Preparing for 2025: An Overview of SDCEA’s Budget Development Process

Juli Elliott, Director of Financial Operations • June 5, 2024

SDCEA is gearing up for the 2025 budget season and inviting members to join the Budget Development Committee to participate in discussions on operating, reserve, and capital budgets, guiding future financial decisions.

Believe it or not, the 2025 budget season is approaching. Please look for requests to apply to the 2025 Budget Development Committee in the Valley News. Serving on the committee allows members to meet with all the Managers to discuss their business areas. Meetings with SDCEA Managers, the Board of Directors, and the Budget Development Committee are scheduled for the week of September 23rd through September 27th.


SDCEA has three budgets: operating, reserves, and capital. These budgets are planning tools that drive decisions about whether homeowners’ assessments need to be increased.


  • Operating Budget: Covers all general day-to-day operations, including all cost centers and revenue and expenses for SDCEA amenities. This includes costs such as payroll, insurance, facility maintenance, compliance, landscaping, utilities, etc.


  • Reserve Budget: Includes any replacement expenditures over $5,000 and renovation projects. A portion of the monthly assessment goes into the reserves account to fund allocations not only for the current year but for future years. The reserve funding percentage guides the Board of Directors' decision-making when approving the budget. It changes yearly based on the needs of the replacement allocations and their useful life. We are projected to be 16% funded at the end of 2025, but decisions may be made to defer maintenance or increase contributions. Over the next five years, the funding percentage is projected to be 46%. At 46% funded, SDCEA will have over 5 million dollars in its Reserve bank account. If SDCEA aims for 60% funding, it will have over 11 million. This is homeowner money that SDCEA will be earning interest on. While 46% may seem low, reserve allocations can be managed as needed.


  • Capital Budget: Covers any new improvement projects or items over $5,000. Any capital expenditure then goes into the reserves as a component.


We are currently working on the budget to present it to the Board of Directors and Budget Development Committee in September. The General Manager and I are available to meet with any homeowners who have questions about the budget or its process.


Respectfully submitted,


Juli Elliott

Meghan Vignes: October Employee of the Month

By Tiffany Pressler • October 7, 2025
Dedication, organization, and a friendly spirit—that's what shines through when you meet Meghan Vignes, SDCEA's Employee of the Month for October. As an executive assistant in the Administration Department, she ensures that daily operations run smoothly, supporting leadership while also serving as a go-to resource for staff and residents alike.

Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club Shines Brighter with New Services for the Community

By Tiffany Pressler • October 7, 2025
Always Sunny, Ramona Senior Day Care Club is expanding its offerings to local families, bringing even more convenience and care closer to home. Known for their reliable service and friendly touch, the Ramona-based business has recently added new options designed to make everyday life easier for clients. From personalized support to flexible scheduling, these enhancements reflect their commitment to evolving alongside the needs of the community.

Johnathan Martinez Adds Color to the Ramona Art, Music & Wine Festival with Custom Painted Wine Barrel Featured at the Par Lounge

By Tiffany Pressler • October 7, 2025
Local artist Johnathan Martinez's one-of-a-kind painted wine barrel is on display at San Vicente Resort. Meet that artist at the Meet the Wine Maker event on October 29, featuring Ramona Ranch wines and Ashley E Norton.
Show More