​Our Mission

At Bear Paw Service District, our mission is to serve the collective interests of all Bear Paw Property Owners through the best use of our resources, both funds and assets.

Our Priorities

• We here at Bear Paw Service District pledge to preserve the security and,to the extent our limited resources permit, maintain and upgrade the infrastructure, all the while fostering the nature of our community --- a Mountain & Lake Retreat ...a wonderful place to visit or live! 

​Disclaimer:  The information provided in the website is for information purposes only and does not obligate the BPPOA in any way.  The information is not authoritative and is not to be considered definitive in any manner.  The BPPOA is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of the website though the BPPOA will strive to update information as it becomes available.

1. What is the relationship of Bear Paw Property Ownership Association (BPPOA)
   

and Bear Paw Service District (BPSD)?

     The BPPOA whose members are made up of lot owners in the Bear Paw Service District have an annual election for the board members for the BPSD and BPPOA. One vote per lot. The elected board members become the board for both the BPSD and the BPPOA but their functions are different.    There are seven board members each serving a 2 year term and may be elected for another 2 year term.  The election of each year alternates in electing 4 new members one year and 3 new members the next year.    Each year at the July meeting  the elections are held and open to all members in good standing (your taxes are current).   

     The BPSD has no members, only your elected board members can vote.  Their purpose is to manage the Bear Paw Service District. As a "Service District" they are in fact a local government and must adhere to the North Carolina state 159 statue and Cherokee County governing laws. The BPSD board by law it is authorized to set and oversee the budget for the purpose of  maintaining and managing BPSD assets: common areas, roads, pool, tennis courts, playground, clubhouse and provide security, administer the business affairs of the Service District, establish Zoning Ordinanes and provide other services required and/or allowed by the County and State.  The funds to accomplish these tasks come from your Bear Paw taxes.   The BPSD also may implement special assessments, user fees and other contract fees.  The Bear Paw Service District Board are your elected officials authorized to run the District and are approved by the County, to do so. The Bear Paw office personnel work for the BPSD only.

The BPPOA is more what you may understand to be an "HOA". Like a "Home owners association" your BPPOA members may vote on changing bylaws, vote on social guidelines, how they want the BPPOA funds spent and if there are any dues. Currently, there are no dues.  Through the efforts of many via donations, fundraisers and volunteers your BPPOA has had several social events and added great value to our community. The board members are your contact for the BPPOA issues.

This is meant to be an overview to assist you in understanding how things work here in Bear Paw.  you may want to refer to "Local government rules in North Carolina" to understand the Service district and/or read the By-laws of the BPPOA for further information. 

​

2014-2015

2014-2015

Your 2017-2018 Board Members

 
                         Bear Paw Service District and Bear Paw Property Owners Association
            BOARD OF DIRECTORS  

                         effective 07/01/2018       Term

Alan Snaider                                                BPSD, Vice-Chairman                            2018-2020
95 Pinecrest Drive                                       BPPOA, Vice-President
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-0987
info@bearpawnc.com

David Marion                                                BPSD, Chairman                               2017-2019

575 Lonesome Pine Rd                               BPPOA, President                              

Murphy, NC 28906 

(770) 378-9886    

info@bearpawnc.com                                                     
                                                                 

Ann Atkinson                                              BPSD, Asst.Secretary                     2017-2019   

Smokey View Ln                                        BPPOA, Asst.Secretary 

Murphy, NC 28906

(828) 835-3767  

info@bearpawnc.com                                      

Lydia Kennedy                                            BPSD, Secretary                                2018-2020
117 Pike Trail.                                             BPPOA, Secretary
Murphy, NC                                                 
(828) 644-1090
info@bearpawnc.com

Jerry Pezzella                                              BPSD, Asst. Finance Officer                       2018-2020
1240 Village Road                                      BPPOA, Asst.Treasurer
Murphy, NC 28906                                    
(828) 644-5084
info@bearpawnc.com

 John Steensma                                         BPSD, Finance Officer                 2017-2019 

120 Cherrywood Dr                                    BPPOA, Treasurer 

Murphy, NC 28906

(407) 414-8707

info@bearpawnc.com                                       

                                                     
David Black                                             BPSD, Director                                    2018-2020                     
30 Island Drive                                      BPPOA, Director                        
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5434
info@bearpawnc.com