January 2026 January 2026 | Page 2

2 January 2026 Charbonneau Villager

News from the CCC Board

By JOHN MCCLAIN FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT CHAIR

Looking at our financial future

On behalf of the CCC Board, this article acknowledges the important work of the general manager and board of directors who develop the annual budget. The goal is to set residents’ monthly assessments at a level to assure a financially stable and low-risk future, while being affordable.

The questions most asked by board members and residents fall into three major areas.

Dues: How are the dues spent? What is the risk of special assessments in the future? Are there limits to future dues increases?

Debt: How much debt do we have? How much is too much? Are we at risk of higher interest rates in the future that could cause a dues increase?

Reserves: How much do we have in reserves? Is it enough to meet future needs without a special assessment? Do we have enough for emergencies and other contingencies?

Total monthly assessments for 2026 were increased by $ 5, or about 4 % more than 2025. The budget process involved a more intensive review than in past years. The direction of the board to the many committees submitting budget requests was to focus on what is“ needed” rather than what is“ wanted.” Only top priorities were placed at the top of the budget lists. An additional aspect of the process was to prepare a forecast for future years,

to identify, anticipate and plan for major needs that would require significant cash expenditures.

There are three major financial areas that are separately funded with monthly assessments.

Operations: Assessments are expected to be driven by inflation in future years- an estimated annual increase of 3-4 % rather than the past years of high inflation. The financial contribution of amenities( e. g. RV storage, marina, sports center, gym) provide a net contribution to operations and reserves that slightly reduce the monthly assessments.

Reserves: Assessments are increasing at a high rate for the next five years to assure timely maintenance and replacement of physical features and the facilities of Charbonneau.

Capital: Assessments are adequate, without annual increases, to make the payments on the outstanding loan used to fund recent years of major projects( e. g. Activity Center, Sports Center). In addition, some new assets are funded each year as well.

In summary, the budget for 2026 and forecasts for the next few years has been evaluated. Plans are in place to provide reasonable and adequate funding for anticipated needs. However, inflation remains the most difficult cost factor to predict, so flexibility may be the order of the day in making future adjustments.

In the spirit and best practice of transparency, and for those who want to dig deeper into the budget and projections, these documents are available on the CCC website: Reserve Study, Capital Projects Plan and Operations. Residents can also contact General Manager Jim Meierotto for physical copies and / or a more detailed explanation of specific topics and reports.

Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety

By NEIL KENNEDY

Security and preparedness: Looking back and ahead

As we close out another year, it’ s worth taking a moment to reflect on where we stand

KENNEDY as a community when it comes to safety, preparedness and planning for the future. The past year brought stability in our crime rates, progress in emergency readiness and continued discussions about how we can best position Charbonneau for the challenges and technologies of the years ahead.

A stable year in community safety

Our criminal incident types and overall rate have remained virtually unchanged for the past two years, with only minimal fluctuations. This consistency is encouraging, and it’ s a sign that our layered approach to community security continues to work. We will maintain our current program while adapting to new information as it arises. One important component will not change: our patrols will remain fully randomized to ensure that no predictable pattern can be learned by those who may be scouting for opportunities.

A good example of adaptive response occurred in late spring, when we experienced two thefts from unlocked vehicles over a single weekend. In response, we modified our coverage the following weekend— deploying our regular patrol, adding an officer in an unmarked vehicle and incorporating an undercover officer on a bicycle. We partnered with Wilsonville Police and, while no arrest was made, the operation proved valuable. Officers observed both a suspicious car and an individual moving through different parts of the community at the same time. The pedestrian attempted to evade contact, and the car sped out of Charbonneau

See EPPS / 3

CORRECTION In the December issue of the Villager, a subheadline incorrectly stated the process for receiving equipment from Sunshine Service. The loaning of equipment is free.

J. Brian Monihan Publisher brian. monihan @ lakeoswegoreview. com

Corey Buchanan Villager Editor corey. buchanan @ lakeoswegoreview. com

Kim Stephens Circulation kim. stephens @ youroregonnews. com

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