Focus on Big Canoe, GA

08/14/2024

BC ARTICLE: "On and on . . ."
by Patricia Cross / BCMatters dot Org
Oh Boy! Just when you think Ms Cross can't possibly dig up new dirt under the carpet, she manages to find and educate the community on brand new examples of financial malfeasance by our leaders. This one was funny... funny to the tune of $1.7 Million Unreported Dollars 😆😂🤣 On a positive note, I hear rumours a lawsuit is being prepared 😳. Continue reading:

Considering the ever increasing readership of posts on this site and with several friends and neighbors continuing to explore options to end this leadership’s steadfast determination to drive…

07/24/2024

Big Canoe Lawsuit Served On GM Scott Auer / POA
A lawsuit was just filed against the Big Canoe POA that seeks Declaratory Judgment, Injunction, Damages, Allegation of Fraud, and Attorneys Fees in the way they have handled Architectural Controls Violations. General Manager Scott Auer was served a copy of the lawsuit late last week. Link to lawsuit in article… [https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-lawsuit-served-on-gm-scott-auer-poa/…]

07/23/2024

BC ARTICLE: "Shameless . . ."
by Patricia Cross / BCMatters dot Org
Good GOD! What the heck! The POA has announced that the Lake Petit Dam repairs are now estimated to be $9 Million Dollars. I doubt they will keep it that low, but Patricia breaks that news and a lot more. In this article she uncharacteristically just lets them have it, and really castrates the POA. Shameless indeed! And Well Said!!! Continue reading:

Given that the last two posts on this site have garnered over 3,000 views, (1) (2) sincere appreciation is extended to the many friends and neighbors for your readership and to those of you who had…

07/11/2024

Big Canoe Guest Spot: Wayne Huey on the upcoming Clubhouse renovation train wreck . . .
Former Big Canoe Staff Architect, Wayne Huey, has written an op-ed regarding the clubhouse renovation. Wayne has been around almost 30 years in Big Canoe, and is one of the most reputable people in the Community when it comes to issues like this. This is a good and insightful read...

Wayne has requested that his op-ed that follows regarding the clubhouse renovation be posted on bcmatters.org. As always, thank you Wayne for sharing your knowledge on this subject with the commun…

07/09/2024

UPDATE: Clubhouse Inventory LOSSES DOUBLE+ Fact Checking BCMatters Reporting
Inside Source says that previously reported $100K+ Inventory Losses at the Clubhouse… are actually $200,000+ in Inventory Losses. It has been over 3 months since FOBC broke the original story, and still no answers from management. Also, we Fact Checked the recent BCMATTERS’ Article….

UPDATE: Clubhouse Inventory LOSSES DOUBLE+ Fact Checking BCMatters Reporting STILL WAITING ON ANSWERS July 9, 2024 Publisher General News 0 On March 28, 2024 the FOBC Newspaper broke a story about huge unexplained losses at the Clubhouse. The allegation was that there was $100,000+ in unexplained in...

07/08/2024

BC ARTICLE: "Spread the news . . ."
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot Org
A quick glance at the Mauldin & Jenkins audit of the Association’s “very clean” books reveals that food and beverage actually lost an astounding $721k in 2023 rather than the $656k disclosed to the community by management. Furthermore, Big Canoe Management has begun deleting previously posted Financial Reports (Coverup?) Don't know, but this is a good article to read....

A quick glance at the Mauldin & Jenkins audit of the Association’s “very clean” books reveals that food and beverage actually lost an astounding $721k in 2023 rather than the $656k disclo…

07/03/2024

BC Article: “Outside the box . . .”
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot Org

After this latest article, Big Canoe Residents might want to consider the benefits of a “Forensic Audit”, as opposed to an “Annual Audit”, because numbers still aren’t adding up. Oh, and the Clubhouse Remodel estimate increased $1.4 Million, and they approved it in a quick 7 – 0 unannounced vote. But it’s ok…. In fact, it’s awesome, and well worth the new debt, even in this economy, because the POA knows best, and does not need pesky Property Owner Input or Approval. Read Article:

It certainly came as no surprise to learn that the Association’s independent auditors, would be issuing a “clean” opinion of the 2023 financial statements. What did come as a surprise was the…

