Financial Controls At Las Mañanitas
The mission of Las Mañanitas HOA is to secure a safe, [financially] sound, beautiful, comfortable community. Here’s how:
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Also, please join the new “Owners Financial Advisory Committee,” which advises the board on suggestions from our outside auditors.
A Strong Peso Is A Challenge
The exchange rate has dropped to 18 Pesos to the Dollar — about 10% worse than the 20:1 when we created the Budget. Because most of our expenses are paid in Pesos, this is like getting hit with a 10% surcharge on every expense!
New Scenic Train Route Approved
The Mexican government has approved a new scenic train to be built from Tijuana all the way to San Jose del Cabo!
Mexico Tightens Anti-Smoking Law
There are severe penalties for smoking in restaurants (even outdoors), beaches, parks, stadiums, theaters, hotels, schools, workplaces, busses and other places.
We will need to revise Rule 3 of the Administrator’s Rules. Basically, residents can ONLY smoke inside one’s Unit or car. NO SMOKING in common areas or even on the beach!
Water In, Water Out
Early 2023 witnessed OOMSAPAS, our water utility have a multi-day outage and another government agency fix a long-standing problem with our sewer system. Let’s look at both episodes: Fresh Water Owing to the rapid growth in Los Cabos, the water…
The Phase I Elevator Decision
Phase I Owners have expressed concern after learning that the HOA had authorized the “modernization” of all four elevators in Phase I at a cost of $320,000. I promised to share the full saga, and I predicted they’d agree with the decision when they had the full story. This post is that report.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Reserves
Some Owners have asked for clarification about how the HOA spends money, specifically on the big items called “Reserves.” This post will attempt to do just that.
Operating Budgets and Reserves Spending Defined: Anyone who has run a household budget knows…
Is Los Cabos Safe?
I’m always surprised when friends fear for my safety. They don’t quite believe that I’m safer here than I was in Las Vegas. Recent, cartel violence in Mazatlan and labor strife in Cancun stoke their concerns. But it’s true. The US State Department gives BCS a “Level 2” travel warning — the same as France and Spain.
Board & Vigilance Groups Advance 2023 Plan
The Vigilance Committees and the HOA Board meet twice a year – once in DEC to refine the plan for the coming year. Once in JUN to make adjustments, if any. The DEC meeting was very successful, confirming an ambitious 2023 plan.
Phase I Elevators Get “Modernized”
All four Phase I elevators are scheduled for major, month-long upgrades this summer. Owners in the Towers who will rent or use their Units during the summer should plan around their elevators being offline for several weeks. This is particularly important for those on upper floors with ambulatory handicaps.
Please help avoid sewer blockages!
The bad news is that we’ve spent a few thousand dollars replacing appliances in the pool bars and some ground-floor Units have been flooded with sewage. The good news is that, with your help, this is completely avoidable. Here’s how you can help!!
Will gas and water become scarce?
This week revealed some disturbing signs of shortages. Happily, our HOA Community Manager is managing the interruptions so we don’t see anything! (Or pay for emergency supplies!)