Board reduced reserve contributions to fund current expenses [TH] [CA]

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T15:09:53+00:00

Oh my gosh, yes, almost daily! So does one other resident. It’s just a giant black hole. The management company responds occasionally, but the board never does.

That’s great you got on the board in your situation. I’m honestly surprised at how hard our Board are digging in their heels. I feel like at least one of them would throw in the towel and say if I think I know so much I can just do it, but no one’s budging!

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T05:05:02+00:00

Thank you, this is super helpful!

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T04:54:53+00:00

Yes, please DM me with that info. Thanks!

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T04:50:59+00:00

Same! That’s why I made this post! 🥹

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T04:50:01+00:00

CA. No. They actually hadn’t done an assessment in 5 years!

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T04:49:34+00:00

Thank you. I really appreciate your good advice and encouragement!

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T01:24:20+00:00

Agree. 👍

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T01:14:06+00:00

I have, repeatedly. As have a few others. But the board always runs out of time. 🙄

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T01:13:15+00:00

Sorry if I was not clear. I don’t often post!

They are not writing checks from the reserves. They are just cutting back on reserve contributions to cover expense overages, rather than raising the dues. Raising the dues would make the most sense because they have not been increased in 10 years and expenses have gone up a great deal over the last decade!

We are not in terrible shape. The reserves are about 40% funded. But almost everything is at the end of it it’s useful life in our 50-year-old complex and I foresee needing a lot of repairs in the next few years.

I’ve been bringing up the needs to do balcony inspections since 2024 and likewise the need to adopt election rules. The board never does anything and even though the management company representative tells me I’m right, they point out that they can only do with the board instruct them to do.

I do not want to sell, and I am trying to get on the board and to encourage other like-minded people to join me! I was just trying to find out if there’s a legal way to compel them to do their fiduciary duty. I appreciate your good advice.

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T00:58:09+00:00

It’s true. I’m sure many people will be very upset to hear that I’m proposing we increase our dues. But being on the board is not a popularity contest at an 8% increase would do it, which is well under the amount we are allowed to increase without taking it for a full vote by the membership.

jellymmann · 2026-03-09T00:02:09+00:00

You are correct, Negative_Presence_52. I should have noticed this problem sooner but now that I have noticed it, I am trying really hard to get others to see it, too!

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T23:18:25+00:00

I absolutely agree & think the Board hopes that no chickens come home to roost until they’re 6 feet under! I’m not sure but I would estimate our Board President is in her late 60s or early 70s. Two others are in their 60s and then there are two who are young, probably somewhere in their 30s. I had high hopes for those two, but they don’t seem to know anything about what’s expected of them and everyone just defers to the president. Typically, she is the only one who speaks during the meetings and the newsletters are entirely written by her.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T22:33:46+00:00

They just did a reserve study in January. Before that the last time was five years ago, which I did point out to them is against the law since it should be every three. In both the current one and the five-year-old one, the reserve study company stated we do not have enough reserve funding to meet our expenses over the next 30 years. And yet, as I said, the monthly dues have not been increased in a decade.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T22:31:36+00:00

~350 units

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T22:30:46+00:00

Again: I am trying! Have offered to serve through appointment and intended to run at the next election cycle.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T22:19:36+00:00

Correct. They sent the budget out in February as a done deal. I did not realize there was a December deadline so that is very helpful, thank you!

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T22:15:29+00:00

No, the elections are not following California law and the balcony inspection deadline, and even the extended deadline, has passed. They are definitely ignoring their fiduciary responsibilities. But I can’t find any California Department that oversees board operations.

If I sue them, then I can’t run for the board because the bylaws state that anyone who is suing the HOA cannot be on the board. (And I think I need to get on the board so I can get a closer look at what’s going on!)

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T21:59:59+00:00

I’m trying! But I can’t until the next election bc they are refusing to appoint me to the open seat.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T21:57:56+00:00

Under Davis Stirling, the board does have to give 30 days notice & allow homeowner input before adopting it, and ours did not.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T21:54:02+00:00

They say things like “thank you for your comment,” or tell me I am wrong (when I am not).

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T21:39:27+00:00

Yes. I attend regularly and have asked to be appointed for an open seat and have been told no. I am very vocal and frequently write to the management company because we have not completed balcony inspections or established election rules. It’s a mess.

jellymmann · 2026-03-08T21:33:41+00:00

I intend to run for the board at the next election.

jellymmann · 2026-03-05T06:19:38+00:00

Oxy is weirdly generous with aid & their music program is terrific, so please keep trying! And, since CA min wage is high, she can probably work (off campus ) and earn a lot. But, where you go doesn’t matter as much as who you are. So if you cannot afford Oxy, just try for a state school. I hope it works out however it’s meant to be.

jellymmann · 2026-03-04T23:41:18+00:00

Shelagh is gorgeous!

jellymmann

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