As we prepare this article in the middle of September we are enjoying a wonderful eventless late summer without “Windy Season” storms impacting Florida. However, we are only just past the historical high point of the hurricane season so let’s wait to celebrate! We have learned that it is not the number of storms but rather where they are and “it only takes one!”
In the middle of September, I am also reviewing the proposed agenda for the September 25th Master Board monthly meeting which – as always – will be held on the last Thursday of the month. This promises to be a very important meeting including two items that will involve discussion: approval of the 2026 Master budget and a renewal of our Bulk Services Cable/TV Contract.
2026 Annual Budget
The budget prepared by our Treasurer, Mickey Wheeler, includes good news, a $50 deduction in our quarterly assessment to $550. This assessment covers the Master Association expenses such as the cable contract, access control and Master landscaping costs and is included in your neighborhood quarterly assessment. The primary driver for the reduction is the proposed new cable contract (see below) which will be discussed at the meeting and the cost will be reduced to about 40% of the total Master assessment starting in 2026. We believe that the reduction in the cable/internet fee will also allow us to stabilize the Master assessment for several years.
Bulk Services Contract Review
Our Bulk Cable Services Committee has been meeting for over a year considering many options for this vital service which has historically represented about half of our Master assessment. While the present Comcast contract has two years remaining, because of the long lead times for installation of new fiber optic lines (if needed), we wanted to secure a new agreement now.
The committee comprised of Chairman Peter Dersley (Master Association Infrastructure Chair), Mickey Wheeler (Master Association Treasurer), Sarah Hartman (Master Association Secretary) and Jim Alderfer and Joe Flowers (Grandezza residents) interviewed five local suppliers of bulk cable/internet services and narrowed the choice to two finalists which submitted bids. After a thorough review, the committee recommended the Comcast proposal.
The decision was based on several key factors:
Lower cost and assessment savings compared to alternatives
Continuity of service avoiding the disruption and cost of new infrastructure
Customer familiarity with equipment and programming
Improved customer service including:
Replacement and upgrading of in-home equipment
A dedicated Comcast technician assigned to Grandezza
Direct access to live Comcast personnel (bypassing automated voice menus)
Financial impact of new contract
In addition, Comcast agreed to amend the existing contract reducing our costs by about $450,000 in 2026 and 2027 or a total of about $900,000. This reduction is reflected in the above proposed 2026 budget. The resulting cost in 2026 will be about 25% of the retail price for equivalent services.
The new contract also provides our U.S. based residents with the benefit of a new feature that by using a Firestick (or similar device) and the Xfinity Stream app they can access their Grandezza service while away, and allowing them to cancel their higher price “up north” TV subscriptions (with the exception of local channel access).
More details about the contract have been shared in an email blast that is also published this month’s Gazzette.
This completes the October report.
Your neighborhoods are probably working on their 2026 budgets and plans and I encourage you to investigate opportunities to assist as a board member or offering your expertise as a resource person. Your participation strengthens our community and ensures we continue to benefit from sound decision-making.
