Amenity question

Probably not unless there is something in your CC&R's that requires it.

Katie:

Every time I read a post where a board member says they do not have enough money to run their association my first thought is, "I wonder if there are any adults living in that community."

Somewhere in your CC&R's there should be language that the HOA is going to operate the golf course and the swimming pool. That means that there is an obligation on the part of the HOA to operate the golf course and the swimming pool.

People who purchased homes in your HOA did so knowing that they are collectively going to have to pay for the golf course and the pool. No one, least of all the board of directors, should be surprised that they need to pay for those items. Purchasing a home within the HOA is, in part, an agreement to pay for the golf course and the swimming pool.

The reason you have no money is that you have failed to set your assessments high enough.

This is the way it is supposed to work: You figure out what it will cost to operate the HOA, including the golf course and the swimming pool plus reserves for one year. You divide that number (the expected costs) by the
the number of homes in your HOA. The result is the annual assessment that each member will have to pay.

In most associations, assessments are the sole source of income. Therefore, if the income is not sufficient to meet expenses, then assessments need to be raised. Too many boards do it backward by trying to make next year's expenses fit last year's assessments.

Now, to answer the question you asked: Does the board need the vote of the homeowners to shut one of the amenities down?

If CC&R's state that the HOA will operate the pool and golf course, then you will need to amend the CC&R's by whatever process is stated in that document.

Katie

Susan is right. There are plenty of Golf Club Management companies. I suggest that be the first place you all look before considering selling/closing it.

Hope this helps.

John

Check your CC&R's and look for a provision that states the golf course should be self supporting. Meaning the HOA collects income from the golf course. If that's the case usually the board has the duty to review and if the expences are more than the income the board could make the decision to close based on the best interest of the community. On the other hand I think it best to take a vote from the homeowners before closing. Your upkeep should be covered in your budget and major repairs in your reserves. Do you have a yearly reserve study every year? You may have to increase dues. For instance if water was driving the cost up you may look into water rebates offered by your city and or county. This can be a big help in sutting water costs. Good luck