Who We Are
Your Neighbors, Your Friends –
A group of concerned former Board Directors and many long-term concerned and involved Owners who want Members to have Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures that Protect their Rights and their ability to participate in Owner Governance.
Why This Website
We started because we were very concerned about the series of Proposed Club Bylaws proposals put forth from the Club Board of Directors (CBOD) since May, 2024. The first two Bylaws amendments were confusing and had many issues. We did not agree with many of the changes and organized this group, Members Matter.
Members Matter does not endorse candidates.
We are concerned that the Club Board of Directors (CBOD) is steering The Villages Golf & Country Club in the direction of huge HOA dues increases for the foreseeable future, revising longstanding good policies, etc., with limited or no input from the concerned villagers. We support adding funds to our reserves to maintain aging facilities and infrastructure.
However:
- Costs must be kept in check moving forward. Increases such as the 27.2% this year are not sustainable. We do not want to lose our Villages Community, and many members are being forced out.
We feel members did not move into the Villages looking for Aquatic Centers or a high-end Country Club. While amenities are attractive, most are looking for decent prices, safety, and reasonable assessments. - Concern: Some of the CBOD operating budget increases are necessary due to macro trends in insurance and utilities, others to correct past financial management policies. However, there have also been large increases in payroll, benefits, and legal and professional fees that have not been adequately explained or justified. At the same time, fee income from the Club’s golf facilities has not kept up with the Club’s cost of operation and are now significantly below most comparitive alternatives for golfers in the San Jose area by surveys taken by some members.
- Proposed Remedy: Hold detailed discussions with members to explore the biggest cost increase areas and what can be done to control these costs in the future. Previously there was a Finance Committee with Villagers that was sanctioned by the CBOD who reviewed major spending would provide recommendations.
- Concern: Branding & associated costs are not acceptable without the transparent communication and majority approval from villagers. The CBOD has adopted a strategic plan that will drive up member dues substantially while at the same time has let operating costs climb dramatically for several years.
- Proposed Remedy: We feel there must be approval by a majority of members for branding changes & associated costs.
- Concern: The CBOD has changed its policy to allow itself to invest up to 30% of Club reserves in equity ETFs. The CBOD made this change without allowing for a written vote by members. Previously only Treasury Bills, Bonds, and CD’s were allowed.
While equity investments are viewed favorably for individual investors who have a long-term investment horizon, Club Reserves are community funds and may not be appropriate for long-term investments. Furthermore, many villagers are concerned that US equities are at all-time high prices based upon a number of indicators such as price-earnings ratios.- Proposed Remedy: Put the decision to allow the CBOD to invest in equity ETFs to a written vote of the members.
Attend the 1:30 PM May 27th CBOD meeting at Foothill & 5:00 PM May the 28th town hall meeting at the Cribari Auditorium.
Listen, question, and demand answers.
You Can Share Your Own Concerns
See Detailed Comments on the Bylaws