FACTS vs MYTHS: No HOA Financial Records
- West Winds HOA
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
Setting the Record Straight
Facts vs Myth: Official Board Update # 2
This statement reflects an official, West Winds HOA (HOA) Board-approved communication issued under the HOA's governing authority and recorded in the Association's meeting minutes. As promised in our November 14, 2025, communication to members, the Board is providing factual updates to address misinformation circulating in the community.
MYTH: "just ask them... they won't give you financial records."
Recently, claims have circulated online and in the neighborhood alleging that the HOA or its Board members are not transparent about the Association's finances and won't provide owners with financial records.
These claims are false.
FACTS: Financial Records ARE Available to Members
The West Winds Board provides comprehensive financial information to all members on a regular, transparent schedule:
Quarterly Financial Statements (Year-to-Date)
Balance Sheet
Profit & Loss Statement
Budget to Actuals Comparison
Available to members: April 20th, July 20th, October 20th, and January 20th
Annual Financial Reports
2024 Year-End Actuals (provided April 20, 2025)
2025 Budget (presented December 17, 2024)
How to Access Your Financial Records
These documents are made available to members through multiple channels:
PayHOA Portal: Members can log in to the PayHOA system at www.westwindshoabozeman.org/paymybill, access their account, and view financial documents in the Documents section (Financials folder)
Board Meetings: Financial information is presented and discussed at regular Board meetings
Written Request: Members may request financial reports directly from the Board by contacting the HOA
What the Treasurer Presented in April 2025
During the April 8, 2025, Treasurer's Report, Linda Racicot, our Treasurer, specifically highlighted:
Quarterly financial statements are now being provided to members (a new initiative in 2025) via PayHOA
The schedule for releasing these documents (April 20th, July 20th, October 20th, January 20th)
Current bank balances and reserve fund allocations
Key performance metrics on the financial health of our community
The Treasurer's presentation slides demonstrated exactly where and how members can access financial records, with multiple options for reviewing this information.
In case you missed it, visit our website to see all of the presentations given during the April 8, 2025, Annual Membership Meeting
Why This Transparency Matters
The HOA's governing documents and the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act (MCA § 35-2-906 and § 35-2-911) require our homeowners association to maintain transparent financial records and to provide members with access to them. West Winds HOA complies fully with these legal requirements.
Financial transparency helps our community because it allows members to:
Understand how their assessments are being used
See planned reserve fund projects and budgeting
Verify that the HOA is operating responsibly
Make informed decisions about community matters
The Real Record
The facts speak for themselves:
Quarterly financial statements are available to members every three months
Financial reports are discussed openly at board meetings
Historical financial information (including 2024 Year-End Actuals and 2025 Budget) has been presented to the membership
Members can access this information in multiple ways—online, in meetings, and by direct request.
A Word About Spreading False Information
Claims that the board "won't let you see the financials" or "keeps records hidden" are not supported by facts. These statements misrepresent the transparency and financial accountability that West Winds actually provides.
We understand that misinformation can spread quickly across any community, and we are committed to providing clear, factual information. If you have seen this claim circulated, we ask that you let us know from whom or where, and also verify the facts yourself by:
Visiting the HOA website to view financial reports
Attending board meetings where financials are presented
Contacting the HOA directly with questions or concerns
As a West Winds member, you deserve clear access to financial information—and that's exactly what we provide.
The Impact of Misinformation
The Board is aware that false or misleading information about HOA operations and Board members has been shared through various channels, including door-to-door conversations, emails, printed materials, and social media. When such information circulates, it can have significant consequences:
Damages the reputations of volunteer board members who serve without compensation to protect property values
Creates unnecessary administrative and legal expenses that increase association costs for all members
Damages community trust and neighborly relationships
May decrease property values by fostering perceptions of conflict and instability
The Board encourages all homeowners to verify information through official HOA channels before sharing it.
Moving Forward
To help ensure that all homeowners have access to accurate and verifiable information, the Board will continue to share Fact vs. Myth Updates via email and on the HOA website. These updates will reference verified records, governing documents, and applicable Montana law.
For accurate and official information, please refer only to the following authorized sources:
Mailed and emailed communications directly from the Board of Directors
Official HOA Website: www.westwindsHOAbozeman.org
PayHOA Member Portal: https://www.westwindshoabozeman.org/paymybill
Official HOA or Board Emails: contact@westwindsHOAbozeman.org or any address using the @westwindsHOAbozeman.org domain
Emails sent via PayHOA with a FROM address of: West Winds HOA <mailer@payhoa.com>
Join Us for Direct Discussions
We invite all homeowners to participate in HOA meetings where factual updates about the HOA and its operations will be shared. This is your opportunity to hear directly from Board members and engage in courteous discussions about community governance.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Board directly rather than relying on secondhand information. Our goal is to maintain an open, transparent, and respectful community dialogue.
Sincerely,
Kitch Walker, President
John Stelly, Vice President
Linda Racicot, Treasurer
Mandee Arnold, Secretary
Dillon Fatouros, Assistant Secretary
The Board of Directors & Officers
West Winds Master Homeowners' Association, Inc.
