By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
The Seven Lakes West Landowners Association began its annual budget process in September and presented a proposed budget to the community for review and input in December.
The finance committee works with the infrastructure, safety and security, dam and lake committees to identify maintenance needs and new project priorities. This information is reviewed by the board of directors and presented to the community for feedback before final approval.
The board of directors was scheduled to finalize the proposed budget at the Jan. 27 meeting. Members will have the opportunity to vote on the final proposal ahead of the annual meeting of the association on March 15.
The proposed 2026-2027 budget totals $4.33 million and includes a 7.3 percent increase in annual dues, raising them from $1,947 to $2,089. The association also proposes eliminating the separate mailbox fee to include it within regular dues.
Major spending areas include HOA management, landscaping, road drainage, security services and upgrades, IT support, lake and dam maintenance, road paving and fencing. Additional security funding includes increased guard staffing at the back gate, off-duty sheriff patrols and a proposed lake patrol boat.
A featured capital project is the construction of a new rear gate, designed to address traffic congestion, improve safety and support the community’s continued growth. The gate will bring SLW to the level of other area communities that feature two full entrance facilities. It will include three lanes, a guard shack, and RFID-controlled access. The project budget totals $900,000 and will be completed in three phases with a ribbon-cutting planned for May 6.
Phase one, slated for this month, involves construction to the area left of the exit lane. Phase two will begin in March. Residents will see lane changes and potential lane shutdowns. Alternative security will be set up while the gates are changed. The construction area will include the existing entrance and exit lane and the new guard shack area.
Phase three is planned for April with continued alternative security, landscaping and installation of gates and cameras. Residents should anticipate new lanes and interim shutdowns.
Community members have been encouraged to review the budget proposal and provide input ahead of the Jan. 27 board meeting and to participate in the upcoming member vote.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
