The Green County Humane Society is a nonprofit organization that depends on donations from its members. Yet at the board meetings I have attended, August and September, there has not been any financial statements or a proper treasurer's report nor minutes with clearly stated motions.
The bylaws state that Robert's Rules of Order will be followed, but that is clearly not so. In the July minutes, it says "Chris made a motion seconded by Barb. The motion was adopted." I asked about the content of the motion and was told I would get it e-mailed to me. So far, I don't have it. How will the members know what is going on if the minutes are not properly written? The motion was an important one, since it put a cap on veterinary costs. If treatment exceeds $300 for a dog, the euthanasia committee will make recommendations. However, the decision of this committee can be vetoed by any of the executive directors. This is a board that cares more about the money than about the animals, and at least I can imagine what the decision will be.
There are 11 board members. At the last meeting, one of them questioned three items - lack of complete minutes she had been sent, lack of proper financial documentation and a third thing I don't remember. The vice president, who is an intimidating woman, took this rebel to task by saying, "You have been questioning too much recently. I suspect you have underlying issues." For a minute there, I thought I was in the old Soviet Union.
Since when is it wrong to ask questions? Those who didn't give reports never said a word, but silently agreed to everything proposed.
This is a board that constantly tries to go around what the bylaws states. The latest is a change to the election process. In order to be considered a candidate, you will have to serve on committees, and I suspect properly indoctrinated.
One person in the public asked if the director, who spoke quietly, could talk a little louder. She was told not to interrupt or she would be removed. How, I wondered? By the president himself or the police?
If you care at all about homeless dogs and cats and how your contributions are spent, I urge you to attend these board meetings.
The bylaws state that Robert's Rules of Order will be followed, but that is clearly not so. In the July minutes, it says "Chris made a motion seconded by Barb. The motion was adopted." I asked about the content of the motion and was told I would get it e-mailed to me. So far, I don't have it. How will the members know what is going on if the minutes are not properly written? The motion was an important one, since it put a cap on veterinary costs. If treatment exceeds $300 for a dog, the euthanasia committee will make recommendations. However, the decision of this committee can be vetoed by any of the executive directors. This is a board that cares more about the money than about the animals, and at least I can imagine what the decision will be.
There are 11 board members. At the last meeting, one of them questioned three items - lack of complete minutes she had been sent, lack of proper financial documentation and a third thing I don't remember. The vice president, who is an intimidating woman, took this rebel to task by saying, "You have been questioning too much recently. I suspect you have underlying issues." For a minute there, I thought I was in the old Soviet Union.
Since when is it wrong to ask questions? Those who didn't give reports never said a word, but silently agreed to everything proposed.
This is a board that constantly tries to go around what the bylaws states. The latest is a change to the election process. In order to be considered a candidate, you will have to serve on committees, and I suspect properly indoctrinated.
One person in the public asked if the director, who spoke quietly, could talk a little louder. She was told not to interrupt or she would be removed. How, I wondered? By the president himself or the police?
If you care at all about homeless dogs and cats and how your contributions are spent, I urge you to attend these board meetings.
