HOA Committee's - responsibilities, duties, authority

Can some please share...what are the duties/responsibilities of committee members? I was under the impression that a "committee" is somewhat of an "advisory team" that would make recommendations to the entire Board of Directors. And, they have no empowerment to make decisions. Help.......Bill

I think, conceptually, it's imporant to understand that while the Board of Directors can delegate authority to committees, it cannot delegate its accountability.

So while the BOD can authorize and empower a committee to make decisions, the consequences of any delegated decisions remain with the Board.

SusanW1 - Be careful to not make statements that may or may not apply to a given association. You state, one of the committee members should be a Board member...". Your experience with your association and others may always be the way you describe. Mine are that a liaison is not a full fledged committee member, rather just an intermediary that passes on the decisions from the committee to the Board. The liaison may provide the committee a Board perspective to assist the committee members in their development and duties they are charged with. But a liaison to a committee that is also a Board member does not partake in the carrying out of the duties the committee is charged with, but merely listens, and perhaps provides the committee some Board member food for thought. : )

An effective committee structure helps make an association strong. Committees can lighten the load by focusing on specific tasks that are assigned by the Board.
A charter should be developed for each, as well-formulated marching orders can greatly improve the effectiveness of new committees. A charter describes the purpose and authority of the committee, clarifies responsibilities, assures accountability, and creates and limits authority.

Shown below is a generic list of specific duties that might be contained in a charter, along with a general description of what the committee is supposed to do.

1. The Chairperson appoints other committee members (with board approval) to the Committee to assist in the execution of the responsibilities, as necessary
2. Prepares and submits a proposed annual budget to the BoD for approval
3. Regularly communicates activities of the ____ Committee to the Board of Directors. Requests time on the agenda to present a report including: how things are going, recommendations with associated costs, and other issues with suggested solutions.
4. Makes contractor(s) selection recommendations to the board including contract provisions (costs, terms & conditions of contract, responsibilities, termination clauses, etc.)
5. Communicates expectations and quality standards to _____ contractor(s)
6. Establishes the line of communication protocol that will be used between association/members and any _____ contractor(s)
7. Monitors performance and work quality of _____ contractor(s)
8. Consults with _____ professionals to assure that adequate schedules & effective programs have been established
9. Helps to determine that most effect means of soliciting member satisfaction feedback with landscaping issues

Good Luck
JoeK

James,
It is the same in Florida, that the ARC does review and process all of the applications for modifications and changes. They have the "RIGHT" to approve or deny any application "WITH LIMITATIONS" per the power given them according to the association documents. If an applicant does not agree with the decision, then said applicant can appeal to the BOD for a final ruling as the BOD is the governing body of the association. The ARC okays or denies with limitations because they still are appointed and work at the sole discression of the Board.