Big Secret

As a general rule no they can't swear you to secrecy and even if they do what happens if you tell someone? Are you booted out of the HOA? Fined? (Good luck enforcing that!)

What State are you in do you know if there are any laws governing your meetings? Not just your state HOA codes but since the HOA is probably incorporated the state laws regarding Corp will apply. What do your CC&R's say about meetings?

This may be an attempt of BOD members from getting themselves posted on U-Tube making dumb remarks.

I think the reason for all the secrecy is they are making decisions and spending money before bringing it to the members. So it is a matter of fact at the next meeting. Members cant vote yes or no.
Phyllis

We sometimes have working meetings. These meetings are open to all homeowners and they are not told to be quiet about them. I know why your BOD would want the discussions kept quiet thought, the rumor mill. It works overtime whenever we have a working meeting. Even thought we do not vote on anything,the whole community is bussing about what is going to be changed and it is usually wrong.

A litttle more info.is needed. We are a small community of about 370 residents.We only pay $5. a month $60. a year.We had already voted down getting a laptop computer for the treasurer, before the last election the 28 of July, a computer had already been donated to the POA,by a resident for the treasurer use ,but she wanted a laptop. For the first 3 weeks they had A bod meeting 1 a week. Several residents attended. When approached on progress of bod ,we were informed nothing could be discussed. They still havent told the people ,but they bought the laptop for the treasurer and also spent $3800. for an accoutant to fix what the treasurer was suppose to handle and didnt last year.We Had our first meeting sense elections Aug. 28 ,there was no mention of computer purchase ,but it was there . And no mention or login on finnancial report given about accountant or laptop. Keep in mind the members had already voted NO, we have bought 3 computers in the past and no one knows where they are.
Phyllis

I dunno what to think about this one. 370 residents?? We have about 275, and they don't get to vote on laptop purchase. The board does. In fact, our members really don't get to "vote" on any capital expense. The BOD does because they were elected to operate the HOA on a day-to-day basis, including handling a variety of questions such as capital expenses.

If the capital expense gets to the point that a special assessment would be needed, we would most likely put that discussion out there at a meeting and obtain input from the homeowners.

Our governing documents do not require us to put such business before the homeowners for a vote, only deed restriction changes or by-law changes, or BOD elections.

Are they voting in this meeting?

There is not a private community in this country that can have a quorum of BOD members, for a Board meeting and not have it open to the members. Minutes must also be taken. The exceptions would be legal issues with an attorney present.

JohnM3, I believe that the new statues in FL 720 amended 7/1/07 provides a HOA more authority and less restrictions. Just the financial statues, ensure that HOA's will not lose money that is owed. Each year it seems that more and more statues are conforming to FL718 for condos, which is more descriptive. Florida HOA's are not governed by the "Sunshine Law". The Sunshine law is only for state and local government entities, not private HOA's.