OVERVIEW & FAQS
OVERVIEW & FAQs
The Indian Wells Country Club Community (IWCC) is a safe, thriving and welcoming neighborhood. With smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure, the Fire Access Maintenance District #1 (FAMD) invests in the community to continue increasing resident property values and overall desirability as a place to live.
Formed in 1980, the primary responsibilities of the Fire Access Maintenance District #1 (FAMD) include the maintenance of 13.5 miles of streets, community access control and security patrol, gatehouse maintenance and minor common area landscape. The FAMD is governed by a six-person board of directors, five elected by property owners, and the sixth director is the general manager of the Indian Wells Country Club. With just under 1,000 private residences represented, the FAMD board members ensure roadways’ quality, upkeep and maintenance, rights of way and easements for fire protection services. Together, they work to provide services that keep the community developing and make sure residents’ needs are met.
Examples of responsibilities of the FAMD include:
- Ensure that trained professionals staff the guard gates 24/7 and that emergencies are addressed promptly.
- Maintenance of community landscaping around gatehouses.
Examples of investments in the community include:
- From 2021-23, $2.5 million was invested in a complete road makeover including pavement reconstruction, curb and gutter repairs and fresh striping for most of the community. Remaining work will be included in the new pavement management plan. Smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure are key components to maintaining our thriving and welcoming neighborhood.
- In 2020, the FAMD partially funded the Storm Water Mitigation Project (SWaMP) to ensure the Manitou Springs subdivision would be better equipped to withstand large storms without fear of large-scale flooding and damage. The total investment for this project was $437,397.
- Remodel of the guardhouse and repainting of the entrance.
- Updates to the Manitou entrance including switching to drought-resistant turf as recommended by the water district — saving the community thousands of dollars in water costs.
- Debut of an updated, more user-friendly website for the community.
Revenue generated through the FAMD levies is only spent on essential services, meaning on the quality, upkeep and maintenance of access roadways, rights of way and easements for fire protection services. These services are funded through resident and IWCC property taxes and a voter-approved special assessment that ranges from $550-$1,030 annually, depending on the lot size. The assessment has not increased in close to 20 years. Investments in services like these provide residents with peace of mind and a high quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the responsibilities of the Fire Access Maintenance District #1 (FAMD)?
The primary responsibilities include the maintenance of 13.5 miles of streets, community access control and security patrol, gatehouse maintenance and minor common area landscape
2. How are the FAMD essential services funded?
The essential services are funded through resident and IWCC property taxes & a voter-approved special assessment tax.
3. What are examples of essential services that the FAMD has invested in?
From 2021-23, $2.5 million was invested in a complete road makeover including pavement reconstruction, curb and gutter repairs and fresh striping. Smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure are key components to maintaining a thriving and welcoming neighborhood.
In 2020, the FAMD partially funded the Storm Water Mitigation Project (SWaMP) to ensure the Manitou Springs subdivision would be better equipped to withstand large storms without fear of large-scale flooding and damage. The total investment for this project was $437,397.
4. What is the FAMD special assessment tax?
In May 2005, a special assessment tax was approved by voters in an effort to generate additional funds for essential services. The rate of this assessment is currently between $550 and $1,030 annually, and has not increased in nearly 20-years.
5. What are the benefits of having the FAMD provide essential services?
Services provided by the FAMD increase resident property values and the overall desirability of the neighborhood as a place to live. Investments in services like these provide peace of mind and a high quality of life to residents.
6. How is the FAMD Governed?
The FAMD is governed by a six-person board of directors, five elected by property owners, to ensure resident voices are heard. The sixth director is the general manager of the Indian Wells Country Club. Together, they work to provide services that keep the community thriving and ensure residents’ needs are met.
