INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE BY NENA GROSKIND WINNING THE FEE INCREASE DEBATE R aising community association fees is a lot like eating well and getting plenty of exercise: Most boards know a condominium's financial health requires fees high enough to fund essential maintenance and operating expenses. The logic is inescapable: Costs rise and association fees must increase to keep pace. But what board wants to deliver that news to owners? This is not a trick question. The answer is precisely what you assume. It is the reason too many communities are dealing with the results of long-deferred maintenance and inadequately funded reserves. We asked three industry professionals how they persuade reluctant board members to jump on the financial exercise bike and do the right thing for their communities. 38 CONDOMEDIA