JACK HAUSER
This is another in our series of articles looking into the workings of VCA Committees. This article is on the Finance Committee chaired by Jack Hauser.
The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing all financial affairs of the Verandah Community Association (VCA) The annual expenses of the Community exceed $6 million, with the largest expenses being Comcast, common area maintenance (mowing, tree trimming, mulch, etc.), security (gate operations and community patrol), and compensation for the office staff.
In addition to Jack Hauser, the committee chair, two other official members include Luba Grossman and Wally Watson. They meet at least monthly to review the financial statements prepared by RealManage, the VCA management company, to approve invoices and to discuss other pressing matters related to their committee’s oversight responsibilities. A major responsibility of the committee is preparing the annual budget for the coming year which is approved by the Board in October.
“Our greatest accomplishment over the last two years has been keeping the increase in homeowner assessments to an absolute minimum,” said Jack, “The increase in HOA assessments has been in the 3% range for both 2025 and 2026.”
Jack retired from a career in finance in Minneapolis and moved to Verandah in 2024. He was elected to the VCA Board and selected as Treasurer that same year. In terms of challenges ahead, Jack says there are many.
“The sugar cane mosaic virus has had a devastating impact on the lawns in several communities,” explained Jack. “To the extent that the virus spreads to the Verandah common areas, there would be a significant (perhaps as much as $1 million) cost to replace the current turf with grass that is resistant to the virus.”
The committee is evaluating alternatives to the current office space on Palm Beach Boulevard. The lease expires in September of this year. Jack explained that it may be financially advantageous in the long run for the VCA to purchase its own office compared to leasing our current space. However, this might mean incurring a large up-front cost. The current lease will need to be renewed, at least for some time, given the long lead time needed to find alternate space.
Another hot issue the committee has been wrestling with includes the installation of a stop light at the main entrance. While no decision has been made, there are several outside factors that may dictate that a light be installed. These include the increase in traffic on Palm Beach Boulevard given the pace of development in the area, particularly from Babcock Ranch, the new development tentatively called Caloosa Crossings at the corner of Palm Beach Boulevard and County Road 31, and the proposal being considered by Lee County to not allow any left turn onto Palm Beach Boulevard from our main entrance.
When asked about the biggest misconceptions residents have about the Finance Committee’s role and responsibility, Jack explained it is the difference between the VCA and the Verandah Club.
“The VCA and the Verandah Club are two distinct entities. Residents don’t always understand what the Club responsibilities are and how they differ from those of the VCA,” explained Jack. “The Club is a private for-profit company, while the VCA is a non-profit for the purpose of providing services to the Community members.”
For more information on the Committee visit VCAlife.com. Additionally, you can reach out to Jack at [email protected].
