Latest News

Hopefully you all had a wonderful holiday and 2012 will bring everything you hope for.  I know that the two families that CRCA adopted for Christmas had a good Christmas because of the generosity of a large number of homeowners who donated items that the children of those families wished for. Thanks to all of you- it was greatly appreciated by all.

I would like to thank the Boy Scouts of Troop #219  And Girl Scouts of Troop #320/1499 for their taking the time and effort to make the flag raising at the Community Center on December 10^th a special event. They approached the flag-raising with respect for what the flag represents and took their duty very seriously. When you drive or walk by the Community Center take the time to look at the flag and reflect on what it means to each and everyone one of us.

The BOD has survived another year of challenges and obstacles and I am sure we will face more of them in the year ahead. Every member of the BOD puts a lot of time and effort into the making CRCA a better place to live. I feel we have been successful and look forward to another year serving all you homeowners.

The Activities Committee accomplished a lot of things in 2010 and 2011. There was no Halloween Party in 2011 and Santa was not available at the Community Center for pictures benefitting the Community Food Bank. This is because there are only two members on the committee at this point- and attendance has been dismal at best. The BOD will attempt to put on the Easter Egg Hunt in 2012 but we need volunteers to make this as good an event as last years. Even if you do not have the time to serve on a committee please consider volunteering to help this Easter. The kids really enjoyed it and the BOD does not want to see this disappear because of lack of people to help out during the event.

Hopefully everyone had an enjoyable and festive Thanksgiving. With the Christmas season upon us we sometimes get caught up in just the commercial side of the holiday. With an Activities committee that has lost enough members to put into question the viability of supporting

community activities the BOD committed to personal support of the Christmas Light Contest and the Adopt a Family for this month. Given that there was no planning done for the Adopt a Family from CRCA by the committee we cannot put a wish list for donations to a family struggling at this time in this newsletter. A giving tree will be in the lobby of the office

with “wishes” on the tree from the family or families we are trying to help at this sometimes not so joyous time of year for some. Please, try to find the time to try to help someone not sharing the blessings some of us have and make a wish come true for a neighbor by stopping by the office and picking up a wish. It is with regret that we had to accept the resignation of Rob Palfreyman from the BOD. Rob just has too much going on with his work and family to devote the time required to be on the BOD. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in Rob- CRCA is a better place because of you. Rob will still remain as a member of the landscape committee and is a valued asset with his extensive landscape and plant knowledge. The BOD would like to welcome Roxanne Ziegler to the BOD. Roxanne was unanimously appointed to replace Rob at the November 17th meeting. She brings new perspectives and a definite interest in the community as evidenced by her time and efforts on the Marana Town council. The new flag pole is up and we just received the flag that was flown over the capitol in Washington DC. The

girl scouts and boy scouts will be raising the flag on December 10th at 10am. Please plan on attending and show your support to what the flag represents. I would personally like to thank all those involved in the association and wish all of you and all my neighbors here in CRCA a Merry Christmas.

Having received your property tax assessments from Pima County there is an assessment that most of us pay little attention to. That assessment is listed as CMID (Cortaro Marana Irrigation District) and is being levied on a large majority of CRCA homeowners. CMID has been in existence since 1919 and serves approximately 70 irrigation customers (farmers) and also wholesales water to the Town of Marana for its potable water distribution system. Before CRCA was built for home development a large portion of it was used for lettuce farming and irrigation was needed by the farmers. After the development of CRCA no change was made to the taxing abilities of CMID and all homeowners within the district are taxed at a rate of $66 an acre. While most properties are far less than an acre you are still taxed at the percentage of an acre you have. While most homeowners only see a $20 to $30 dollar a year tax obligation it does make a difference in today’s world of tight budgets. It makes one wonder why CMID is able to receive taxes from property owners who receive no irrigation water from the District but still get taxed? The BOD is currently investigating options for the affected homeowners.

By now everyone has received their ballot for the election of BOD members. While there are only four candidates for the four BOD positions please return your ballots so we may attain a quorum to certify the results. BOD members receive no compensation for their time in trying to make the Association and CRCA a great place to live.