Board Officers and Ex Board friendships causing problems

A few of us board members are having issues with 2 of the officers who are friends with the past board. The problem lies, the one was on the previous board who we are looking into missing documents and possible misuse of funds by the past president. The other is our new President.

When the rest of us made it clear that this matter has to be looked into immediately, first we got the run around, then when the two of them realized we weren't going away, they finally pushed the issue of getting our files returned. Of course, everything was returned to them and then they said we wouldn't meet till January. We also asked these two to keep their mouths shut and not discuss the matter until with past board members until we ALL can look into it more. We also asked them not discuss gossip at meetings because our time is limited and personally we don't really care who is getting divorced or whatever.

Other than this, they are doing NOTHING. The place is running down, it looks terrible but yet their friend had a light out and we had to stop everything to make sure that got fixed. Or their other ex-board and friend is upset her new neighbor has a puppy. I tried to help with a newsletter worked on it with her, agreed on it, then the one that went out was totally different. So we are getting really fed up and we do not trust these two. I want to stay on the board so I can monitor what is going on but I'm leary about sticking on it when there is no trust. Does it put us at liability even though we are trying to fight them on this stuff they are mishandling? Is there a way, if I am not a board member, but an owner of requiring or getting a way to get the meeting minutes and financials?

Many times "mishandling" is a matter of opinion. Some will feel a situation is being handled correctly, some will not. Be sure you are looking at the big picture and that you are representing the membership as a board member. Dropping off the BOD and then fighting them as a member will not be as productive as staying on the board and trying to make improvements from within.

Beth, I believe your Board needs to establish proper procedures for conducting meeting and maintaining records. Lean and use Robert's Rules of Order or similar procedures to conduct meetings. Gossip should never be allowed at meetings.

The private files a Board member maintains belong to them and never need to be returned. The association's corporate Agent, if incorporated, should maintain all official records; otherwise it is the Secretary's responsibility. You can search this board for discussions on what needs to be recorded in minutes.

Handing of monies and financial reporting procedures should be established and monitored by the Board. This can illuminate (or eliminate) inappropriate handling of funds. If after the President and ex-President answer the other Board members concerns, if they not satisfied their actions were appropriate, then further action can be considered. If you don't like the way the President is leading the Board you can remove them from that office. If there is theft or other wrongdoing which is significant an attorney's opinion may be merited.