Let's face it, HOA meetings rarely top the list of fun things to do after work. But what if skipping that meeting could have unintended consequences for your entire community? This is exactly what happens when homeowner apathy leads to a lack of quorum at HOA meetings.
It's what happened at last night's Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting is the ONE, singular meeting per year that is specifically for you, the members. It is the one time a year we ask you to actively engage, either in person or via your blue proxy form.
75 out of 400+ homeowners actively took part in the single most important event in your homeowning annual calendar. 75 homeowners does not meet quorum and as such, means that no official business, that you are involved in, can be conducted. That's the 3rd time in 3 years.
Quorum Explained:
A quorum is the minimum number of homeowners (or votes) required to officially conduct business at an HOA meeting. Without a quorum, no official votes can be taken, including those for electing new board members.
The Risk of Low Turnout:
Now, imagine a scenario where your HOA fails to reach a quorum. Here's where things can get concerning. In our case, the existing board is empowered to fill vacant board seats ourselves. This might seem like a quick fix, but it bypasses the democratic process and concentrates power in the hands of a select few. Do you even know who those few are? Are they capable and skilled? Do they have the right intentions?
Did you know?
That 100% of your current Board members are appointed by the existing Board members? Not elected by you and the 400+ other homeowners, but appointed by 6 or fewer people?
Why Should You Care?
An unchecked board, regardless of their intentions, can make decisions that significantly impact your wallet and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of just some of the risks:
Financial Shenanigans: Boards lacking business acumen might:
Mismanage Funds: Leading to unnecessary special assessments to cover shortfalls.
Make Poor Investment Decisions: Resulting in lost revenue or increased costs for essential services like landscaping or pool maintenance.
Overlook Wasteful Spending: Leaving you footing the bill for frivolous expenses.
The Rulemakers Run Amok: Unchallenged boards might:
Enact Overly Restrictive Rules: Micromanaging everything from paint colors to pet breeds, impacting your property value and enjoyment of your home.
Become Inconsistent in Enforcement: Creating a sense of unfairness and resentment within the community.
Apathy Breeds Apathy: An unchecked board with low engagement might:
Stagnate on Important Issues: Neglecting essential maintenance or repairs that could lead to costly problems down the road.
Fail to Address Resident Concerns: Leaving you feeling unheard and powerless.
Empowering Yourself:
Here's the good news: You have the power to prevent this. Here's how:
Mark Your Calendar: Make HOA meetings a priority. Treat them like important community events. Even if you don't can't or won't attend regular meetings, at least actively engage in the Annual Meeting.
Spread the Word: Talk to your neighbors about the importance of attending the Annual Meeting.
Get Involved: Don't just attend, participate! Ask questions, voice your concerns, and hold the board accountable.
Review Your HOA Bylaws: Understand the quorum requirement and the process for filling vacant board seats. If you're concerned about the current system, propose changes at the next meeting.
Remember, a strong and engaged HOA community benefits everyone. By taking an active role, you can ensure your voice is heard and your community thrives.
By working together, you, the homeowners can prevent apathy from creating a power imbalance within your HOA. Let's make informed decisions and build a community we're all proud of!
