The POA
The Dewees Island Property Owners Association (POA) is committed to protecting the island's pristine environment and maintaining essential services. As stewards of both the island’s infrastructure and its delicate ecosystems, the POA plays a critical role in ensuring that Dewees Island remains a peaceful, sustainable community.
With a skilled team, dedicated leadership, and active resident participation, the POA carefully manages the island’s operations, conservation efforts, and overall quality of life. Together, they protect and preserve Dewees Island's unique charm.
The POA oversees all aspects of daily life on the island, from enforcing environmental guidelines to managing essential services and overseeing the budget. The association ensures that Dewees Island's infrastructure remains strong and that community regulations are upheld.
A board of directors, elected by the island’s residents, makes key decisions about the island’s financial health, community projects, and long-term sustainability, ensuring the future of Dewees aligns with its values.
The POA is funded through annual dues and assessments paid by property owners. These fees go toward the maintenance of the island’s infrastructure, ferry services, safety operations, and conservation efforts. The funds also support the dedicated staff who manage the day-to-day operations. Special assessments may be levied to cover large improvements or unforeseen repairs.
FY25 Annual Fees
Annual Operating Assessment: $14,575
Annual Capital Reserve Assessment: $5,700
Other fees include parking, public safety, ferry, etc. See the complete list here.
A small but essential team of POA staff manages all aspects of island life, from financial administration and architectural review to public safety and ferry operations. This team is essential to the island’s smooth operation, ensuring everything runs efficiently, from emergency response to infrastructure maintenance.
Dewees Island thrives on community involvement. Many residents volunteer on committees focusing on conservation, social events, and governance. Regular newsletters inform owners of island activities, financial matters, and upcoming projects, fostering transparency and communication.
The annual POA meeting is a key event where significant decisions are made, and property owners can voice their opinions and vote on important issues. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, catch up with neighbors, strengthen bonds, and celebrate the unique spirit of Dewees Island.
At the heart of Dewees Island is a deep commitment to environmental preservation. The island’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Environmental Resource Board (ERB), in collaboration with the Environmental Program Director, play critical roles in maintaining this balance. Together, they work closely with property owners to ensure that development and human activity respect and protect the island’s unique environment.
The ARB ensures that strict architectural guidelines are followed, requiring homes and structures to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Every design is carefully reviewed to minimize environmental impact, promoting harmony between development and nature. Alongside these efforts, the ERB focuses on broader conservation initiatives, ensuring that Dewees Island’s ecosystems, including plant and wildlife habitats, remain undisturbed and thrive.
Together, the ARB and ERB create a comprehensive approach to island stewardship, overseeing everything from the thoughtful design of new homes to preserving biodiversity.
