President spending money without board approval

[Guest Levano]

Our homeowner's association Board of Directors currently has four members. The President recently decided she wanted to hire an attorney for legal advice. She did not ask for permission but simply told the board she was going to do this via email. Two of the boardmembers replied immediately that we did not approve of this action or expenditure. She did it anyway and incurred a $500 expense that was paid by the association.

I have asked her to step down as president and to repay to the money and she has refused on both counts. I am now planning to ask the association to remove her from the board for misconduct.

I have two questions:

1. Does anyone know what specific rules apply to this in Roberts Rules?

2. Does anyone have any advice on how best to deal with this.

Your responses would be appreciated.

Thank you

[hmtcastle]

1. Does anyone know what specific rules apply to this in Roberts Rules?

RONR devotes an entire chapter (XX) to Disciplinary Procedures with options ranging from a slap on the wrist to removal from office to expulsion from the association. You can start with FAQ #20.

2. Does anyone have any advice on how best to deal with this.

If you conclude she stole the association's money, you should consult an attorney. Though I don't suppose you helped your case by paying the debt she incurred.

[Tim Wynn]

She did it anyway and incurred a $500 expense that was paid by the association.

It sounds like you to need to take up this issue with whoever authorized the paying of the bill.

[Guest Levano]

The payment was not authorized. Her name is on the checking account and I'm assuming that she wrote out the check and paid the bill.

[Guest Levano]

RONR devotes an entire chapter (XX) to Disciplinary Procedures with options ranging from a slap on the wrist to removal from office to expulsion from the association. You can start with FAQ #20.

If you conclude she stole the association's money, you should consult an attorney. Though I don't suppose you helped your case by paying the debt she incurred.

I believe that she paid the bill with the association checking account.

[Guest Levano]

RONR devotes an entire chapter (XX) to Disciplinary Procedures with options ranging from a slap on the wrist to removal from office to expulsion from the association. You can start with FAQ #20.

If you conclude she stole the association's money, you should consult an attorney. Though I don't suppose you helped your case by paying the debt she incurred.

Do you which chapter would deal with the rules for presidents authority to spend money?

[hmtcastle]

Do you which chapter would deal with the rules for presidents authority to spend money?

The only authority RONR gives a president is the authority (though it's really more of a responsibility) to preside at meetings. Any other (i.e. administrative) authority must be granted in your bylaws or some other rule your association has adopted (or some applicable law).

The same goes for your board. There is no "default" authority for boards in RONR.

[Guest Levano]

Thank you