So it’s been a hectic few weeks at the Hollow residence - semester just ended, Hippy Jr. is going through a phase where all of the life processes, especially eating and sleeping, are big to-dos. And the pile of letters that aren’t bills, etc. are piled up on the counter.
I happen to open them last Thursday, and one is a letter informing me that the HOA came by and noticed the yard needed edging, it needs to be done within a few days or they’ll fine. We actually had the yard guys over last week but Jr. had just fallen asleep, so we asked them to come back this week. They came by Saturday and did a bang up job; in fact, our yard looks better than most on the street now!
I checked mail Saturday and there was a letter assessing the fine - they reinspected Thursday and decided to lower the boom. It’s $25, which is not massive, but it strikes me as a little unneighborly to fine someone for a first violation.
Of course when we moved here we signed up, paid the HOA dues, etc. The policy is stated clearly so I have to appeal based simply on the principle of being a good neighbor. My plan was to write a nice letter, thanking them for keeping the standards high, explaining that it’s been a tough patch for us, but we have a schedule in place and we won’t do it again. (The procedure is to appeal and have a hearing with the board.)
A colleague of mine says I should claim to have not received the first letter. His point is that we don’t have a leg to stand on - and he’s right, but that’s not my approach. I’d much rather appeal to the board on a personal level, take responsibility, but ask for clemency. This might not work but I think I’d be happier this way.
Any opinions on how to approach this? If you have good suggestions on how I might go about having the fine reduced or forgiven, please share. (And yes, I know, it’s my responsibility, etc. etc.)