhood associations?
The POA Board strives to keep the assessment amount at a level that will preserve the community assets, fund and maintain the improvements, and maintain a Reserve fund. Members vote on increases, if the increase is above a certain amount.
To whom do homeowners mail their dues?
CSA Management, Inc. is a homeowner property management company that is retained by the Association. It acts as the "treasurer". It is also the registered agent for service for the POA. The company collects assessments and does the accounting for the Association. They also send enforcement letters regarding violations of the Covenants, Conditions and Rules (CCRs) and the Deed Restrictions. Homeowners may send inquires directly to CSA Management, Inc. The Assessment is due on January 1st.
What are the consequences if I fail to pay my dues or violate the community regulations?All members are expected to remain current in their dues obligations and to comply with
POA regulations. Failure to do so may result in a courtesy notice, official reminder letters, fines, and possibly a lien being placed on the property for amounts owed fines, legal fees, and costs. See more information about
Collection of Annual Assessments
What happens if a lien is placed on my property?A property lien is placed only when other options to collect dues have been ignored. A property lien is a legal action taken to protect the Association. Once a lien is filed by the Association attorney, the property cannot be sold or refinanced without settlement of all debts that are owed. The removal of the lien must be filed with the Travis County Courts, and all fines, legal expenses and attorney fees incurred by the Association must be paid by the property owner. The accumulation of dues will continue until all debts and obligations in arrears are fully paid.
Are the Board of Directors (BOD) and Officers of the Association paid?
No. All of the BOD and Officers are volunteers. They are elected each year at the Annual Meeting and donate their time and efforts to the neighborhood.
Who votes for the Board?
There is one vote allowed for each property address. Each property owner is also eligible to run for any of the three Board of Directors positions.
May I serve in other ways ?
All property owners may volunteer to serve on committees, such as the Architectural, Decorations, Welcome, and Social Events Committees. All help is greatly appreciated.