
HOW TO REACH QUORUM THROUGH PROXIES
- by Alana Ashby
Annual and special meetings require homeowner votes for new board members, assessment increases, capital improvement projects, and amendments to the association’s governing documents. The goal is to reach a quorum- a minimum number of members who must be present for business to be validly transacted. Some HOAs struggle to reach a quorum, leading to stalled work, increased expenses, and more.
When homeowners can’t attend a meeting in person, the association should work to garner proxy votes. Proxy is a power of attorney given to another to vote in the member’s stead.
There are 5 different types of proxies:
● General proxy: The holder of the proxy has the discretion to do whatever he or she wishes at the meeting.
● Limited proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote on certain issues at the meeting.
● Directed proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote as directed.
● Limited directed proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote on certain issues as directed.
● Quorum proxy: The proxy only counts for purposes of obtaining a quorum and nothing else.
Proxy forms can be mailed to homeowners to be filled out and then given to the person named as a proxy who will attend in an owner’s place.
Alana Ashby, CMCA, helped to establish and served as a Board Member for Community Associations Institute (CAI) Idaho Chapter. Alana has extensive experience in all aspects of financial management, real estate development and management, as well as negotiation. #HOA #HOAManagement #HOABoard #HOAMember #HOAEducation #HomeownerEducation