To the members of Indian Hammock Hunt & Riding Club.

Subject: Two Questionable Decisions: The Unbudgeted $100,000 Tractor Purchase

This is a story of two very questionable decisions.

The first questionable decision was the unplanned purchase of a used ~$100,000.00 tractor. The second questionable decision was to subvert our governing rules as well as state laws set forth in FLA Stat. 720.

Let me explain:

Several weeks ago, our Manager, Ron Sapp requested the Hammock purchase a third ~$100,000.00 air-conditioned tractor. This is the largest capital purchase Indian Hammock has ever made, and it is NOT in our budget!

You might ask why we would need a third tractor? We already own 2 full-size tractors with mowing attachments. AND several months ago, we replaced our lawn mowing employee with a new lawn mowing service for $1,800.00 a month.

At the July 24th Finance Committee Meeting, Treasurer Max Kolshak informed everyone that President Barbara Roberts purchased a used tractor on July 16th and financed 100% of the tractor price. Subsequently, Treasurer Max Kolshak explained he called each person on the Finance Committee and each board member to let them know of the purchase, so they could ratify the transaction at the July 26th Board of Directors meeting — ten days after the fact. One Finance Committee member denied this happened. 

So, in the prior two Finance Committee meetings (May and June), there was no substantive discussion of the tractor purchase, and no recommendation was brought to the Board of Directors for approval. In fact, there were no BOD discussions on record until after the 100%-financed purchase — and the tractor was already on IH property and being used by staff!

These actions are in direct violation of the protections in our Finance SOP and governing documents.

They are also in violation of FLA Stat. 720 Sunshine Law. This unbudgeted ~$100,000.00 purchase by President Barbara Roberts was again done without Finance recommendation or Board approval.

Indian Hammock and the State have rules and laws to protect HOAs from decisions made without transparency and proper approval.

WHAT WAS THE DIRE NEED FOR THIS UNPLANNED PURCHASE?

We spent $106,983.72 on a used tractor with 511 hours. Treasurer Max Kolshak stated that we were saving $35,000–$50,000 and needed immediate action. A quick internet search located an identical brand-new 2026 model for ~$110,000.00 — NEW!

WHY WAS THE COMMUNITY KEPT IN THE DARK?

What was so urgent that proper recommendations and approvals were not sought from the very bodies elected to protect owners and act in a fiduciary capacity?

When significant financial decisions happen outside of public view, the only safeguard is an informed membership. I encourage everyone to review the records and ask questions.

Best regards,
Joe Coyle