The HOA Board Quarterly Winter 2019 Issue #20 | Page 8

Web-Based Smart Controllers-Irrigation Timers Continued from Page 6 check with your potential vendors for either a leasing plan, which can be an operating expense, or a monthly service fee. Service plans may include monthly charges plus some annual fees, so ask careful questions to ensure you capture all the relevant costs. Total Cost of Ownership Total cost of ownership is a financial estimate to help you determine direct and indirect costs. This may include analyzing long-term plans and ensuring that you will keep your existing landscaping, as well as irrigation system, in place. If you are planning major changes, make sure you will still be able to gain savings from your web based smart controller system without major equipment changes. Look for any local tax credits or rebate programs Web Based Smart Controllers are Worth Considering If your HOA is looking for ways to save water, be responsive to homeowner needs, and use technology to streamline operations, then Web Based Smart Controllers are an important tool. Research is key, so spend the time to fully understand your environment, how several products will suit your needs, and how the company you buy from will support you. If this seems overwhelming, feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help your Association understand this technology. You will then be well on your way to an updated system. Steve Economou is the founder of Rainscape Environmental Management and a sought- after consultant in the industry for more than 37 years. He can be contacted directly at: [email protected] Contributed by Steve Economu Rainscape Environmental Management 619.229.0360 • [email protected] or visit them at www.rainscape.com 8 | The HOA Board Quarterly | Issue #20 | Winter 2019