These Trying Economic Times

Started by AlexL1 • 12 replies • 1489 views

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AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305

Posted:

What are HOAs doing to send out notices (or whatever) to alert owners/residents that the Board of Directors is taking all steps necessary to cut costs during these difficult times and urge owners/residents to use constraint in making demands that results in large expenditures that, in reality, are not necessary????

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By AlexL1 on 03/13/2009 7:42 PM
What are HOAs doing to send out notices (or whatever) to alert owners/residents that the Board of Directors is taking all steps necessary to cut costs during these difficult times and urge owners/residents to use constraint in making demands that results in large expenditures that, in reality, are not necessary????

Alex,

Frankly I don't think it's the BOD's resp.-- or even their right! -- to caution their members to "use constraint in making demands that results in large expenditures that, in reality, are not necessary"! Frankly, I would be quite offended if I received such a message from my BOD. The assn BOD has no knowledge of their members financial position and shouldn't. All they need to be concerned about regarding the members is that they pay their assessments on time. As for the finances of the assn, if the assn is experiencing difficulties they should, of course, inform the members if drastic measures are required, such as a special assessment. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967

Posted:

What Mary said.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Alex,

Members/owners making demands that result in large expenditures? Wow, maybe in Palm Beach or Naples but not your ordinary HOA member would be doing that. The Board has a duty to maintain the HOA in its best ability according to what is budgeted. Frivilous items would be a rare request these days. No one wants to pay higher dues so I cannot see this as much of a problem.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Well, we sent out a 2 1/2 page letter with our annual budget explaining our financial situation and no one said anything. What that means, I don't know - maybe they read it and will now quittheirbitchin or they don't care. Or didn't read it at all.

Communication is the key - you need to tell your folks what your financial situation is and that the Board has to set spending priorities. If people want certain things, they need to be willing to pay their fees so the Board can authorize them.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305

Posted:

Thanks Mary: How about the resident that demands that one branch be cut out of the tree because it has died and is dried up. When locating that branch, it was very hard to find. Cost would have been $400 to $900 to have somemone come out just for that. How about the flushing of a toilet. It was plugged so a plumber was called and for $330, the plumber used a plunger.... plunged it three times and all was flowing well except their bill for coming out. Many other cites could be noted here but do not have time.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Tell members that you know all things are important, but the board is now responding to URGENT important tasks only,

The branch can wait, unless it is a danger to someone or a big eyesore, i.e. lowers property values.

The toilet is another matter. The owner should have been asked to plunge first, then call the board.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Quote:

How about the resident that demands that one branch be cut out of the tree because it has died and is dried up. When locating that branch, it was very hard to find. Cost would have been $400 to $900 to have somemone come out just for that.

We have received your request for service regarding: 1 dead tree branch.

No action taken.

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

What Steve says makes sense to me. IMO, the BOD doesn't have to jump everytime a member makes demands. Check it out and do whatever you think is best!

DJ1 (Ontario)
Posts: 798

Posted:

....and in follow up to taking no action. Tree branch then falls on visitor killing said person. Relatives sue HOA because they 'took no action'. HOA/insurance pays out large claim and raises HOA insurance premiums.

Perhaps, 'take no action' wasn't the best action. Perhaps went out and investigated and then tree branch issue was prioritized for future action? You don't have to say when though.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Unless the toilet was in a common area, why would the HOA pay for a plumber?

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By GlenL on 04/24/2009 10:18 PM
Unless the toilet was in a common area, why would the HOA pay for a plumber?

Glen,

If it's a condo, doesn't the HOA "own" the pipes?

JamesM14 (Delaware)
Posts: 17

Posted:

Tell the owners that if there is work to be done they must notify the BOD.
If they authorize the work, they are responsible for the bill.

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