Executive Authority to make decisions

Hi – I'd like to clarify something about the power of an Executive Committee to make decisions to accept quotes for essential maintenance.

Is there a limit to the amount of spending we can authorise?

A quick look at the NSW Fair Trading website tells me that we may be limited to decisions up to $12,500. Is this correct? We'd like to approve a quote that is just under $15,000 – for work our previous strata manager failed to organise about 3 years ago.

Also, can we make decisions by voting in writing – but by email. I was under the impression we may do this, but have just been told today that we can't. If not, then why not?

Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.