LRAA President's Letter, March 28, 2020

COVID-19 RESPONSE

March and April is the time of year that usually marks the arrival of spring in all its beauty to the Methow Valley and the rest of Washington. Spring is here, but it comes in the shadow of the coronavirus crisis. With our country in the grip of a pandemic, each of us has undoubtedly felt the ripple effects of the virus in some form. The health and safety of our community and our families is our highest priority. 

On Monday, March 23, Governor Jay Inslee made a statewide Order for everyone to stay home for two weeks, beginning March 25. We urge community members and travelers to stay at home and take protective measures against coming into contact with, or spreading, COVID-19.

There is ample information out there about the virus and the current worldwide and statewide measures in place to prevent its spread. Please remember that we all share in the collective duty to ensure the health and safety of this community.

On behalf of the LRAA Board, I wish you all well in these challenging times. Take good care of yourselves and your families.

OTHER LRAA BUSINESS

Annual Dues
    •    Membership dues: $619  
    •    Water Fees (per Water Right): $305  
    •    Total with one water right: $924

Please make every effort to pay your dues by March 31st. Thanks to all of you who already sent in your payment. Remember that our 2020 annual membership dues are the primary means to fund the day-to-day and annual operation of the Association from January 1 through the end of 2020.

That said, the Board and your neighbors are aware that some members of the Lost River community may be facing considerable financial hardship caused by the coronavirus. They may have lost their jobs, they may be ill with the virus and can’t work, or they may be caring for someone who has the virus. If you are facing that kind of financial hardship, please let the Board know before March 31st if you need to have your payment due date extended to June 30, 2020. During that period no late fee or interest will be charged.

Lastly, due to the coronavirus, our accountant's business office has been understaffed. Payment checks sent by LRAA members will be slow to get deposited. Please be patient if you are waiting for notification that your check has cleared. This may not take place for several more weeks. In the meantime, the date your payment was postmarked will be sufficient for proof of on-time payment.

WUCIOA Update
The third in a series of communications intended to inform LRAA members about the results of the Board's review of the new Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) is now available. Please see Information about WUCIOA #3 in LRAA News on the website.

Annual Membership Meeting
This year's Annual Membership Meeting is currently scheduled for Sunday, May 24, in accordance with LRAA Bylaws. However, as a community we need to face the very real possibility that this meeting will need to be cancelled or postponed. The Board is monitoring the situation, and we will make a timely decision that prioritizes the health and safety of Lost River and its members.

As I bring this message to a close, please know that the LRAA Board remains committed to the smooth functioning of our community. Under these unprecedented circumstances, we must also be mindful of the impact of the coronavirus on our families, the Association, the Methow Valley, and beyond.

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to the Board via the Contact Us page on our website.

Respectfully,
Kevin Piasecki
LRAA President