Bonnie Herring​

My name is Bonnie Herring, and I have had the honor and privilege of serving as your Treasurer for the past several years. My husband Bruce and I are long time members having purchased our first membership from the developer in the mid-80’s. As we have always wanted to spend more time at ICR, we purchased a second membership a number of years ago and are so glad we did! We love camping and continue to enjoy coming to our “home away from home” as often as possible.

As Treasurer, my initial goals were to give the members the ability to see how our money is spent and bring fiscal stability back to ICR. I had attended many meetings prior to joining the Board and would often become frustrated as financial information was never presented, and when asked to review the overall financial status, was denied. I had many questions and very few answers. I was always taught if you want to make a change, get involved, so I did.

Some of the changes implemented were accomplished through giving a more comprehensive Treasurer’s report at meetings, distributing the financial report to those present, and posting our financial report in the store on the bulletin board for all members to review. Over time, members asked that additional information be included such as noting the actual number of active and inactive deeds, which was done. I have also been available to answer questions from members regarding our financial operations. With regards to my Treasurer’s duties, I am watchful of the income being generated, the expenses incurred and review all transactions within our accounting system for accuracy, approval, and budgetary impacts. I also review the banking accounts that we have to ensure that we are gaining competitive and higher interest rates on as much of our funds as possible, while maintaining them in FDIC institutions. One of the other initial incentives I presented to the Board during my first budget development was placing funds in a reserve account so that we could begin saving now for larger expenses that will take place in the years to come. This started small but has grown a little each year with the support of the Board. While this doesn’t present immediate help with today’s projects, it will in the years to come. Remember, we are a campground property that was developed in the 1970’s and our infrastructure has aged.

We were truly fortunate to keep dues at a minimum for many years and we all enjoyed that comfort. This past term brought several challenges to ICR that the Board continues to review and address. While each one of these challenges are important, they cannot be fixed overnight and must be prioritized. Our STP (sewer treatment plant) replacement will be one of the largest expenses that ICR will face. To ease the burden of this expense, an assessment was adopted so that we can save money over the next few years to ease the larger impact of any additional costs that we may have to cover. As a large amount of this year’s assessment was collected by October, these funds were placed in a CD so that higher yield interest could be realized to add to our efforts. Yes, the dues increased, but as we see in our other daily living expenses, that impact is being felt on all fronts. The operating budget that is developed for any organization to run as effectively and efficiently as possible must be based on realistic budgeting.

If re-elected, I will remain a highly active member of the Board and listen to our members’ concerns and suggestions with an open mind, continue to review the operations of ICR and make recommendations, and continue to bring suggestions for continued betterments while saving on costs. As I have told others, being a long-time member I saw the beauty of our park at its early age, it’s struggles when times were tough and maintenance was not performed, and, over the past few years, the betterments and resurgence of the excitement of being a member of such a great place. I would be honored to continue to serve as your Treasurer to keep this positive growth moving forward and continue the resolution towards some of our larger maintenance projects. I humbly ask for your continued confidence by casting your vote so that I may continue to serve ICR and you, our members. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at The Cove soon. Happy Camping!