out of control board

Our neighborhood has 40 single family homes, 4 1/2 yrs. old. I am on the board for the first time, and I've only lived here for a year. There seems to be a lot of old bad feeling between many of the board members, some from the original bunch. Looking over the records, I have discovered that everyone has kept the corp. records to themselves thinking they are personal property and won't turn them over. I have also dicovered that some records just weren't kept.perhaps that's why they won't turn them over. The only homes that have wierd stuff approved in their front yards are the homes of the board members. The e-mails, letter etc... fly back and forth with personal attacks and insults. The same bunch are on the board year after year. Other neighbors don't want to deal with any of them and avoid them at all cost. This is why no one comes to meeting or social get togethers. There are several families like myself who have moved in and are not part of that old bad blood. We want our HOA to run professionally and responsibly. My questions is; Are there any laws that can hold these people accountable for their record keeping? Is there a code of ethics out there to cover an HOA board? BTW we live in Georgia in regards to law. Any feedback is great.

Cheryl I feel for you and have nothing to offer but my support of your endeavor and to congratulate you for getting on the board and trying to make a difference. The Board in my place is Out Of Control as well. There isn't nor has there ever been any accountability, which has led to homeowner apathy creating more of a chasm in relationships. I've only been here for 6 months and they are trying to pass a sideing assessment/mold remediation/whatever they can call it to get it passed. Yes there is a mold/siding/drainage problem. But does it really take $25,000 to fix (oh and as of last week when the price was finalized: payment's due on 12/01/05) By being the new kid on the block, I still have hope - hope that the board will ultimately do right by the community - hope that the community will take a stand - hope that there will be some accountability. I've asked to see the substantiating documentation to support such a high figure - but was humiliated in front of the meeting. (Welcome to the real world, little lady, yeah the price has gone up, but gas used to a buck fifty a gallon and you don't see me crying do ya?)and then "You obviously don't comprehend the difference between value and cost and what we're adding here is value" HUH?? Well, this "little lady" is a Sr VP at a Fortune 100 co. A Six million dollar budget doesn't even register with me, I deal with those numbers before lunch! but it does when you're talking about re-stuccoing, replacing trim boards, and fixing drainage? It is obviously out of line but everyone here is so "Once bitten twice shy" it's like leading lambs to slaughter. The process has taken 3 years to get to this point (delays they write off to 9/11 and the war, when I mentioned that 9/11 happened a full year before the bidding process, well, just imagine)and now we have to vote by 11/1 (conveniently before 11/05 when they are required to tell us if they are raising our fees)payment's due on 12/1 and we're going to have the Beverly Hills of this town. AMAZING. And now I'm really sorry as I haven't done anything to help you Cheryl, I just needed to vent.

BUT,Once again Good on you for getting involved - bring some of your own team to the board, get some things accomplished and you'll be a hero.

Request in writing to view the documentation that rationalizes the $25,000. You are entitled to do so within 30 days in most states.

As well, carefully read the Declaration or Covenants documents. Many allow for owners to petition to move the membership to a vote when there are unhappy homeowners who don't want to pay more. This backdoor tactic can often render a veto of increases which are unreasonable. The key is getting enough owners to care.

Best of Luck,
Lisa