In an earlier article, the issue of how spending approval works at Cameron Station was discussed and the topic of the Annual Operating Budget was briefly touched upon. You can read it here.
Cameron Station’s annual operating budget is built from the ground up each summer and fall. Using a proven “bottom‑up” method, every discretionary dollar must earn its place in the plan. This approach reviews every discretionary expenditure, and each dollar must be justified on its merits.
Who Leads the Process? General Manager Steve Philbin partners with the volunteer Finance Committee to steer budget development. Current committee members are: Takis Taousakis (Chair); Board liaison William Blumberg; Fred Blum; Jodi Wittlin; Joseph Durso; Jason Barnes; and Mariane Lewis.
Step 1 – Gather the Facts. Management assembles year‑to‑date spending, the previous five years of actual expenditures, contract renewal estimates (trash, grounds, shuttle bus, fitness center, etc.), and upcoming reserve‑study projects. This information creates a data‑driven starting point.
Step 2 – Committee Requests. The four spending committees—Communications; Activities & Events; Common Areas; and Facilities—review needs in their areas and submit itemized requests with justification.
Step 3 – Draft the Budget. Management and the Finance Committee evaluate all submissions, meeting with committee chairs as needed, and produce the first draft.
All committees conduct business in an open forum at their monthly meetings, which are open to all residents. Committee meetings are on a fixed schedule and published in the weekly Cameron Station Connection email as well as other media.
Step 4 – Refine and Share. The budget draft circulates between Management and the Finance Committee for several rounds of fine‑tuning. Each iteration is shared with the Board of Directors for visibility.
Step 5 – Board Review. The Board examines the draft alongside the community’s balance sheet, reserve requirements, and long‑range financial outlook, focusing on the impact to homeowners’ annual dues.
Step 6 – Final Approval. After a detailed working session with Management and the Finance Committee, the Board votes on the budget. Upon approval, the document becomes the official plan for the coming year and is mailed to all homeowners.
Brendan Hanlon is a member of the Cameron Station Board of Directors, currently serving his third term. Feel free to submit comments, feedback, or suggestions for future articles to: brendanhanlon.csc@gmail.com.
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