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.
Update – January 9th, 2026
Consider Before You Vote
Do These Bylaws Changes Help Us PAY LESS?
Villages Bylaws Update – What to Know Before You Vote
We support The Villages in updating their bylaws and wanted to share a brief perspective on the flyer we all received recently titled “Vote Yes to Pay Less”
- Capital Improvement Vote Threshold
- Current threshold requiring Member approval: under $500,000
- Proposed change: 5% of the Operating Budget (≈ $1.1 million)
- This new method allows the threshold to rise with budget increases, rather than being tied to the Construction Cost Index.
Key questions:
- Why is this change needed when there have been only two Member votes in 15 years (the Bistro and Pickleball Courts)?
- This change immediately allows projects up to $1.1M without a vote.
- Because the threshold grows with the budget, it will continue to increase without Member approval. The Club Operating Budget increased approximately 25% between 2025 and 2026, and over 55% between 2023 and 2026.
- 10% budget increase → $1.2M
- 25% increase → $1.375M
- 50% increase → $1.65M
Does this help us PAY LESS?
- Reduced Member Oversight & Transparency
The proposed changes reduce Members’ ability to monitor and question sudden shifts in priorities.
- A 5-year Strategic Plan was introduced in April 2025 without Member consent.
- Based on that plan, the 2025–26 budget increased dues by 27%.
- A Capital Project Plan (CPP) was created that:
- Is not aligned with the August 2025 Member Survey Results (see p. 7 – Key Takeaway 1. Club Identify Challenge):
An aggregate of the written comments cited The Villages’ direction with many objecting to the emphasis on being a “country club community of choice” in the Mission and Vision statements, and others who prefer maintaining The Villages’ character as an affordable retirement community. - Projected 14% annual dues increases for 5 years, and 4% increases for years 6–30
- Is not aligned with the August 2025 Member Survey Results (see p. 7 – Key Takeaway 1. Club Identify Challenge):
Does limiting access to Board meetings help us PAY LESS?
Shouldn’t the CPP be revised to reflect Member priorities?
In Closing
Your vote matters.
Please review the proposed Bylaws carefully, understand their long-term impact, and vote your conscience
You Can Share Your Own Concerns
See Detailed Comments on the Bylaws