06/14/2024

BC ARTICLE: "Alarm bells . . ."
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot Org
Make no mistake. Even after POA President Terry Stewart's recent public comments to the contrary, POA Accountant Jane Hagan has in fact categorically and absolutely refused a property owner’s request for accounting records, and she has laid the blame squarely on the Big Canoe POA Board of Directors, stating that they have NOT authorized the release of Accounting Records. Who is lying? Terry Steward? Jane Hagan? The entire Board? Why are Accounting Records that are required BY LAW to be released, being denied to a property owner? Why is the POA Board interjecting itself into decisions related to routine day-to-day operations? Increasing questions, still no answers. Read Article:

Make no mistake. Contrary to the POA President’s opening remarks at the May 30th open board meeting, (1a) the POA has in fact categorically and absolutely refused a property owner’s req…

06/05/2024

BC Article: "Back to the future . . ."
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot Org
Isn’t it amazing what can be accomplished when neighbors join together to question or protest actions or decisions by elected leadership that are considered unjust, unfair or unwise? This power of community is clearly demonstrated by the board’s May 30th announcement that their previous decision to censor and delete the Q&A sessions from the recorded board videos had been revisited and reversed. Continue reading @

Isn’t it amazing what can be accomplished when neighbors join together to question or protest actions or decisions by elected leadership that are considered unjust, unfair or unwise? This pow…

05/22/2024

BC ARTICLE: "It was there until it wasn’t . . ."
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
Property owners asking questions at last month’s public board meeting have been disrespectfully characterized by the General Manager as nothing more than spreaders of “misinformation”. The Board of Directors then deleted the Q&A section from the online Youtube Video, and also voted 5-2 in a closed meeting to delete and censor ALL FUTURE Q&A sessions from the posted videos. Read More:

It has now been learned that those property owners who took the time to attend last month’s public board meeting and ask questions have been disrespectfully characterized by the General Manag…

05/13/2024

Big Canoe Update: Always something new in POA land . . .
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
This article is especially disturbing. Ms Cross has documented a new trend coming from the Big Canoe POA Board and Management.... they are now demanding the signing of non-disclosure statements prior to releasing certain Ask The POA questions. And of course there is also new and disturbing financial info revealed. Continue reading:

While appearing to confirm that this writer’s request for specific accounting records (1) has satisfied the requirements of Georgia Code 14-3-1602, our elected Board of Directors do not seem …

05/04/2024

Always something new in POA land . . .
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
With a stated goal of being “more communicative with our neighbors”, (1) the Board of Directors just unveiled it’s first notification in a glitzy, multi page periodical titled “Board Update” prepared with the help of the Marketing Department and their $428k budget. Continue reading:

With a stated goal of being “more communicative with our neighbors”, (1) the Board of Directors just unveiled it’s first notification in a glitzy, multi page periodical titled “Board Update” …

04/11/2024

Circling the wagons: Part Two . . .
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
WOW!! WOW!!! WOW!!!!
The 1st third of the article is important stuff, but admittedly not exciting reading. But then!!! WOW! Ms Cross did some research here! The absolutely shocking comparison data she provides between Big Canoe Community, and the Landings (often quoted as a comp by the POA) is well.... WOW! The POA's "fiscally responsible" narrative just got DESTROYED!!! Read Full Article:

Remember the Finance Committee Chair that surmised to the community in his “Renew Big Canoe” financial presentations that food and beverage losses are a “good thing” because that means we don& #8217…

04/03/2024

Circling the wagons: Part One . . .
By Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
Disturbing Updates on the 2023 Financials; More on the Breaking News about Unexplained Inventory Losses at the Clubhouse; Unexplained Financial Reporting Discrepancies; Failures to Follow Best Practice Guidelines; the list just keeps growing for reasons the Property Owners should demand a Forensic Audit and file Litigation to get aaccess to Financial Records. Read Full Article:

Eighty five days into a new year, and the 2023 year end “preliminary” financial statements (1) containing significant differences from the GM’s January slide presentation (2) were finally pos…

03/28/2024

Big Canoe Clubhouse: HUGE Unexplained Inventory Losses?
FOBC has reliable sources that are saying that Clubhouse Management recently discovered HUGE unexplained Inventory Losses exceeding $100,000+ in foods, liquors, wines, etc. If true, this has NOT been reported to the Community. The purpose of this article is to publicly ask some questions of the POA Board, and perhaps more specifically, of our GM Scott Auer. [READ ARTICLE:https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-clubhouse-huge-unexplained-inventory-losses/…]

