All community association Board of Directors share a common goal: living in a well-managed community. When working in a team, conflict is inevitable, but knowing how to handle these situations will go a long way toward ensuring your association functions smoothly.
Below are some common issues faced by Community Association Boards and some helpful solutions.
Member Engagement
Every Board faces difficulty getting community members involved in community association governance. A common culprit to lack of membership involvement in community associations is a lack of community between homeowners, and this can be easily resolved with community events. Some great ideas include potlucks, movie nights, pool parties, BBQs, or any other activity that makes use of your community’s amenities. The association community manager can help communicate the events via community newsletter or other communication channels.
Lack of Education
All community association Board members are volunteers that bring unique and valuable skills to your association, but if they don’t have prior experience leading a community association, they will likely need to learn the laws and norms related to community association management to ensure that they are as knowledgeable as possible. Ask your property manager for a review of basic board duties and responsibilities, conduct a board orientation, and utilize online resources at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) to educate board members, which will lead to a well-functioning and successful community association.
Dues Discussion
It’s tempting to compare your monthly membership dues to other associations to determine if you are receiving a good value, but dues are unique and reflect the needs of your own community. Therefore, dues discussion must be carefully evaluated and things like landscaping, home type, lot size, amenities, etc. should be considered. Infinity Management can provide you with a breakdown outlining monthly expenses to give the Board a better sense of whether or not they are receiving a good value.
Conflict Resolution
Community board members often have a common goal, but the plan of action and direction in achieving these goals can lead to differences of opinion and conflict. It’s important to remember that a small amount of conflict is healthy and normal for any team, but if the conflict is harming the association and the members of your community, then it is time to act. The property manager of your association is knowledgeable in conflict resolution. Don’t hesitate to ask your property management company for guidance, we are here to help!
When to Involve a Legal Team
Many community associations have questions about how to protect the association from exposure to liability. Remember that the association’s property manager is always ready to help the Board make these important decisions. In general, if the Board has doubts about a decision, then it is better to be safe than sorry and ask the management company for their input. Their extensive knowledge will protect your association from liability.
For questions about how to make your community association Board or association run more smoothly, contact Infinity Management today.