Monthly dues thru Sure Pay

I have received a letter from board saying I must use SURE Pay to pay monthly dues or pay a $3 monthly processing fee for accountants time. After 18 years this is a shock. Do I have any legal recourse. 30 of us out of 209 supposedly have been given this notice that starts April 1. This seems discriminatory as well as a forced invasion on my financial account.

Are you saying that only 30 of the 209 are required to use SurePay? That could be discriminatory but it doesn't make sense. If that is the case I would suggest asking the management or someone on the board for an explanation.

As far as paying electronically, that is a sign of the times. I think most people these days prefer that over writing a check and it is more efficient for the association. If there is a cost for paying with SurePay I could see an issue, as there shouldn't be a mandatory fee to pay to your assessment, but I don't see a problem with charging a fee for paying by check if you have a free alternative.

My personal opinion is that they should still accept checks without a charge, especially since there are many people, especially the elderly, who are not comfortable paying for things online. That's an argument I would suggest making to the board.

Someone is paying for the use of sure pay. Possibly the accountant who adds to her service costs. It seems to me I should not be forced to use sure pay...I don't care if others use it, I have seen errors from them in the past.worse casebi will pay the $3 fee but find some others who feel this new member is quite petty.

The point I am trying to get across is that after 18 years a board member, the treasurer decides because 30 out of 200 owners pay by check, and we are the minority, we must cover the "expense" to our accountant for opening our mail, posting the checks. Etc. It seems that this is unfair. I don't complain when others get their roof repaired from our how fund and I have not needed any work done. If is the principle I am arguing. Yes, I have options, pay the fee, sign up or move.this new board is extremely caustic.

I see your point and agree they shouldn't charge for checks. Although, I think the board has that authority. The treasurer should not be making that decision.

Also, paying an accountant to process and deposit checks is like paying a doctor to put on a bandaid.

What Ben said. The board has the authority BUT you can complain to the board or replace them.

Were I on the board I would have requested comment from owners before making this decision.

I don't use Surepay- but- I really dislike arrangements that pull money from my account. I prefer to authorize the payment myself. I have set up automatic monthly HOA payments but I can change it at any time.

Sounds like a very poor decision on the part of the board. Their goal should be to get everyone paying on time. I agree that they should not be charging anything other than the assessment amount. I suggest you use your bill pay system through your bank and be done with it. That way you'll have all the records you need showing you paid on time.