Deerfield News Connection

January 27, 2025 

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Ensuring Your Vote Counts in Deerfield Resort's First Election​​

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First-Ever Election:  For nearly 40 years, the Deerfield Resort Homeowners Association (HOA) has been under the control of Fields Development. However, 2025 marks a significant milestone as the community prepares for its first HOA board election. This election offers property owners the chance to directly shape the HOA governance, though it also presents unique challenges.

 

Key Details About the Election Process:  The court-appointed Receiver is responsible for organizing the election. Ballots will be sent to owners listed by the developer as having paid their 2024 dues. While this may seem straightforward, there are concerns due to previous inaccuracies in the developer's record keeping. 

 

Historical Issues with Records:  Inaccurate Property Owner lists provided to the Receiver by the developer have delayed the election process for the Deerfield Resort HOA. The Fields have historically been responsible for invoicing and documenting dues payments, which directly impact voter eligibility. However, previous records have exposed significant discrepancies, including unrecorded payments, outdated ownership information, and failures to invoice all property owners. These issues have the potential to unfairly exclude eligible voters from participating in the election. A concern all property owners and the receiver needs to be aware of.

 

Accurate and up-to-date records are essential to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely election process. Without them, elections risk being delayed or unfairly executed.

 

Risk of Exclusion from Voting:  The election process currently relies on the Fields records, despite their history of inaccuracies. Without opportunities to correct errors, property owners who have paid their dues but are improperly listed could be unfairly excluded from voting.

 

Additionally, property owners with outstanding payments should be given the opportunity to resolve their accounts and regain eligibility. If these issues are not addressed, portions of the community may be disenfranchised, undermining the fairness of the election.

 

Steps You Can Take:  Although the court order mandates that the election must proceed despite concerns about the accuracy of the owner payment lists, the Judge indicates that financial records can be inspected upon request. Here’s how you can protect your right to vote:

 

• Organize Your Payment Records:  Gather receipts, bank statements, or other proof of dues payment. Keep copies of all correspondence related to your payment status, such as emails or letters documenting discussions with Deerfield Resort.

 

• Verify Your Eligibility:  Confirm with the Deerfield Resort that your voter eligibility and payment history are accurate. Address any discrepancies immediately.

 

• Stay Informed:  Attend meetings and closely follow communications from the Receiver to stay updated on the election timeline and process.

 

Why This Matters:  This election – the first of many for the Deerfield Resort community – marks a pivotal moment in shaping the HOA’s governance. A fair and inclusive process is crucial for fostering a strong, unified, and thriving community. Every property owner’s voice matters and protecting the right to vote by addressing administrative errors or oversights is crucial. 

 

You are entitled to one vote for each property you own for which you pay annual dues. It is your responsibility to ensure that Deerfield Resort records accurately reflect your payments to secure your ability to vote.  Contact Fields Development Company to confirm that your records are correct.