03/14/2024

Big Canoe, GA: Lake Petit Dam Update (March 14, 2024)
The sole purpose of this particular article is just to quickly share a recent email exchange between GA Safe Dams and the Big Canoe POA’s Engineer, Geosyntec. Scott Auer is being copied on all emails as is usual. [https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-ga-lake-petit-dam-update-march-14-2024/ ]

03/11/2024

BIG CANOE ARTICLE: "Keeping the record straight . . ."
3/11/2024 ~ by Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMATTERS
In yet another welcomed information packed open board meeting complete with a lively Q&A, the community was barraged with details on a multitude of important subjects. And although the clubhouse situation and renovation probably took center stage, this post will be limited to time sensitive discussions regarding the water company negotiations and Wells Fargo loan covenants.
Read full article:

In yet another welcomed information packed open board meeting complete with a lively Q&A, the community was barraged with details on a multitude of important subjects. And although the clubhous…

12/08/2023

BC ARTICLE: "Guest Spot: In the interest of the Community . . ."
by Wayne Huey & Patricia Cross (BCMatters dot org)
Between them, Wayne & Patricia have about 40 years of property owner experience in the community. Wayne was the staff architect for the BC POA for a time. Patricia has a financial background, and for 5 years has engaged in the often thankless job of spending countless hours exploring and updating the community on financial goings on in the POA. Property Owners should pay attention to this one, and at some point maybe decide just where the lines are that shouldn't be crossed. Read:

It is sincerely appreciated that long time property owner, Wayne Huey took the time to contact the Board of Directors regarding the “repurposing” of the Chimneys into administrative office space. A…

12/02/2023

BC Article: Just more of the same . . .
by: Patricia Cross / BCMatters
This financial reporting is almost getting old.... just more and more financial discrepancies, more and more lies being exposed.... but most of all, just more NON-RESPONSE from the POA Board of Directors or Management. It is like they are terrified of saying the name "Patricia Lowe Cross", or publicly acknowledging that the BCMatters dot org website even exists. Read full article:

Kudos to the Big Canoe POA Board of Directors for finally recognizing the importance of transferring the $474k residual balance of the insurance settlement proceeds (for the Chimneys and realty off…

11/30/2023

What is the "WHY?" ... or, "WAS THERE A LIE?"
All I know is that I follow the POA Meetings, ask questions, keep up with all the Million Dollar projects, the Dam issues, etc.... and all I know is that for the past year, the Board & GM have repeatedly stated that Increases wouldn't be needed to FUND all of the new expenditures, that we are well capitolized, great Debt ratio, solid earnings etc. Sooooo... WHY are we raising all the rates?

11/29/2023

Big Canoe Forensic Audit Series: A Letter To The Editor
There is now open community discussion regarding a Forensic Audit of the Big Canoe POA financial books. It is becoming a serious issue for the community, and FOBC is launching an Article Series to help the community explore the concept of a “Forensic Audit”. We recently received a “Letter”, and it’s a good way to start this Series off, with some general thoughts thrown out by an anonymous property owner… https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-forensic-audit-series-a-letter-to-the-editor/

11/28/2023

BC ARTICLE: A bridge too far . . .
by: Patricia Cross / BCMatters
Patricia reveals some interesting behind the scenes communications between her and the POA Board and POA legal counsel. The article provides evidence of document tampering, and also issues DIRECT statements that the unapproved expenditures by the Board should immediately cease on certain Projects (that legally require Property Owner Voter Approval) until that voter approval occurs. Read full article:

In an act akin to pulling out the shred machine, the 96 page report titled “Big Canoe Community Overview 2023” dated October 8th, 2023 that was laboriously prepared by the seven member Long Range P…

11/15/2023

The 2003 Big Canoe Financial Crisis: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Looking at the rapidly growing list of unanswered Financial Questions raised at the BCMatters.org site, one must wonder…. is there any precedent for such a thing happening before in Big Canoe? Turns out that the answer to that is “YES”…. In 2003 Big Canoe experienced a “Financial Crisis”. FOBC takes you on a journey back in time, comparing documented 2003 Actions, to 2023 Non-Actions. https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/the-2003-big-canoe-financial-crisis-a-trip-down-memory-lane/

