Finances

DPPOA income is generated in three specific ways: These are separate revenue accounts and each has its own collection, budget and approval process.

1) The DPPOA Annual Member Dues- This fee is optional, however, we encourage everyone owning land in the community to join the DPPOA by paying the annual dues (currently $60.00). DPPOA is an organization comprised of resident volunteers tasked with operating the community at large. The dues are used to help offset community administration costs such as the beach, boat ramp, street and entrance signs, and general landscaping, not covered by the specific road fee below. Members may vote on DPPOA organization specific issues, such as Board of Director elections, budgets and bylaw changes, however issues of great importance to the community, such as covenant changes, are always voted on by the community at large and not just DPPOA members. Your membership in DPPOA is highly encouraged.

2) Road Fees- This fee is mandatory - Every lot in Drum Point is subject to a $10 / year road fee as outlined in the covenants filed in the court house. These covenants bind the property to Drum Point. Road Fees are owed to DPPOA and if you purchased property and the road fees were not paid by the former owner, you as the new owner have now assumed these road fees and owe them. The purpose of a title search, and title insurance, is to ensure that no liens or encumbrances are outstanding against the property and that "free and clear" title is being conveyed. Local settlement attorneys routinely contact DPPOA to determine outstanding fees however sometimes they do not. If you are being charged for previous owner road fees, contact your settlement attorney and title insurance company.

3) Special Tax District- This fee is mandatory - In 1996 under Maryland Law DPPOA applied for and was granted a special tax district status whereby the Calvert County Government collects the fee, currently $50.00 (2006-10) per deeded lot along with the property tax. This money is then turned back over to DPPOA for use in managing and maintaining Drum Point assets. It is currently a five year plan.

Per the Bylaws, up-to-date payments of all three (member in good standing) is required to vote on DPPOA issues.

You can help us to maintain the accuracy of your record by including on your payment: The Lot/Block/Section number for which payment is being remitted, the purpose of the payment (Road Fee, DPPOA annual dues, etc.) and any address, name, or phone number changes (a note with your payment is adequate).

WHY DIDN’T THE COUNTY INCLUDE THE $10/yr DRUM POINT ROAD FEE IN THE STD? The Calvert County Board of Commissioners was not willing to include the covenant road fee in the special tax district collection. Therefore, DPPOA is still obligated by its covenants and law to separately collect the $10/yr road fee.

WHY AM I BEING BILLED FOR UNPAID ROAD FEES THAT WERE PRIOR TO MY TAKING OWNERSHIP OF MY PROPERTY? Road Fee debt travels with the property. When you purchase property in Drum Point you assume any and all outstanding covenant road fees against it. DPPOA makes every effort to contact local real estate brokers and settlement attorneys to remind them to contact us concerning outstanding road fees prior to property closings so that issues of this nature can be resolved prior to property transfer. If you have been billed for road fees that are prior to your ownership, we recommend that you to contact your settlement attorney for reconciliation.

HOW DO I CORRECT A BILLING ERROR? To correct billing errors the DPPOA needs proof of payment. You can help expedite billing error corrections by enclosing information as to check number, date, and name on the check; copies of canceled checks are the best way to expedite billing error corrections. Enclose the information along with your payment. You can also contact the Treasurer or the office Manager. The DPPOA answering machine phone number is 410-326-6148.