Hello Neighbors! 

As many of you have reported, the vote we attempted over the last two weeks regarding moving to a single trash service was not accessible to many, and not received by others. To fix this, we are calling for a “redo” here. This time, rather than delegate the vote to Rowcal, we are setting it up and managing it directly.

‍Short version:

1. We’re asking you to please look for the NEW email with the ElectionBuddy link, click it, and vote Yes or No. The subject line will read “Vote now: Saratoga Hills HOA - Single Trash Service”
2. Moving to a single trash service saves wear and tear on the roads (less big heavy truck traffic) thereby extending the life of our roads and costing each home significantly less over the next several years as we extend the life of these roads and prevent early and expensive roadwork.
3. We attempted a vote over the last week or so, but it seems a mix of technical and human error resulted in many of us not getting a vote email or reminders. 

‍More Details:

In the recent update email and facebook posts, the question arose as to “what is the new price?” We shared that there were two options and we chose the one that included bulk pickup. The price was $69 per quarter. With ~130 homes already using Waste Connections, most homeowners are currently paying $60-$65/qtr. The feedback shared by homeowners was bulk pickup 2x per year is not worth the additional cost and/or the complexity of moving to centralized billing was an issue. 

‍We’ve met and simplified this much further:

1. We eliminated the bulk pickup as it was causing some concern. While it is a very good price, when we need bulk pickup as a neighborhood, we can pay for it separately.
2. If the vote is approved, you will NOT have to pay through the HOA. You will continue working directly with Waste Connections. We’ve confirmed they will honor these discounted prices and you can add trash bins as you wish and work with them directly.

With your vote, we will simply authorize the HOA Board to select a single provider and require all homes to use them for trash service. Below is the comparison of the bids.

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Here is the revised Amendment you’ll be voting on:

‍Waste Management Services.  Article V, Section 5.08 of the Declaration is hereby amended with the addition of the following sub-section:

 5.08.1  Authority to obtain mandatory trash service. In addition to the powers enumerated in Section 5.08, the Association shall have the power and authority at all times to: (a) contract with any waste management service company to provide residential trash services for each lot within the Subdivision;  (b) require each lot to utilize the contracted waste management company for waste servicing, and (c) issue fines, pursuant to any fine schedule, due to noncompliance (such as a lot owner’s separate contracting with a different waste management service company or similar service for the removal of non-construction related waste).

5.08.2 Construction waste. The mandatory trash service delineated in Section 5.08.1 shall not apply to waste disposal services needed for the approved Construction of Improvements (such as trash dumpsters) according to Section 3.06.

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‍Which service would we use and why?

A) Waste Connections. Because the price is far less expensive than the two other bids, the majority of the neighborhood already uses them, and the service is great.

‍When would I have to switch?

A) We will transition over June and July so that we have only one service by August 1, 2024.

‍How do I switch?

A) For those not using Waste Connections yet, simply call their number (512-282-3508) and set up service. Mention you are in Saratoga Hills and have a special price. Cancel your old service and arrange for bin pickup. Waste Connections will drop off your new bins. 

‍What if my current price is lower than the $64.50/qtr?

A) If you currently use Waste Connections and have a lower price, they may raise it to match this agreed price, or they may leave it alone. By the agreement, they could raise it to the agreed levels, but they could raise it at any point anyway per your agreement with them today. With the HOA agreement, raises annually are very limited and tied to indexes, so that possibility is mitigated. In order to best preserve our roads, we need to reduce trash truck traffic, and one result may be this small increase for those with a slightly better rate from a prior agreement.

For even more information, please visit the community website and review prior emails and meetings. 

www.saratogahillsaustin.com