The residents of Tellico Village attended a meeting held by the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) on July 9. During the meeting, they asked for better communication from the Property Owners Association (POA) and raised questions regarding community issues.
GAC Meeting
The Tellico Village POA has ten advisory HOA committees, one of which is the GAC. It is a nonpartisan committee created to research governmental and quasi-governmental organizations that impact residents’ lives. Moreover, the GAC advocates and liaises for the village and community.
The Tellico Village POA’s board of directors (BOD) comprises seven members. Together, they fulfill the role of a city government in the Village. It is also managed by professional staff, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chet Baker, directed by the BOD. The GAC holds a meeting every second Tuesday of the month, with meetings open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Better Communication and Other Issues
Richard Ganch, one of the attendees, raised an issue over the POA’s lack of communication regarding the recent 25-cent property tax hike. The Loudoun County Commission approved the increase in June to support a $115 million building program for the school system in the county.
According to Ganch, the POA has been involved in several issues in the past. However, the POA presented no information about the recent increase. Ganch recommended two outlets for communication: the Tell-E-Gram newsletter and Nextdoor. The Committee members stated they would express the concern to CEO Baker and raise the issue at the next Communications Advisory Committee on August 2 at 9 a.m.
Election Season and Redistricting
Besides better communication, Mike Lynch, a resident for over two and a half years, asked about the GAC’s get-out-the-vote campaign this election season. The campaign’s efforts achieved an 83% turnout in 2022, affecting several countywide elections. The latest issue about school taxes should prompt more people to vote.
Lynch asked if they could consistently communicate why skipping the race and “no” votes are essential to convey that the people might not like the options. The committee will think about drafting an informational article for the newsletter and giving a copy to the press.
In addition, Lynch asked the POA and GAC to prepare for 2030 so Tellico Village may influence redistricting. He states the village’s votes were diluted, so the school deal would always pass.
Committee Chairman’s Remarks
Before hearing from visitors on July 9, Susan Kirk, the GAC committee chairman for five out of six years, made a motion that the Pledge of Allegiance will always open public meetings. The motion unanimously passed. By the end of the meeting, she unanimously thanked everyone for coming.
She also stated that people should watch the committee because they have unexpected vacancies now and then. Kirk urged people to join the committee because it is how they get their voices heard. Moreover, she stated that the committee wants to keep hearing from them and urged the people to come back again.
