Small Associations

I suppose that depends on the current officers - if they don't mind the work and everyone's happen, one could say to let things go as they have been.

But it isn't healthy - people do get burned out or corrupt (I suspect half the threads on this board are about recalling board members or boards running amuck). Part of the reason power corrupts is because no one pays attention to why and how things get done - other homeowners figure "well, things seem to get done and my fees are low (whatever THAT means), so unless something really crazy happens, they can dowhattheylike." I've heard of some associations requiring homeowners to serve on the board for at least one term or they pay some sort of 'non-participation' fee. I don't know how effective it is or if anyone's ever tried to challenge it in court.

I think your officers may have to call a "come to Jesus" meeting for the homeowners and tell them that it's high time THEY start volunteering for the board. It can happen gradually - bring on one new person slowly to get them acclimated to life as a HOA board member, and continue as one board member leaves. Eventually, you get a new board and hopefully, the newbies are experienced enough to take over (the old timers will always be around to provide advice if needed).

If no one bites, I suppose you can then threaten them with asking a court to put the HOA into receivership, but if your association is running well, a judge might not grant it. Usually receivership happens when no one will volunteer for the board, let along serve as an officer and/or the finances are a train wreck. If granted, a judge would appoint a receiver to take on the tasks of the board (hire vendors, collect assessments and what not), but it's not at all cheap and you'd have to pay that fee on top of whatever you pay for assessments (so much for your "low" assessments)

I believe the board can also appoint members (check your governing documents) - if so, your could (1) have the officers pick a few people and say "congrats, you're on the board" - if they squawk, talk to them about the receivership threat or (2) put the names of all the homeowners in a hat and draw two or three (everyone should be at that meeting so they'll know what's what) and whoever's lucky (or unlucky) to be chosen, they should begin to serve.

Thanks Roger, as Sec/Treas for 20 yrs. Anyone can see the books any time.
My report is easy to read and I have Never taken one dime for any of the
work that I do, including gas money or office supplies.

We are in the same boat. Our bookkeeper started giving us financial reports without bank statements. She going to trial shortly. We know for sure she "paid" herself &18,000. She kept telling us how dedicated she was and now she's saying that money was owed to her for all the work she did. We now have management company. I want to know if anyone has experience with management company? Does HOA approve all bills before management co pays?

Maria - please start your own thread. You have changed the subject.

Thanks Tim. I would gladly give this position to someone. Unfortunatly, the
thinking seems to be when you move to a condo you don't have to do anything.