Update from the GM: Board Meetings, Budget, and Behind the Scenes

As we close out another busy week, I encourage residents to review the blogs published throughout the week for more detailed updates on current projects, operations, and Association matters.

August Board Meeting

The Board of Directors held its regular meeting on Thursday, August 27th. During the meeting, the Board acknowledged the July 2026 financial statements. These financials are available for resident review in the CiraNet Resident Portal.

Management also provided updates on several active projects and operational priorities currently in progress throughout the Association.

2027 Budget Preparation and Financial Alignment

Preparation of the Association’s 2027 budget is in progress and proceeding according to the established budget timeline. In tandem with that process, management and the Finance team are reviewing and refining the existing budget template to support clearer reporting and more effective long-term planning.

The team is evaluating historical expenses, account classifications, vendor obligations, utility allocations, active projects, and anticipated 2027 needs. This detailed work will help ensure the budget accurately reflects the Association’s current operations and provides meaningful information throughout the review and decision-making process.

In early September, the Finance Committee, Board Treasurer, and management team will meet to review the second draft and prepare it for presentation to the Board. This will provide the Board with sufficient time to conduct its review before the 2027 budget is presented for consideration and approval at the October 2026 Budget Meeting.

This is a significant undertaking, and I appreciate the time and attention being dedicated to developing a thoughtful and well-supported 2027 budget.

Strengthening Our Team and Operations

As General Manager and the Association’s site leader, one of my primary goals has been to build a qualified team with the experience and judgment necessary to support a community of Stonebridge Ranch’s size and complexity.

Behind the scenes, I am also leading a renewed focus on the operational and procurement tools available through our management partner; RealManage Elevated Onsite. This includes strengthening our use of project and task tracking, work orders, defined scopes of work, competitive bidding, vendor documentation, and approval processes.

These tools support greater consistency from the initial identification of a need through final completion while improving accountability, financial oversight, and reporting to the Board. Although much of this work takes place behind the scenes, it is an important part of sound operations and responsible stewardship of Association resources.

Welcome Michael Duree

We are pleased to welcome Michael Duree as our new Director overseeing Landscaping, Grounds, Facilities, and Maintenance. Michael brings extensive experience in construction management, capital improvement planning, municipal infrastructure, parks and facilities, budgeting, contractor oversight, and project delivery. Michael served the City of McKinney for nearly 12 years, steadily advancing through the following roles – Park & Irrigation, and Park Planner.

As Park Planner II, Michael managed the design and construction of Parks Capital Improvement Program projects ranging from trail improvements to large community park developments. His responsibilities included coordinating with engineers, architects, contractors, vendors, City leadership, and community stakeholders; overseeing project scopes, schedules, contracts, and documentation; and presenting project updates to City leadership, the Parks Board, and the public.

Following his service with the City of McKinney, Michael continued expanding his experience as a Capital Improvement Project Manager for the City of Murphy and as a Construction Manager in the private engineering sector. This combination of field knowledge, public-sector leadership, and private-sector construction management makes him especially well-positioned for his role at Stonebridge Ranch.

Michael works under the direction of the General Manager and in close partnership with Maintenance Supervisor Eric Ortega and the broader maintenance team. He will work collaboratively with the committees supporting these operational areas and is already actively engaged with the Landscape & Grounds Committee, including Board Liaison Kim Canales and Committee Chair Mary Patrick.

As part of his transition, Michael and the management team are conducting a comprehensive review of active projects, vendor assignments, scopes of work, budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation. This work will provide him with a full understanding of current operations while advancing consistent project planning, procurement, tracking, and reporting.

We are excited to welcome Michael and confident that his experience and leadership will further strengthen the care, planning, and oversight of the Association’s extensive common areas and physical assets.

Thank you to our staff, committee volunteers, and Board members for the considerable work taking place behind the scenes. We remain focused on strengthening our processes, building a capable team, and moving the Association’s priorities forward responsibly.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!