In reaching this decision many factors were considered. In 2008, the HOA began utilizing Central Alarm on an evening only basis because of some incidents at the pools. Over time this level morphed into a 4 times a day, 7 days a week check. A number of residents have questioned whether this was a necessary expenditure. In making this decision, the board considered both the low crime nature of the area, the possibility that the simple presence of the security company acted as a deterrent, the lack of any significant incident caught by the security company, the incidents the company did catch (primarily pool gates left open), and cost (we spent $9,000 last year and budgeted $10,000 for this year). Board Member Larry Spencer also talked with 9 other Fairfield HOAs and learned that none of them use a security service. These HOAs indicate that they don’t experience any significant issues. The most common problems reported are kids climbing walls/fences to use the pool (trespassing without damage) and garage doors left open which could attract thieves.
The board elected to continue for the time being the Friday and Saturday late night pool checks because the pools are an attractive nuisance easily accessed from Sunrise and Territory but we are discontinuing the daytime checks.
For homeowners absent for extended periods, please consider making use of the FREE service from the Pima County Sheriff’s department (520-351-4511). If you are out of town for more than 7 days you can request a regular inspection by a Sheriff’s Auxiliary volunteer in a marked sheriff’s vehicle.
✉ by Guy Scharf, SMVE PresidentPhone: ; (cell)