Texas passed House Bill 614, requiring HOAs to be more upfront about fees charged to homeowners, which went into effect this year. The best way to improve transparency and ensure everyone is on the same page is to hold regular HOA meetings. These community discussions should cover well-structured agendas and include ways for homeowners to have their voices heard.
Want to know how to improve the engagement and efficiency of these meetings? Here are five top HOA agenda items you should address.
1. Meeting Minutes Approval
Please give a few minutes for all attendees to review the minutes from the last meeting. These notes are typically prepared and distributed by the secretary, or an appointed individual. A simple yes-or-no vote is needed to approve the previous meeting's minutes.
Keep in mind that the goal is simply to verify the accuracy of the minutes, not to revisit every issue or decision made during the last meeting.
2. Committee Reports
Next, we'll listen to various updates on ongoing issues like maintenance services offered, repairs, and contract proposals. Set aside a specific time for your routine committees to present their reports. This may also involve a report from a representative of the management company for your association, giving updates on financial matters, architectural paperwork, and legal matters.
Updated real estate appraisals are also important to have when factoring these committee reports.
3. Rules and Enforcement
The meat and potatoes of most HOA meetings will consist of reviewing potential violations, rules to be added or changed, and discussing solutions for compliance.
Make sure that all items on your schedule are in accordance with the relevant local, state, and federal laws as well as the regulations set by your HOA.
4. HOA Community Involvement
While it may not be included in every Homeowners Association meeting, maintaining a connection with the local community is a big part of giving back. Schedule time for events and local festivities that HOA members can participate in.
Make a list of the various volunteer work available in Dallas and keep it updated. Discuss new ways to give back to residents and connect with them on a personal level.
5. Open Forum for Members
Lastly, it's also important to leave room on the agenda for homeowners to voice their opinions and ask questions. How well you can fairly allocate time for every resident to speak will determine how successful the meeting will be. Reward those who show a passion for improving their community, but avoid derailing the meetings agendas too much.
Call on PMI North Dallas to Help With All HOA Meetings
So, what do successful HOA meetings look like? While enthusiasm and timely communication are key, consistency also plays a big role. The best way to achieve consistent results is to implement an effective meeting structure--that's where a property management company can be invaluable.
PMI North Dallas has over 30 years of experience helping HOAs run smoothly and efficiently. Our team is skilled at providing top-notch management through attention, action, and accountability to owners and residents. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your HOA meet all of its goals.
