Sun City West budget committee reviews FY 2026 operating plan; proposes $28 dues increase, fee changes for golf and carts

Cliff Swan, Sun City West chief financial officer, presented the governing board’s first look at the FY 2026 operating budget at the Budget & Finance Committee meeting on Feb. 18, outlining proposed revenue and fee changes intended to preserve reserves and maintain services.

The presentation showed a proposed $28 increase in annual membership dues (a 4.9% rise), a proposed $200 increase to the association payment (APF) to $5,400, a 5% uplift in wages/payroll costs (4% wage merit pool plus higher benefits) and a net increase of roughly three full‑time equivalent positions across the organization. Swan said the package would keep the association’s reserve funding plan on target while maintaining current levels of service.

Why it matters: Sun City West’s operating revenue depends heavily on member dues and on golf and facility fees. Committee members heard that the community’s reserves, capital plans and staffing needs all shape any request to raise dues or fees. Swan framed the proposal as a balance between preserving assets, funding capital work (roughly $10–10.5 million in planned capital spending referenced in the presentation), and keeping the community’s amenities operating at current service levels.

Swan said wages, benefits and payroll taxes account for about 63% of the association’s operating budget and that the FY 2026 proposal includes a 5% overall increase in that category, driven by a 4%…