Free association seminars target directors, residents

Education is key to operating a community association, which is why Eldon Hardy, ombudsman for common-interest communities in Nevada, is on a mission to increase public awareness of free seminars that address association-related issues.

"I think that the classes are having an impact. More people are becoming aware of what the ombudsman's office does and of state law governing common-interest communities," Hardy said.

The first session of the six-part series, "Basics of Community Associations: Over- view of Common-Interest Communities," was held last month. Hardy will address the legislature in Carson City about making the class a requirement for all association board members, because it provides an overview of directors' responsibilities, governing documents and state law.

"We feel that every board member needs to be educated about the basics of running associations, because they are basically running corporations and their decisions may have an impact on people's biggest investments -- their homes. To me, it's a little scary to have amateurs in charge of your investments. I appreciate all of the work that volunteer board members do, but they should be educated before getting into the position of making decisions that can affect everyone," he said.

The next class -- "Conducting Meetings in the Common-Interest Community: Board Responsibilities, Committee Responsibilities and Individual Owner Responsibilities" -- will be held Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Desert Willows Community Center, 2020 E. Horizon Ridge Parkway in Sun City MacDonald Ranch in Henderson.

Additional classes include "Management Issues: Who, When and How to Hire a Management Company" on March 19; "Financial Issues: How to Financially Manage a Common-Interest Nonprofit Corporation" on April 16; "Risk Management in the Community Association" on May 21; and "Maintenance in the Community Association" on June 18. Each session will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Desert Willows.

In Mesquite, classes are held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, and from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month in Laughlin. Beginning in March, seminars will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the third Friday of each month in Pahrump.

To attend, call the ombudsman at 486-4033, ext. 258, or Sara Barry at 341-5200.

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