11/12/2023

Big Canoe HOA – Historical look at Big Canoe’s Old Watchdog
In addition to the POA, from 2001 to 2015 the Big Canoe Community also had the Homeowners Association of Big Canoe (i.e. “HOA”). The HOA was more of a Non-Profit Watchdog Group. It had voluntary property owner membership, and extremely low annual dues. The HOA was a powerful voice for property owner interests in many ways. FOBC has put together a really fascinating and comprehensive look at the “old HOA”…. https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-hoa-historical-look-at-big-canoes-old-watchdog/

11/07/2023

Big Canoe Voices: Calls for new Watchdog Group + Forensic Audit

A recent Facebook Poll showed overwhelming support for the formation of a new Big Canoe Watchdog Group, to act as a counter-balance to the powers of the POA Board & Management.

Social Media and Board Meeting Comments are evidencing increased calls for a Forensic Audit of the Big Canoe Financial Books.

This is the beginning of a new Article Series by FOBC…See full article:

Big Canoe Voices: Calls for new Watchdog Group + Forensic Audit CHANGE DOES NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT EFFORT (and a good plan!) November 7, 2023 Publisher Financial Series 0 Recent reporting by BCMatters.org seems to have finally hit a nerve with the community. Going back to an August 10, 2023 article, Pat...

11/03/2023

BIG CANOE ARTICLE: "Save the Chimneys . .."
a collaboration by: Wayne A. Huey and Patricia Cross / BCMatters dot org
Patricia & Wayne do a really fine job detailing the legal and financial mess that the Big Canoe POA & General Manager have embarked upon, ignoring the POA Board's own Policy requiring a Property Owner Vote of Approval, as they march steadfastly towards Un-Authorized Project Expenditures of (A) $3.4 Million Dollar Renovations of the Choctaw 9; and (B) $1.8 Million on repurposing the Chimneys to Administrative Offices. As usual the Comment Section under the article is filled with increasingly frustrated and spicy opinion of property owners. Read the full article here -

A collaboration by: Wayne A. Huey and Patricia Cross Again wasting no time since the community vote approving the construction of a new postal facility ($2.76 million) and clubhouse renovation ($6.…

11/02/2023

Big Canoe Lake Petit Dam: Public Updates
This is a 3 part public report, that will be copied to Ga Safe Dams and other Public Officials. It submits video evidence of a potentially compromised LLO Pipe; updates on the status of the Stability Review; and outlines the Monies spent so far since 2020 on “Stalling Tactic” maintenance repairs – that will all most likely end up as wasted and unecessary funds if either of two likely scenarios materializes. [See full article: https://bigcanoe.themountainsvoice.com/big-canoe-lake-petit-dam-public-updates/]

10/26/2023

"BIG CANOE ARTICLE: "An update to “A cautionary tale” . . .
by Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
Patricia Lowe Cross has a nice followup on her last article. Pretty clear evidence of commingled funds - with the evidence provided coming directly from the POA. In the comments section (scroll to end of her article and then down) more and more residents are expressing outrage, and calls for a Forensic Audit are intensifying.
I want to encourage everyone to add their thoughts and comments in the BCMatters Comments sections. Do you think there should be a forensic audit? Or is there a better solution to getting some transparency into our community accounting? We've got some smart people in this community. Ideas?

Read the full article here -

It seems appropriate to acknowledge that since posting the previous article on this site, (1) the Director of Finance has now provided a response to this writer’s Ask the POA questions regard…

10/14/2023

BIG CANOE ARTICLE: "A cautionary tale . . ."
by Patricia Lowe Cross / BCMatters dot org
Patricia Lowe Cross releases breaking news of incoming Assessment Increases by the POA Board. As usual she then proceeds to go much deeper into even more financial information that as usual, hasn't been transparently released to us lowly property owners. There is a piece on an Insurance / Budget Issue that is especially concerning.
I want to encourage everyone to continue scrolling down after the article, and read the "Comments Section". I am sensing that the community is reaching a breaking point. We have some very sharp property owners that are building upon Ms Cross' reporting, and are offering their own expanded insights. It is worth reading, and I hope that others will also offer their thoughts.

Read the full article here -

Well now. With little more than a month elapsed since the announcement of the Renew Big Canoe results, it seems that the board’s euphoria has already begun to fade into oblivion only to be re…

09/17/2023

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