NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
What do you folks think about taking money from the association dues and donating to a local charity without discussing with homeowners or included in our budget? Budget not ratified.
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HOA dues
Started by NancyG1 • 13 replies • 1485 views
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SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
Was this motioned and passed at a Board meeting? If so, what was the justification? how much are we talking about here?
NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
Hi Susan - Discussed at monthly meeting with only Board members present. Amount is $100.
JonD1
Posts: 2,350
Posts: 2,350
Posted:
And the $100 is donated to whom?
And how many units on the property?
I was wondering if we had 100 units that would equal $1 per unit hardly worth making an issue out of it.
And how many units on the property?
I was wondering if we had 100 units that would equal $1 per unit hardly worth making an issue out of it.
NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
When put this way I agree not worth making an issue out of. Subject closed.
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 388
Posts: 388
Posted:
Nancy,
I disagree with Jon. Unless this charitable org is providing a service to the HOA, i.e. use of a meeting room, this is not something the HOA should get into doing. The amount of money donated doesn't matter, it's the pricipal of an HOA donating to charity. Also I doubt that the CCRs allow for charitible donations which means the BOD is violating the gov docs. IMO, not a good idea at all!!
I disagree with Jon. Unless this charitable org is providing a service to the HOA, i.e. use of a meeting room, this is not something the HOA should get into doing. The amount of money donated doesn't matter, it's the pricipal of an HOA donating to charity. Also I doubt that the CCRs allow for charitible donations which means the BOD is violating the gov docs. IMO, not a good idea at all!!
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posts: 97
Posted:
I agree with Mary. In this instance it may not be a big issue, but it could set a precedent for the future with larger amounts of money.
NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
Mary & JENNIFER - It is not covered by our CCR's but it doesn't seem to matter to our BOD. They aren't going by our CCR's or By-Laws. Or upholding them. I personally feel a charity is an individual choice. They didn't say what charity. It doesn't matter to write and object because they do what they want.
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 388
Posts: 388
Posted:
Nancy,
It appears that this may be the least of what they are doing that may be unethical or even illegal. If that is the case it may be time for the members to organize. Talk to your friends and neighbors; perhaps you can gather a group of like-minded members to confront the board with your complaints. If they don't pay heed you can always try for a recall. Or, if there is an election coming up try to get candidates to run who you think will do a better job and don't be afraid to campaign for these individuals. IMO, it's always best to make changes at the ballot box. A recall would be a last resort.
It appears that this may be the least of what they are doing that may be unethical or even illegal. If that is the case it may be time for the members to organize. Talk to your friends and neighbors; perhaps you can gather a group of like-minded members to confront the board with your complaints. If they don't pay heed you can always try for a recall. Or, if there is an election coming up try to get candidates to run who you think will do a better job and don't be afraid to campaign for these individuals. IMO, it's always best to make changes at the ballot box. A recall would be a last resort.
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
Nancy - the minutes of the meeting where this was decided should give all the details you need. The name of the charity should be identified, along with what account was going to pay for it.
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NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
Susan this is what it said in our Oct mins. New Business
Motion made by Gladys that the HOA make an annual contribution to a charity in memory of homeowners who have died during the year. Motion amended to be $100 donation in memory of homeowners who have passed. Motion seconded by Hannah and then opened for discussion. After a brief discussion it was decided to rotate the Charity at Board discretion. Whit asked for a vote on the motion on the floor – “Motion has been made that the HOA Board once a year donate $100 rotating the charity in memory of those who have died.” All in favor was 4, opposed 1. Motion carried 4-1. Secretary will send condolences from the Board with a notation that the donation will be made in memory of loved one.
nothing was said at our HOA annual meeting back in Aug.
Motion made by Gladys that the HOA make an annual contribution to a charity in memory of homeowners who have died during the year. Motion amended to be $100 donation in memory of homeowners who have passed. Motion seconded by Hannah and then opened for discussion. After a brief discussion it was decided to rotate the Charity at Board discretion. Whit asked for a vote on the motion on the floor – “Motion has been made that the HOA Board once a year donate $100 rotating the charity in memory of those who have died.” All in favor was 4, opposed 1. Motion carried 4-1. Secretary will send condolences from the Board with a notation that the donation will be made in memory of loved one.
nothing was said at our HOA annual meeting back in Aug.
NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
Mary - There is a lot they do that is unethical and illegal. The members so not care. When I talk to the neighbors they think I am a trouble maker and vendictive. There aren't enough of us. They wouldn't know what a recall was. They took peoples proxies without them assigning them to them nobody stands a chance because proxies are mailed to the secretary. Nobody wants to run or get involved. When the dues go up maybe then. Lots of things they are doing is not in compliance with our by-laws. I just don't know how to fight it by myself so I'm taking care of my property. See the forum on BOD trespassing on my property this still has to be heard in court. It's coming up soon. I've tried to help them but they just ignore any suggestions. They have their own agenda.
LawrenceC1 (Georgia)
Posts: 480
Posts: 480
Posted:
In our governing documents it says, "Assessments shall be used for any purpose the Board of Directors determines will benefit the Owners or the Development." If your documents say something similar, then the Board is within their authority to donate to a charity. Your only recourse is to replace the board at the next election with people that more closely share your views.
NancyG1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 119
Posts: 119
Posted:
Lawrence - There is nothing in our Covenants that state anything like what you quote. Ours says assessments shall be used exclusively to promote the recreation, health, safety and welfare of the residents and for improvements and maintenance of the common area, taxes, insurance, repairs, landscaping, attorney. There is nothing under the BOD duties either. I can't replace the BOD by myself and not enough people will step up to be a board member or do anything to vote current board out. Nobody is overseeing them. Nobody in the neighbor even knows what they are doing. They do not advise homeowners of what they do. I learned about this from my neighbor who requested a copy of the Oct minutes. Nobody else even knows they can request minutes or I doubt they even care.
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