FAQ – Answers to your questions

View answers to questions that some neighbors have asked about the community.

  1. Who pays when Country Lakes property is damaged, vandalized, or stolen?
  2. Why should I have to pay my association dues? I don’t use the common area and don’t want to participate in community activities.
  3. How much are the yearly CLHA dues?
  4. Where and when are the association’s monthly board meetings and who can attend?
  5. Can we see where our money is going?
  6. Are any CLHA board members paid for their time or services?
  7. If there is a home in Country Lakes that is in disrepair and there is trash and or old appliances outside of the home, who can I call to report what I feel to be unsafe conditions?
  8. Can I have a message posted on the Country Lakes lighted sign?
  9. How do I reserve the pavilion for an event?
  10. Why do I need to reserve the pavilion in order to use it?
  11. Can I submit a bid to work around the grounds?
  12. Can I keep vehicles on my property that are not tagged?
  13. Who maintains the roads within Country Lakes?
  14. Will we ever have a swimming pool?
  15. Why are there no street lights?

Who pays when Country Lakes property is damaged, vandalized, or stolen?

We all do. Anytime Country Lakes property is damaged, vandalized, or stolen, the money required to repair such damage must come out of the association’s limited resources.  Instead of using that money to improve the playground, pavilion, basketball court, tennis court, or ball fields, it must be diverted to cover the cost of repair or replacement. This is why it’s so important to report all suspicious activities in our community to local authorities right away.

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Why should I have to pay my association dues? I don’t use the common area and don’t want to participate in community activities.

Besides the fact that it’s a state requirement for most of the homes in our community, it’s the right thing to do.  While most people do pay their annual dues on time every year, some haven’t paid in a long time (or not at all). This means that everyone else in the community is covering their obligation.  Our association is out thousands of dollars because a few don’t want to pay their fair share.  Just think what kind of improvements we could make to our community if everyone paid their dues.  Our annual dues are lower than most home associations in the area and are held at an amount that shouldn’t be a burden on anyone.  If you don’t want to do it for yourself, then please do it for your neighbors, friends, and especially the children in our community.

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How much are the yearly CLHA dues?

$65.00 (as of Jan 2023)
$62.63 (as of Jan 2022)

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Where and when are the association’s monthly board meetings and who can attend?

Country Lakes Association board meetings are held every second Tuesday at 6pm.  During warmer months (typically April through October) these meetings are held at the common area pavilion at the corner of Asher and Cox.  During the colder months, meetings are held inside at Christ Church Parish Hall on Zach Fowler Rd in Chaptico.  ANYONE is welcome to attend these meetings.  NO prior notice is required – just show up. The board always welcomes guests and wants to hear what’s on your mind.  Guests will not be pressured to join the board.  However, we hope you’ll like what you see and consider taking a more active role in our community.

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Can we see where our money is going?

Yes.  Your dues help pay for the cost of utilities, insurance, repair and replacement of equipment at the playground, tennis court, basketball court, and pavilion. Your dues also go towards maintenance of the main entrance at Asher Rd, yearly community events, and more. If you’d like a full explanation of expenses, we welcome you to attend our next HOA meeting where they are reviewed in detail every month. View event calendar.

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Are any CLHA board members paid for their time or services?

NO! Every board member has volunteered their time, effort, and sometimes out-of-pocket expenses in order to make this community a better, safer place to live. Without their dedication and commitment, most of the activities sponsored by the CLHA would not be possible.

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If there is a home in Country Lakes that is in disrepair and there is trash and or old appliances outside of the home, who can I call to report what I feel to be unsafe conditions?

If it is a health issue, please call the St. Mary’s County Health Department.  If it is a safety issue, please call the Sheriff’s Department. View list of local resources.

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Can I have a message posted on the Country Lakes lighted sign?

Yes.  Any member in good standing (dues paid up to date) can have a personal message posted on the sign.  No commercial messages are accepted.  This sign is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  However, any timely or urgent community announcements take priority.  The cost is $5.00 per day (up to 5 days only) payable in advance.  Please give a two-week notice if possible. Submit a request online, call 301-884-7297, or e-mail eventcoordinator@clha.org.   Someone will get back to you with additional details ASAP.

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How do I reserve the pavilion for an event?

Submit a request online, call 301-884-7297 or email us at eventcoordinator@clha.org

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Why do I need to reserve the pavilion?

To ensure that others are not using it when you need it.  We will post your reservation on the lighted sign at the park.

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Can I submit a bid to work around the grounds?

CLHA is always looking for volunteers to help out.  All other needs for (paid) services will be posted on our website and in our quarterly newsletters. So check back regularly and keep informed by reading the newsletters each quarter.

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Can I keep vehicles on my property that are not tagged?

Not within eyesight of the road.  This does not apply to untagged vehicles that are in an obvious, active state of repair or have a visible “for sale” sign displayed. The county is responsible for enforcing this rule.

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Who maintains the roads within Country Lakes?

The roads belong to the County thus St. Mary’s County is responsible for the upkeep of the roads.

This also applies to requests for speed reduction measures (speed bumps/humps), and traffic signage.

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Will we ever have a swimming pool?

Unfortunately, we cannot afford a swimming pool.  Your yearly dues would increase exponentially.

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Why are there no street lights?

It is up to the County to install and maintain street lights.

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