Spending Your Money

Does the HOA have money to spend on a frivolous lawsuit?

How much did the HOA spend earlier this year, after Danny Trapp, President of the HOA, found a new lawyer and led the effort to retain the law firm of Turner Padget? Did the Board investigate other firms or just accept Danny's choice?

Turner Padget sent me a Cease and Desist Letter on August 28, 2024, accusing me of making false statements about the HOA and of harassing the Association, board members, and representatives. How much did that cost? 

The lawyer refused to communicate with me or give me any examples because, he wrote, I am not a member of the Association.

That makes sense, does it? Accuse somebody of something and then not tell him what it is? Now they complain that I "have failed to curb (my) behavior".

Yesterday a Summons & Complaint was delivered to my door. Danny Trapp signed the VERIFIED COMPAINT [sic]. Did he read it or just sign it? Why didn't he tell them about the typo? Or is that how he spells "Complaint", too?

Here's how the HOA has spent money this year.  Line 6500 (Legal/Professional Fees):

$              Dec. (not available yet)
$1,465.91 November 2024
$1,341.48 October 2024
$2,510.60 September 2024 (that's $7150 in 2 mos.)
$4,640.78 August 2024
$1,486.40 July 2024
$   847.76 June 2024
$4,000.00 May 2024 *
$   746.50 April 2024
$   782.00 March 2024
$1,092.50 February 2024
$1,549.84 January 2024

The 2024 Budget for Legal was $15,000.
The 11-month's Budget was $13,750.
The HOA spent $22,866.81 in 11 months, according to its own financial reports.

The HOA over-spent $9,116.81 on Legal/Professional Fees in the first 11 months of 2024.

However, if you add the above numbers, the total is actually $20,480.95. Why is this total different?

Back in February, when somebody in the office added $1549.84 and $1092.50, they got $5,030.10. March was added to that, and every month after that the YTD total was incorrect. Apparently, no one noticed. No one in the office. No one at CAMS headquarters. No one on the Finance Committee. No one on the Board.

* At the May 7, 2024 board meeting a Motion was made and approved to "hire" (retain) Turner Padget. No mention was made of any requirement for a retainer, and the board was not informed of a fee schedule for services. 

The Association apparently has two law firms now, because the January Assessment Notice directed delinquent Members to two law firms. The board has never admitted to any problems terminating the services of McCabe, Trotter and Beverly, P.C., the law firm that was handling collections and legal matters before this motion was made. 

The Board has never entertained a motion to terminate the services of McCabe,  Trotter at an open monthly board meeting.

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