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RobinM4 (Michigan)
Posts: 4
Posted:
In our HOA we have a VP on the board that gets all the contracts. I just found out that he just got a contract to do all the outside work for $184,000 per year. I asked how can this happen and I was told that he had the lowest bid. I said I am sure he did since he knew what all the other bids were. I don't think this year we had any other bids and I think they just gave him all the contract work. I found out for year 2009 we had to pay $14,000 to the lawn company to pay him off because he had a 3 year contract with us. Once they paid off him then they gave all the contract work to the VP. I feel this is a conflict of interest and should not be allowed. Most of the people that live in here know nothing about this. Is there anything I can do ? Thank you
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Robin,

You may want to research your state conflict of interest laws; usually found in the nonprofit corp statutes. If the board voted to give the VP the contract knowing of the conflict of interest then there may be no conflict of interest.
GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491
Posted:
In addition to what Mary said you can also let your neighbors know what is going on. You tell two and they tell two and so on and so on; before you know it I'll have heard about it down in Cincinnati.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
If there were sealed bids, then he would not know, would he?

Your bidding process is flawed if people are discussing or looking at bids before the board opens them.

Sounds like this guy sits on the board in order to have an "in" with the jobs available.

What do the other board members think?

Is he the owner or just works for these companies?

RobinM4 (Michigan)
Posts: 4
Posted:
The Board member is the owner of the company. I had one of the Board members give me the name of the company and looked on Michigan web site and found he is the owner. I also looked under Michigan law under "Non Profit Corporation" and found that it is a conflict of interest under Michigan law and the IRS law. Thank you so much for all of those who have left their comments. Thanks Robin
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Robin,

Posted below is the MI nonprofit corp statute dealing with conflict of interest. In the case of your board member, if the conflict was disclosed to the board b/4 they voted to let the contract and the board member in question did not vote or did not cast the determining vote, then a conflict does not exist. Having said that, personally I do not think it's wise for a board to enter into a contract with a board member, especially one to this magniture. IMO, this board member should decide whether he wants to be a contractor or a board member -- one or the other, but not both!

I believe the IRS is only concerned with conflict of interest situation that may exists in tax-exempt (501(c)) orgs. Unless your HOA is tax exempt under one of the 501(c) qualifications, that worry does not exist.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 545. A contract or other transaction between a corporation and 1 or more of its directors or officers, or
Rendered Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Page 31 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 98 of 2009
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov
between a corporation and a domestic or foreign corporation, domestic or foreign business corporation, firm,
or association of any type or kind, in which 1 or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or
are otherwise interested, is not void or voidable solely because of such common directorship, officership, or
interest, or solely because such directors are present at the meeting of the board or committee thereof which
authorizes or approves the contract or transaction, or solely because their votes are counted for such purpose
if any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) The contract or other transaction is fair and reasonable to the corporation when it is authorized,
approved, or ratified.
(b) The material facts as to the director's or officer's relationship or interest and as to the contract or
transaction are disclosed or known to the board or committee, and the board or committee authorizes,
approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction by a vote sufficient for the purpose without counting the vote
of any common or interested director.
(c) The material facts as to the director's or officer's relationship or interest and as to the contract or
transaction are disclosed or known to the shareholders or members, and they authorize, approve or ratify the
contract or transaction.
History: 1982, Act 162, Eff.
RobinM4 (Michigan)
Posts: 4
Posted:
Our HOA is a 501 (c) filed with the State of Michigan. We have 5 people on the board and 2 voted for him and 2 against him then he did cast the final vote. Our President on the board is also giving her brother in law a pool contract for over $10,000. The same board member also got paid over $60,000 to clean the snow. Thanks again for all the information. Robin
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Robin,

Sounds like all your board members need to be educated on the conflict of interest laws!!
WalterS1 (California)
Posts: 1
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MaryA1 on 09/23/2010 2:18 PM
Robin,

Sounds like all your board members need to be educated on the conflict of interest laws!!

And ethics.

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