President's Year-End Report

Started by AlexM1 • 6 replies • 1931 views

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AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

I have finalized my year end report but do not like it...... the reason is that I lied.
This report is to go out to the owners(condo owners). What I did was to throw sugar coating
over it all and stated that we, the Board were happy with the owner's participation, etc and
to the effect that we, the Board looked out after their interests, etc. This is not true. The
Board.... a couple members were horrible individuals who pretended to have the interests
of the owners at heart but every thing they did was to the contrary. Working with the
Board was miserable.

Should I just forgive it all and send the "nice" report or pull it back and send it out
in truth form... if I did that, it would cause all sorts of problems.....

NancyG3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 342

Posted:

Alex: You stated: "Board looked out after their interests, etc. This is not true."

I would leave this statement out if it is not true. State all the positive things the Board has accomplished. You could explain there were some projects the Board is still working on. Mention what is coming up for the year. Repairs, power washing or anything like this. Talk about the reserves for future projects. I wouldn't bash the Board. Tell the homeowners to consider running for the Board next year. Thank the homeowners for their help.

Is this report for your annual meeting?

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Alex,

If every statement in your end-of-year report is not an objective fact, omit it. Then, you'll be fine. It's easy to include opinion. I get it.

JeanneK3 (Maryland)
Posts: 562

Posted:

Alex:
Homeowners know when they are being deceived. It just makes matters worse to see things around you that are falling apart and then get this "the board is wonderful" letter. Tell them what's good and what needs to be fixed. Leave out all personal references.
Jeanne

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Alex,

As the military explained it to me many years ago - mention the negative and accentuate the positive. Don't lie! However, you also don't have to tell everything.

Lets take some examples:

"the Board were happy with the owner's participation"
Perhaps you could say - The Board would like to thank those members who volunteered. We hope everyone will consider to volunteer in the future. Thanks to our volunteers we were able to a,b,c,

"to the effect that we, the Board looked out after their interests"
Try - The Board was able to accomplish the following: a,b,c
This lists what was accomplished but allows the membership to interpret if it was worthwhile or not. The membership may then vote based on their interpretation.

"Working with the Board was miserable"
Try - Some have decided not to resubmit their name for nomination this year, I know that you would like to join me in thanking them for their work.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Corporations must send out a "prospectus" to their stockholders every year. In it is discussed the overall health of the company. Just like your Year end Report. However, they do indded include information in it that is negative. They put down if they are being sued, for what amount, what for, and the results/progress. All corporations must be OPEN to their stockholders. HOA's are no different as mem ers/owners are stockholders.

I always say this about a HOA. It is like leaving your families checkbook wide open on the dining room table. All the members of the family can see it and make suggestions on how to spend the money. Majority rules. The board is supposed to represent that majority. Which is the mother/Father in a family case.

So what if you have 5 kids? Do you buy an xbox with the money or the new lawnmower that is needed? You buy the new lawnmower. Do you lie to your kids to get it? No. You act on the best interest of the whole. Which does not make it "lying". It determines who is in control and can act as such.

I think you need to get out of the mindset you are "lying" when you give a reply that isn't what someone wants to hear. You have to be a bit more political in your reply and accept the fact your going to be called a liar. I say call me what you want but still going to act responsible and do the right thing.

Former HOA President

KeithH7 (Florida)
Posts: 20

Posted:

Well said TimB! LOL

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