JesseN
(Georgia)
Posts:2
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| 08/16/2006 7:04 PM |
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| So, what is the deal with an HOA paying for some of the expense with a block party? |
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RogerB
(Colorado)
Posts:3725
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| 08/16/2006 7:23 PM |
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| Jesse, I think it is a good idea to have an association party as long as all members are invited and the amount of money is reasonable. It can be a great way to meet neighbors. I am not for the HOA paying for all expenses nor paying for or serving alcohol. |
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Roger Borcherding
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CharlesW1
(Georgia)
Posts:821
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| 08/17/2006 3:48 AM |
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JesseN,
I don’t know for sure. I’m new to all the whole HOA do’s and don’ts. I will be interested in see what other responses you will get. I’m looking to having something to gather neighbors in the community. I want to do this as well.
Where should the money come from? Should the person that decides he or she would like to have a block party pay for all the expenses, if this is the case. I won’t be having a traditional “block party” either. I know a party at my own house with friends and family. Only about 10 to 15 people will run me about $50.00 to $100.00. If I anticipate on the whole block to come that would cost me a bunch of money, I just can’t justify spending this kind of money or people I don’t really know all that well.
I’m curious now. I would hope the Social committee would pick up some of the expenses or else I don’t believe there will be to many of these gatherings. That’s just IMO.
Chuck W.
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Charles E. Wafer Jr. |
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GeraldT1
Posts:0
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| 08/17/2006 5:24 AM |
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JesseN,
Great idea, builds spirit within the community. I recommend the funds come from different sources, the HOA should pay for the tables, chairs, and basics that can be stored and reused for future events, all else including alcohol should come from the owners via a group of volunteers that can form a social committee. Everyone can be asked to bring something as well. Great great idea.
Best of success!!
GeraldT1
NNJ |
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VinceM
(Florida)
Posts:15
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| 08/17/2006 5:27 AM |
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| i somewhat remember that a party useing money from the general fund some how breaks somesort of corporate law ... regarding homeowners use of general funds..... is this bull to me .we do have a seperate fund for just that reason . sounds petty to me but i may be wrong .just in case you have a partypooper who may want to cause grief |
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BradP
(Kansas)
Posts:1742
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| 08/17/2006 7:24 AM |
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Jesse:
I think it is a good idea, our HOA paid for things associated with National night out when we had a party. I think the key is to keep the cost reasonable and make sure everyone is invited but it is a good idea. |
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JulieS
(Georgia)
Posts:412
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| 08/17/2006 7:31 AM |
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Is the block party for the entire neighborhood or only residents in a certain area?
We have a social fund with minimal funds in it for the annual easter egg hunt (residents donate the eggs) and a community cookout at the pool (HOA pays for burgers/buns/drinks, everyone brings a dish to share). We have had other functions in the past that were sponsored by a women's club, etc. Some neighborhoods charge a fee for certain activities to help with the cost.
A neighbor and I hosted a fall 'block party' for our cul-de-sac street so that we could meet all of our new neighbors but this was not something associated with the HOA, it was more of a personal function that we put on ourselves. |
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WilliamT
(Arizona)
Posts:489
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| 08/17/2006 12:34 PM |
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Here is one idea.
Add a budget line item called "Social Events" The budgeted amount is to be determined by a budget committee or requested by a social events committee, and approved by the board.
The funds can be spent on welcome packages for new homeowners, community get togethers, community Christmas lights, get well card for sick neighbors, etc.
For a community get together, a pot luck is always good. Have a Social Committee that will plan the event and will get neighbors involved in the committee.
The social committee plans a date in the future for the event, plans the event, plans what the committee wishes to spend.
Submit the plan to the board about 6 months prior to the event (in case the board wants alternate plans)
After the board approves an amount to be spend by the HOA, the committee will neighbors to commit to what they will bring.
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CharlesW1
(Georgia)
Posts:821
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| 08/17/2006 12:50 PM |
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WilliamT- I have heard of these “pot lucks” Everyone who attends brings a dish to pass, correct?! This then doesn’t cost anyone hardy anything.
I think you are right though. I believe some HOA have a determined amount of money that they will set aside for just those scenarios and situations. It wouldn’t take much to get something like this started. I’m sure if you recommended it to your current BOD, It would go over well.
Keep us posted.
Chuck W.
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Charles E. Wafer Jr. |
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BradP
(Kansas)
Posts:1742
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| 08/17/2006 2:09 PM |
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| We do that, we have a set amount in our budget and we have a dedicated committee person responsible for planning and executing the functions. |
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JesseN
(Georgia)
Posts:2
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| 08/17/2006 6:32 PM |
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| Thank you all for the great feedback and I agree with the feedback. In the spirit of maintaining goodwill and building a neighborhood who cares and watches each others property. One of my Board members was challenging the at it is breaking the law? As the HOA president I do not agree with him and wanted to get a feel for what the community's thoughts were. |
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LisaP
(Florida)
Posts:32
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| 08/18/2006 5:20 AM |
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| Check your bylaws and other covenants. The allotment of expenditures... or rather, a detail of how you the Board can spend the Association's $ should be in there. Proceed with caution as it could cause the Board and Association a lot of harm if $ is misallocated. |
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LynnC1
(Colorado)
Posts:2
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| 08/18/2006 3:23 PM |
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| If your HOA is a non-profit organization there are tax implications for 'spending' on members and social activities for said members. Your tax accountant would know the answer to that I bet. |
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WilliamH5
(North Carolina)
Posts:6
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| 09/09/2006 8:58 PM |
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Our HOA had formed a Social Committee that plans an annual social that is a pot-luck dinner. The HOA covers the minor expenses for disposable tableware and announcements left at each home's door. Each family brings their favorite dish to share and their own drinks, so the cost to the HOA is minimal.
This is a great way to bring neighbors together for a night out for good fellowship. The better you get to know your neighbors, you better you will work with them within the community such as serving on the HOA BOD or any other committee.
We moved in late August one year and the social was in September; we went and had a great time. At the social, I met the lady heading up the Garden Club which I joined and having a great time. Also met someone who thought I would be a good BOD member; she submitted my name to the nominating committee and now I'm on the BOD. These socials has been instrumental in getting to know people and making the connections that benefits myself adn the community. So, at such a minimal cost, any HOA can afford to do these things and really cannot afford not to. Benefits galore! |
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