HoCo

HoCo was established as a division of NFD in 1994 to address the need for a co-ordinated single approach to the maintenance and development of essential services on the Park. The areas covered by HoCo are roads, streetlights, sewage, drainage and landscaping (of solum).

For the record, the name HoCo comes from the Findhorn Bay Housing Company but was soon shortened to the abbreviation HoCo.

HoCo & the Title Holders Association (THA)

HoCo is the name given to the Park’s collective infrastructure, which consists of all the roads, streetlights, sewers, drainage and landscaping (of solum) in the Park. The HoCo budget is decided upon by the Title Holders Association and is an annual maintenance fund set up to pay for amongst other things the upkeep and maintenance of this infrastructure. Each title holder pays an annual sum, based on the size of their property’s floor area , into this fund. The Title Holders Association (land owners in the Park) contract NFD as their service agent, to maintain this infrastructure by carrying out ad hoc and retainer based tasks the costs for which are then paid for by the THA from this fund.

The Park’s electricity and water supplies along with associated infrastructure are not part of HoCo. These are separate divisions, owned and run by NFD.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the THA need a service agent?

The Park is a private estate, which means Moray Council, Scottish Hydro Electric and Scottish Water are not responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure. Their responsibility starts and finishes at the main entrance.

Why don’t Moray Council, Scottish Hydro Electric and Scottish Water cover the Park?

The Park is privately owned land and is the landowner’s responsibility.

What’s the history of HoCo?

HoCo was set up as a sinking fund (saving money) to pay for major infrastructure maintenance and upgrade, as and when required. As the community grew it became apparent that this annual budget was needed for day-to-day repairs and maintenance as well.

Why are NFD the THA’s service agents?

NFD are uniquely placed to carry out this role as they manage and operate other key services in the Park, such as electricity and water. Since they are already managing other aspects of the site they are able to maximise the cost effectiveness of their resources, ensuring more of the titleholders money goes into maintenance work. This is best illustrated in two main areas: Administration – As NFD already run and invoice for utilities, the same staff and administration are used to do HoCo paperwork. This effectively means not having to set a separate office and staff at additional costs to do so; Project costs – The same applies to project costs where machinery and equipment is utilised across all areas of work.