Journal Notes—January 2018

Journal Notes—January 2018

by Michael Hamline, Editor/ Published January 2018

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! This first issue of the Journal in 2018 starts off with the Salary & Information Survey. Now in its 18th year, there is much information to review and utilize in providing for those who make your community a place you enjoy living in. Of course, the most interesting (and important) statistic for managers deals with compensation. Manager salaries continue their gradual climb averaging $63,141 statewide for 2017, up from $62,412 in 2016. In addition, bonuses are up from last year’s survey and average $2,755. Hopefully, that growth will continue throughout 2018.

In the article “Now That You’re on the Board, What’s Next?” on page 10, there are 14 professional management companies who share helpful advice for new board members, although there are some great reminders for returning board members. From understanding one’s role as a board member to meeting state requirements of the office, from comprehending how a community board of directors is different from a corporate board, school board, charitable boards, etc. to becoming acquainted with your manager, and much more, there is a lot to learn.

Matthew Zifrony, attorney with Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law; Jeffrey Rembaum, attorney with Kaye Bender Rembaum; Ryan Poliakoff, attorney with Backer Aboud Poliakoff & Foelster; and Donna Berger, attorney with Becker & Poliakoff all contributed to the article on page 28 “Preventing Sexual Harassment.” They share the importance of taking action if a manager reports harassment as inaction will lead to community liability. It is also important for a board to have a code of conduct in how to interact with other board members, employees, owners, residents, and the manager. Sadly, sexual harassment isn’t a new issue, but it has come to the forefront in our culture in recent months.

We are excited to launch into 2018 and look forward to talking with you this year.

Editor