In recent weeks, questions have been raised about how the transfer fee program works. Specifically, a ruling from the Department of Revenue (DOR) has been posted on social media that says the unreimbursed funds must be returned to Washington State, because they are deemed “abandoned property.” This ruling was inappropriately obtained and is not accurate. Please click HERE to read a memo from Sudden Valley’s legal counsel that contains a complete explanation of the situation.

The SVCA is making every effort to ensure that all additional transfer fees originally placed in the Capital Reserve Holding Account are distributed. If you have a question about this program, please email Joel Heverling, Finance Director, at AcctMgr@SuddenValley.com.

The SVCA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Anne Jensen as the community’s new General Manager, effective immediately. Jo Anne brings significant credentials to SVCA’s General Manager position and is well versed in the aspects of organizational management, community planning, project management, and effective community communications.

In Jo Anne’s short time with Sudden Valley, we’ve all been impressed with her professionalism, intelligence, and the respectful and thoughtful manner in which she approaches each situation. So, we are extremely happy to announce Jo Anne Jensen as the SVCA’s new General Manager.

The Board would like to thank Joel Heverling for his time and work as Acting General Manager, and for his continued guidance and support as Jo Anne transitions into her new role as General Manager.

Outgoing GM Dan Pike asked that we convey the following: 

“It is with a mixture of pride, hope and optimism that I announce my resignation as the Sudden Valley Community Association’s General Manager. We have all witnessed the progress that has been made over the last several months.  And, with the hiring of Joanne Jensen I, and the SVCA Board, believe the Sudden Valley Community Association’s future over the next several years has been secured. I leave knowing that Sudden Valley is in very capable hands. It has been my honor to serve this community.

Thank you,

Dan Pike”

The SVCA Board of Directors

The first phase of the Transfer Fee Refund Program is coming to a close and we would like to share a progress update with the community.

Since the kickoff, Epiq, the company managing the program on behalf of SVCA, has received 1,199 refund applications. This represents over two-thirds of the property transfers where the additional transfer fee of one-quarter of 1% of the sale price of the property was paid. As planned, these first-phase refund checks will be processed and mailed at the same time and should be received before the end of November.

A second phase of outreach will begin before the end of the year for the remaining one-third of property transfers that paid the additional one-quarter of 1% fee.

The SVCA is making every effort to ensure that all additional transfer fees originally placed in the Capital Reserve Holding Account are distributed. If you have a question about this program, please email Joel Heverling, Finance Director, at AcctMgr@SuddenValley.com.

Heavy rain and strong winds are a possibility this weekend. If you see downed trees or drainage issues such as plugged catch basins or culverts, please call Security at 360-319-8200 and let them know about it. Security will alert the SVCA manager on-call, who will dispatch the appropriate resources. We have maintenance staff on-call after-hours to ensure the quickest possible response.

Remember to drive with caution since the roads may be slippery after our long dry spell!

If you forgot to sign your ballot envelope, UniLect has a surprise for you!

UniLect has started mailing duplicate ballots to members who cast their ballot without signing the envelope. An unsigned envelope is not valid and its ballot will not be counted.

There will be a short note in the duplicate ballot packet explaining that you are being sent a duplicate because your first envelope was not signed. If it is not possible to mail your duplicate ballot by the October 25th deadline, please drop your signed duplicate ballot into the Sudden Valley Ballot Box located in the lobby of the Clubhouse at 4 Clubhouse Circle. The ballot drop box will be available until Friday, November 4, at 4:30 pm. All members casting unsigned ballots, by either USPS or the Sudden Valley Ballot Drop Box, will be sent duplicates if time allows.

Questions? Email us at Office@SuddenValley.com.

Be sure to mail your ballot by Tuesday, October 25. Mail-in ballots must be received at UniLect’s California PO Box by 4:30 pm on Thursday, November 3.

If your ballot is not mailed by the deadline, you can cast your vote by dropping your signed ballot into the Sudden Valley Ballot Drop Box located in the lobby of the Clubhouse at 4 Clubhouse Circle. The ballot drop box will be available until Friday, November 4 at 4:30 pm. The lobby is open from 8am until restaurant closing, 7 days a week.

If you miss both the mail deadline and the drop box deadline, you can still cast your vote! In-person voter registration is Saturday, November 5, from 9am to 12:30 pm on the lower level of the Community Center. You may also wait and cast your ballot during the Annual General Meeting held in the Dance Barn on November 5, at 1 pm.

The bridge is installed, asphalt cart path restored, and bridge railing installed. The bridge is now open for pedestrian and cart traffic. Some additional drainage work is scheduled for later this month.

A Stage 1 Burn Ban is in effect for all of unincorporated Whatcom County. This stage of burn ban prohibits all open burning of residential yard debris and land-clearing materials. All issued, active burn permits are suspended under this ban.

Recreational fires will still be allowed, but must meet specific criteria. Learn more HERE.

A candidate forum will be held Saturday, from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. Click HERE for the link to participate.

The front entrance of the Community Center will be closed today, October 5, from 12pm-3pm because of work being done on the asphalt to improve drainage.

During the closure, members can enter the Community Center through the Dance Barn entrance. We will reopen the front entrance as soon as the work is completed.

We apologize for any inconvenience and enjoy the rest of your day!