SugarTop Board President, Troy McDonald, recently disclosed that SugarTop operating and Capital Reserve funds are at concerning levels now, and will be into future without intervention. Many owners feel strongly that it is past time to re-evaluate all SugarTop spending. We’ve been heading into economic uncertainty, personal and business, for a few years now, so it should be expected that SugarTop plan accordingly. Every budgeted expense needs to be evaluated for potential savings.

Troy also communicated an urgent Reserve Funding need (capital asset replacement & repairs) due to years of underfunded Reserves and extensive 2023 repairs of our aging building, equipment, and infrastructure. Today, the Reserve Fund is funded using only $75 of our monthly HOA dues, while the remaining dues fund operations. SugarTop HOA continues to have underfunded reserves despite Board promises that increased dues would be used solely to solve underfunded reserves. This has not happened. In addition, capital reserves have been incorrectly used to fund operations for many, many years, adding to the shortfall. Therefore, reductions in our cost of operations would allow increased allocation of our HOA dues to the Reserve Fund.

One operations savings proposal made recently by our Treasurer, Jody Mohle, would be to automate the front guard gate with an electronic access system. This would not change any of our access to the owners’ lot; that access would remain as is for owners.

The operational cost savings from automating the guard gates is estimated to be over $250,000 annually (First year net savings of about $200K). This one operational change could shift that $250,000 to the Reserve Fund, bringing us closer to our long-term goal. This one operational change can grow our reserves by about $2.5M over a 10-year period.

No other condo development on Beech, Appalachian or Sugar Mountains has a staffed secured guard gate in place. Pinnacle on Beech Mountain switched to electronic access controls years ago. It is an expensive luxury element in our operational spending, which has become unaffordable at SugarTop, thereby contributing to multiple emergency assessment requests.

In addition to the potential for considerable savings to the SugarTop budget, it would significantly enhance the check-in process for visitors to SugarTop Resort, while also improving overall security for everyone.

Let your voice be heard on this operational change and the potential savings it represents. Please sign this petition if you agree it is time for SugarTop to pursue automated access controls. Please include your name and unit number in your response.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the change being proposed?

Change from a staffed gated entrance to exclusive electronic access control to allow automobiles to travel through the bottom gate and access the lobby level. Owners and guests would have to enter a code to lift the gate. Deliveries would push a button to request entry by the lobby staff.

Why is this change important?

SugarTop budget continues to be underfunded requiring multiple assessments and HOA dues increases if the HOA cost structure is not reduced immediately. Having an electronic lower security access is a relatively quick and inexpensive change that will yield a sizable financial return, starting immediately.

Are there other condo developments using electronic access rather than security staffed gates?

Yes, all condo developments in the high country use electronic access controls rather than staff-based access controls. Pinnacle eliminated staff-based access controls many years ago to eliminate this unnecessary and very large expense.

The 24/7 security starting at the lower entrance is one reason I purchased at SugarTop. Doesn’t the proposed change reduce the security protection otherwise provided by staff-based access at the entrance to SugarTop?

The proposed change doesn’t eliminate nor reduce secure access to SugarTop, it improves it. Owners’ access would remain unfettered. Secure access is only a concern for guests, and it would continue as a 24/7 operation with the new electronic access controls. At present, for guests, staff at the entrance gate minimally control access only by checking names and ID’s against a list. Owners put guest names on the list for comparison. Instead, owners would provide an access code to their guests for self-serve access. In addition, the access control can include a drivers’ license scanner.

Additionally, being at the top of the mountain with a gate that can be automated, followed by more security and gates up top improves the secure access to SugarTop.

Would we still have a security person on staff to make rounds and be available in an emergency situation?

Yes, the electronic entrance gate proposal does not impact other security personnel who provide security for the grounds and building.

Is there an estimated startup costs for this proposal?

Still seeking estimates, as of now in the range of $30-$60K for equipment and installation.

What are the benefits to moving to an electronic access control at the entrance to SugarTop?

Improves secure access to SugarTop.

Significant and much needed cost savings to help increase the Reserve Fund.

Streamline and improves guest checkin.

Demonstrates a first instantiation of cost-centered improvements committed by the Board but here to fore not executed.