A strata council that understands its roles and responsibilities in supporting its community is the foundation of long-term strata management success. Strata council members are volunteers committed to the property’s safekeeping and addressing any issues promptly. If you’re in the process of forming a strata council, this post will explain council roles and how strata management companies support individual council members.
The Members of Strata Council and Their Roles
The responsibilities of the strata council include managing the property’s finances and overseeing property maintenance, as well as creating and upholding the strata’s bylaws to ensure the ideal experience for all residents.
Roles on the Strata Council Include:
Strata Council President
The Strata President sets the agenda for strata council meetings and chairs the Annual General Meeting. They are the primary point of contact on the council for the strata manager. The Strata Council President is also responsible for supervising management contracts and responding to urgent matters related to the strata property.
Strata Council Vice President
The Vice President on the strata council will attend to any of the President’s duties in their absence. The Vice President will also handle additional ad-hoc tasks as required when there’s an urgent request. It’s a role in which the ability to multitask and prioritize the council’s objective will be a significant asset.
Strata Council Treasurer
The Strata treasurer will be primarily responsible for preparing the budget draft before the budget goes to the strata council for approval. The treasurer will also work closely with the strata management company, analyzing their monthly financial statements to confirm expenses fall within the budgetary parameters set by the council.
Strata Council Secretary
The Strata Council Secretary’s main role is to record the minutes of the meetings and distribute the minutes to the other council members. Once the council reviews and approves the minutes, the council provides them to the strata management company, which makes them available to other parties, such as legal teams, potential buyers, and insurance companies who may do business with the strata council in the future.
Strata Manager
The Strata Manager is the council’s direct contact with the strata management company. The strata manager implements the policies of the strata council. The strata manager will also play a crucial role in overseeing maintenance work. They’re knowledgeable in the Strata Property Act, so they will be the person to address all regulatory questions and ensure compliance.
What to Consider When Hiring a Manager for Your Strata
The management company responsible for overseeing your strata’s operations should meet the following criteria:
- Offers Tailored Management Services
The strata management company you select should be able to meet your management needs with precision, allowing you to pick the exact services you require for your strata operations.
- Has a Comprehensive Strata Portfolio
Experience in strata management will be essential to ensuring a seamless transition for your strata council. Ensure the company you select has a broad portfolio range across the province and can provide references for their management work with other strata properties.
- Has a Local Presence
Your strata manager should be able to travel to your property on short notice and have access to a team of local maintenance professionals, administrative staff, and accountants for support.
Request Your Free Strata Management Proposal
Pacific Quorum is elevating the strata management experience for building owners throughout British Columbia. Our expertise has helped the company form the largest locally-owned strata portfolio across the province. We’re now inviting you to explore our management options so we can help support the council and your community for the years ahead. To explore the many benefits of becoming a Pacific Quorum strata management client, request your free management proposal.
