This is an open letter to the 2022 Recreation Centers of Sun City board, the 2023 RCSC board members elect and the RCSC membership on the subject of the 2023 budget.

The proposed budget incorporates all the issues of inflation that were discussed at the Dec. 15 board meeting. It provides for increase wages to staff, due to the 2023 minimum wage increase and inflation. It provides for anticipated increased costs in utilities. It provides for anticipated increased cost for materials, goods and services.

Past budgets have resulted in good guidance and resulted in leftover (unspent) dollars (carry forward). The current 2023 budget requires an additional $2.7 million. This amount exceeds the projected revenue for 2023. Where does the increased budget amount come from? The current motion calls for an assessment increase of $29 per year. This results in approximately $750,000 additional income for 2023. This leaves approximately $2 million that will come from the current carry forward of more than $10.5 million. The resulting carry forward would end up being at least $8 million.

Why not take the additional $750,000 from carry forward and not increase the annual assessment this year? The resulting carry forward would end up being more than $7.25 million.

This is a simple question.

There were several additional reasons given at the board meetings for an increased assessment. Some that do not really apply and some that are fear mongering comments that also do not apply.

We have not had an assessment increase in six years. Why do we need an increase now? This would be appropriate if we did not have unrestricted funds to cover what is needed. We have an excessive amount of unrestricted funds. The carry forward is currently more than $10.5 million. Six years without an increase is not a good reason. It just indicates that we are very good at managing our facilities and our money.

Our assessments are far lower than other communities. In most cases as much as 50% and more. Same argument from prior paragraph applies. Do we really need an increase today? We are very good at managing our facilities and our money.

“We are at a precipice.” “We cannot have deficit spending.” This is fear mongering. These are not true statements. Our budget has increased as necessary to deal with inflation. We have the money. We do not need to borrow money. Increasing assessments is a standalone issue and is not necessary to have a balanced budget.

Stop all the puffing and look at the real question: Where does the increased budget amount come from?

The answer is simple: Use the carry forward dollars to balance the budget. Do not increase assessments. Deal with an assessment increase in the future when it may really be needed.

Editor’s Note: The Independent welcomes all points of view. Email your opinions, pro or con, to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.