Budget Preparation

[OLDTIMER]

My question involves a condominium located in the State of: Florida.
Our by-laws state that our budget will be prepared by an ad-hoc committee

The board has decided, with advice from the management company, that this ad-hoc committee will be made up of board members and management association employees. The members will have no input nor representation until the meeting in which it passes.

Is this standard procedure and legal under FS 718.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I suggest you run the question past a lawyer who specializes in the area, and who has the opportunity to review the bylaws.

[peppermintpatty]

I am a resident of Florida, a condominium owner and a member of a Board. The answer to your question is "Yes" it is legal.

I don't know how many units are in your condominium but that's all the Board would need is input at this stage from each and every owner. You'd have a good deal of opinions but you would end up with no budget. Either the Board or a duly elected committee comes up with a budget. No other owner input at this stage.

When these entities decide on a workable budget it is then sent out to the owners at least 14 days before the budget is passed. It is at the budget meeting itself that it is passed (or not as the case may be) and at this time the owners have an opportunity to raise their questions, objections, inclusions or exclusions. If you cannot attend the meeting you have an opportunity to send the Board a communication indicating what your input is. If you require an answer from them I suggest you send your letter certified.

Let me just say that drawing up a budget is an arduous and time-consuming chore. The job is usually not taken lightly.