from the hoa trenches

Name
Arriane Sitter

MY STORY:
I used to sit on the HOA board in my community, so I know it’s not an easy job. The current president of our HOA will not hold public meetings. We have no way of voicing our concerns or questions.
During his term, over 8 people have quit/stepped down because he is so difficult. He when a seat is empty, he appoints himself to the open seat to create a longer term for himself.
While the board has discretion to spend the community money, the current president spends an extraordinary amount of attorneys trying to fight homeowners and make sure his position is protected. Meanwhile most homeowners back down because they do not have access to unlimited funds.
For our annual board meeting, he paid the attorney’s office to count ballots….why would an attorney need to do that when the management company is already responsible to handle that.
He excludes certain board members from meetings. Currently he holds multiple positions and one other board member hold 2 positions. All other board members are members at large. This becomes a conflict of interest.
One of the board members has also been hired to perform work for the community. The board member has his own cleaning company that he owns. The board employed him to clean clubhouse. This is a clear conflict of interest since he sits on the board. But the board refuses to acknowledge the conflict.
As homeowners we have the right to request documents to review. The board refuses to allow homeowners that right. The management company is little to no help. They seem to follow whatever they are told and we are ignored when those requests are made.
There has to be a way to report concerns and hold HOAs accountable!
Thank you. 

Name
Terri RaFalik

• MY STORY:
  > My HOA hasn't had an audit in over 5 years. The board/Treasurer advised that the cost (est $10K) is prohibitive. We are a 120 house community. The estimate is unrealistic/unlikely and the resistance creates suspicion. All HOAs should be required to conduct an audit/review minimally every 5 years.
  > The board president has sent an email to all in the community regarding a disagreement with one of the homeowners, making the issue very public and unnecessary and bullish and intimidating. While this action by the president is offensive, it does not cross any legal line--though I would be mighty pissed if she were talking about me! She has sent the police after me for emailing her for reasons that are a mystery. Just sharing.