“Exactly.”
Then she looked toward Patricia.
“Where is the recorded authorization for mandatory residential replacement packages?”
Patricia's expression hardened.
“The compliance committee had discretion.”
Miriam remained calm.
“Discretion to do what?”
“Enforce standards.”
“By requiring residents to buy services from a particular vendor?”
Patricia glanced toward the other directors.
“Homeowners were given opportunities to comply.”
Miriam took a breath.
“That's not an answer.”
The room became quiet.
Then Harold spoke.
“Patricia, I've received complaints from several families who say they were threatened with fines after refusing CanyonMark's proposals.”
The president turned sharply.
“Those families were noncompliant.”
“With which rule?”
She stared.
Then opened her folder.
For several seconds, she flipped through pages.
Finally, she said, “We don't need to litigate every technical provision at a board meeting.”
Miriam leaned forward.
“Then where should we examine the basis for spending homeowners' money?”
For the first time, Patricia didn't have a response ready.
The board's independent attorney, Clara Jensen, was present.
She was forty-eight, precise, and experienced in association governance.
She had been retained after Miriam expressed concern about relying on advice supplied through Patricia's preferred consultants.
Clara looked toward the directors.
“I recommend that the board pause disputed enforcement activities while the records are reviewed.”
Patricia stared.
“Absolutely not.”
The attorney continued.
“The association has an obligation to ensure its decisions are supported by its governing documents and applicable law. Continuing a disputed program without resolving these questions could increase its exposure.”
Patricia shook her head.
“This is all because of Daniel Brooks.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Miriam looked directly at her.
“No, Patricia. Mr. Brooks's experience drew attention to the issue. The invoices are the issue.”
Patricia's face reddened.
“You're siding with an outsider against the community.”
Miriam stared.
“He's a homeowner.”
“He's been hostile since moving in.”
Harold frowned.
“Patricia, that doesn't address the financial records.”
The president looked toward him.
For several seconds, she seemed unable to believe that the people who normally accepted her explanations were now asking questions.