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There’s been a lot of chat in the strata-sphere recently about whether untrained volunteers should be expected, as they are, to manage the finances of
[See the full post at: Would you pay trained committee members?]The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
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After many years on and off our Strata Committee (leaving because it’s a thankless task) I definitely think SC members need to be trained in understanding the Strata Scheme Management Act. Most members have NO idea what the rules are, and worse still, couldn’t care less.
Coupled with Strata Managers who also don’t know the rules, being paid to fathom out what is best for the Owners and how to go about this is essential. Those hardworking, honest, diligent, and knowledgeable SC members should be rewarded for their tireless efforts.
I think it’s a bit risky making training an entry requirement – it could lead to monopolisation of the committee by people who have done a course but have barrows to push or personalities not suited to working collaboratively in a team. But I think it should be encouraged, especially for committee members going on for a second year or more. And the training cost should be covered.
The next step to consider would be an annual allowance once the training is under the belt. That said, I don’t know what training would be available here in Tasmania.
I have only ever owned in small complexes, currently I own in 3 buildings – 16 lots, 12 lots and 14 lots. These all have budgets under $250k. Key to these have been an active and engaged EC/SC.
Many owners just assume paid Strata Managers take care of everything, which is true only to the extent to which they have been enabled by the OC.
When it comes to engaging external trades and services the industry is rife with over-quoting. This is where an active committee can make the biggest impact by scrutinising quotes, insisting on 3 quotes and providing a quick, coordinating response back to Strata Managers for action.
For larger complexes this model should work too. There are various methods they can use such as using WhatsApp groups etc.
There should be guidelines around critical services (ie: 7 or 14 day action period) or an ‘opt out’ decision mechanism (gas will be cut-off if XYZ service isnt’t undertaken by ABC, use decision buttons below) for SMs to use to ensure all residents are not disadvantaged by a lazy EC/SC.
At the end of the day try as you might sometimes human apathy just cannot be overcome.
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