Consenting & e-voting
At this time nearly 1,200 homeowners in Verandah have consented to receive meeting notices and to vote on issues electronically. This means about 400 homeowners have not completed the form that allows them to get materials electronically. The last time the office had to mail information to these remaining homeowners it cost the VCA $1,278. Over a 12-month period the cost of these mailings can exceed $7,000.
Why consent? – First, it offers you unparalleled convenience, allowing you to receive notices electronically and to vote from anywhere at any time. It eliminates the need to complete a paper ballot or come to the office in person. Second, the VCA staff can do things other than preparing and distributing mailings. Finally, electronic voting is faster and more efficient, with instant tallying and distribution of results. Since all of this is paid for with your VCA dues, it only makes sense to consent to receiving materials electronically.
What do I need to do? – Registering with the VCA to receive notices and to vote electronically is simple and can be accomplished in two ways:
1. Option #1 – come into the office and staff will help you complete the form in a few minutes.
2. Option #2 – Click on this hyperlink to access the VCA consent form. You can then print the form and complete it. You may mail the form to the office or scan it and send the form to [email protected].
We hope you will take a moment to consent to receiving notices and to voting electronically. Please call Deanna Busbin in the office at 239-694-6358 if you have any questions or need help.
Enrolling in Automated Clearing House (ACH)
Today nearly 1,000 homeowners have enrolled in ACH. Using ACH to make payments provides many benefits for managing your VCA finances. The good news is that half of all Verandah homeowners are now enrolled and are worry free about making timely dues payments. Some of you have asked “why should I sign up for ACH” so let us describe the benefits.
1. Convenience and Efficiency
• Automated Transactions – ACH payments to the VCA are automated. This can save you time and effort compared to writing and mailing checks. (And know that ACH is safer than mailing checks and more reliable.)
• Scheduled Payments – Homeowners can set up recurring payments for quarterly or annual dues payments. This ensures timely payments without the need to remember due dates. This also helps avoid you being assessed late fees when checks are not received by the due dates.
2. Cost Savings
• No Fees – No fees are charged for ACH transactions to the VCA.
• Reduced Paperwork and Mailing Costs – By eliminating the need for paper checks and postage, ACH payments can help homeowners save on the costs associated with traditional payment methods.
3. Improved Security and Reliability
• Secure Transactions – ACH payments are processed through a secure network with multiple layers of encryption and authentication, making them safer than mailing checks, which can be lost or stolen.
• Reduced Risk of Errors – Automated payments reduce the risk of human error that can occur when homeowners make the incorrect payments.
What do I need to do to sign-up for ACH?
Verandah’s homeowners can create an ACH account anywhere they have an internet connection. (Instructions are available on VCAlife.com.) Over 800 homeowners have now signed up for this service. It takes just a few minutes. Or you can come into the office with a laptop or phone and staff will help you establish your ACH account. Just follow these steps.
1. Go online and in your browser insert https://www.ciranet.com/ResidentPortal and click “Don’t have an account?” below the Log In button.
2. Create your User Account by entering your Verandah Account Number, Check Digit, Email Address, and a Password of your choice. Then click “Create User”. (You can call the office if you cannot find this information.)
3. Now check your email inbox and open the email with the subject line “CiraNet Portal Registration”. Click on the link to activate your account. (The email may be in your “Junk or SPAM” folder if you use Spam Protection). The link will take you back to the Login page.
4. Log in with your email address and the “Password” that you created in STEP 2. The “Home Page” will appear. You are now logged into the Resident Portal and are ready to use the functions listed on the left side of your screen.
5. Multiple Properties/Master and Sub-Associations: If you own more than one property AND/OR if you have already registered on the portal under a sub or master association, click “Add Property” located under your profile icon at the top right of your screen and enter the Community ID, Account Number, and Check Digit for each additional property.
Please know that you must register on the Resident Portal Website before you can log into the mobile application. As always, if you need help, please call Deanna (239-694-6358).
In closing, all homeowners are encouraged to consent to receive meeting notices, to vote on issues electronically, and to make dues payments through ACH.
