Authority of the Board

[Guest Belle2]

The President of a social organization announced at a meeting that the Board had decided to raise ticket prices to the groups main function (a Ball). When asked about voting on it, he said that it wasn't necessary. The By Laws of the organization state  - "The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Society, but shall refer with recommendations all proposed measures to the Society for its decision except matters of minor importance as my require immediate action, such action to be reported to the Society for ratification at its first subsequent meeting".  In previous decision to raise ticket prices and changes dues, the membership made the decision. Was this action on the part of the President and the Board incorrect and can it be changed?  (PS The organization is not in financial need or debt and money crisis that would be termed an emergency).

[Josh Martin]

Was this action on the part of the President and the Board incorrect and can it be changed?

 

It's up to the organization to interpret its own bylaws. See RONR, 11th ed., pgs. 588-591 for some Principles of Interpretation.

 

Official Interpretation 2006-13 may also be of interest.

[Rev Ed]

The President of a social organization announced at a meeting that the Board had decided to raise ticket prices to the groups main function (a Ball). When asked about voting on it, he said that it wasn't necessary. The By Laws of the organization state  - "The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Society, but shall refer with recommendations all proposed measures to the Society for its decision except matters of minor importance as my require immediate action, such action to be reported to the Society for ratification at its first subsequent meeting".  In previous decision to raise ticket prices and changes dues, the membership made the decision. Was this action on the part of the President and the Board incorrect and can it be changed?  (PS The organization is not in financial need or debt and money crisis that would be termed an emergency).

 

This is ultimately up to the organization to decide, however if the general membership has decided this issue in the past, then one could argue that the general membership should vote on the issue now.