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June 2026 marks five years since the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida. The tragedy reshaped how the condominium industry thinks about building safety. The Community Associations Institute (CAI) recently marked the anniversary with a message from its CEO. It reflected on the lives lost and the policy changes that followed. That message raises an important question for boards here at home: what does strong condo reserve funding in Kentucky actually look like, and who is responsible for it? What Changed After Surfside In the years since Surfside, several states have acted. Florida, for example, now requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for condo buildings. These laws force associations to fund reserves at levels that reflect the true cost of maintaining aging buildings. They also require engineers to assess structural condition on a set schedule. The goal is simple: catch deferred maintenance before it becomes a crisis. Kentucky & Indiana Have No Reserve Funding Mandate Kentucky has no equivalent statute, and neither does Indiana. There is no state law requiring milestone inspections or a minimum reserve funding threshold for condominium associations. Because of that, many boards assume the risk behind Surfside does not apply to them.

Every year, HOA and condominium association boards across the country enter budget season facing the same pressure: “How do we keep dues from increasing?” It’s an understandable concern — no board wants to create an unnecessary financial burden for homeowners. But one of the most important realizations a board member can have is that responsible HOA budget planning was never supposed to start with the dues number. It starts with fiduciary duty. At All Points Community Management, we remind boards regularly that their most critical responsibility isn’t keeping assessments as low as possible — it’s ensuring the association remains financially stable, operationally sustainable, and properly maintained for the long term. That shift in perspective changes the entire budget conversation. The HOA Budget Is Your Community’s Financial Operating Plan An HOA budget isn’t just a spreadsheet or an annual checkbox. It’s the operational and financial blueprint for how the community will function over the next twelve months. That means the HOA budget planning process should begin by evaluating actual obligations: Only after those obligations are fully evaluated should the final assessment calculation occur. How HOA Dues Are Actually Calculated In most associations, dues are not arbitrary — they are mathematically tied to

Spring Planning: A Proactive Approach As winter loosens its grip, board members and community association managers face the crucial task of preparing their communities for spring. A proactive approach to planning is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and a vibrant community atmosphere. Start by assessing winter damage and identifying areas requiring immediate attention. Review governing documents and past spring preparation checklists to create a comprehensive plan. Don’t forget to factor in budget constraints and allocate resources effectively. Maintenance Matters: Inside and Out Spring maintenance is more than aesthetics; it’s about preserving property value and resident safety. Develop a detailed maintenance schedule that addresses both interior and exterior needs. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and potential impact. For instance, address roof leaks promptly to prevent further damage. Ensure common areas are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for increased usage. Remember, preventative maintenance saves time and money in the long run. Consider a staggered approach, starting with essential repairs and moving onto cosmetic enhancements. Engage residents in the process by soliciting feedback on areas of concern. Exterior Checklist Vendor Management: Strategic Partnerships Effective vendor management is critical for successful spring preparation. Evaluate existing vendor contracts and assess performance. Obtain multiple bids for