outgoing board

Our board will be losing 4 of its 5 members this year. They all have served for several terms because no one would run. I as the president want to do something for them for all their years of service (a dinner or something like that)Is it permissible to use funds from the association? We are an HOA in PA. Thanks

You have to keep in mind ALWAYS that the money in the HOA funds is NOT your money, but EVERYONE in the HOA's. It is EVERY member and you and the board were elected to represent the general membership in handling those funds. So I would ask what would you think if you as a member found out the BOD was using the funds to pay for a dinner, meeting snacks, parties, or awards? This is the reaction you should base your decision on as it is your money too...

With that said, I wouldn't use the HOA money for this. However, what I would do is to encourage to have a "Potluck" dinner of which to celebrate/appreciate the outgoing BOD. Have it after the last meeting or at a separate occassion for all to join in. This way there is no HOA money spent and there is an oportunity for ALL the members to participate. It kind of offers an oportunity for the BOD not to cut itself off from the general membership as well. I'd relate it to having a "Team meeting"...

Andrew, you could hold a Board meeting at which a meal is served. I think recognition of service with an inexpensive gesture similar to this is permissible.

Andrew,

Don't use HOA funds to honor outgoing board members. Since it's you and not a community majority wanting to bestow honors - and it's a very kind gesture - fund it from your own pocket. If they're that good in dealing with you on board matters, they've saved you time as an HOA volunteer. That's worth a pizza or a pot of coffee.

Our documents prohibit a Board Memeber from accepting any gift. The only way a Board member can be compensated in any way is by a vote of the members.
Of course in another part of our documents, it states the Board can retain a member or Board Member on an individual basis.
But to be on the safe side, I don't plan on accepting gifts.

while i think it is a nice gesture I would be careful...you will have a couple board members potentially every year leaving and how do you set standards for who should be appreciated and not. Hurt feeling and animosity are something you don't want to deal with