Board of Directors Formation in a Homeowners Association
The formation of a Board of Directors in a homeowners association (HOA) is a crucial step in effective community management. This board is typically composed of volunteer homeowners living within the community who take on the responsibility of overseeing the administration of the association, while ensuring the maintenance, enhancement, and preservation of the community properties and amenities. The number of members on a board can vary, but it’s usually an odd number to avoid tie votes.
To form the board, a democratic election process is usually followed, often during the annual homeowners meeting. The homeowners are notified about the election and are given an opportunity to nominate themselves or other homeowners for the board. Candidates may be asked to present their qualifications and reasons for wanting to serve on the board. Voting can be done in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot, depending on the association’s bylaws.
The elected board members will then serve for a pre-determined term, usually ranging from one to three years, as defined in the HOA’s governing documents. The board members may hold specific roles such as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, which are usually assigned during the first meeting of the newly elected board.
It’s important to note that each HOA board should operate in a manner that upholds the best interest of the community, maintains transparency with its members, and complies with the state laws and HOA bylaws. Board members should also be prepared to dedicate their time and efforts to their duties and responsibilities, as the effective functioning of the HOA largely depends on the board’s performance.
