In most communities, public decision-making is just that — public. City councils, county commissions, and school boards hold open meetings where citizens not only observe but also ask questions, offer feedback, and hold leaders accountable. Transparency and participation are the cornerstones of good governance.
But in the Wynnfield neighborhood, residents say their homeowners association board meetings operate in secrecy, with homeowners barred from attending, speaking, or offering any input.
A Closed-Door Approach
Homeowners report that board meetings are scheduled and conducted privately, without notice to the broader membership. Unlike public institutions that welcome participation, Wynnfield’s HOA does not allow residents to attend, raise concerns, or even observe how decisions are made.
This approach leaves homeowners — the very people who fund the association through their dues — completely in the dark about how their money is spent, what decisions are being made, and why certain actions are taken.
No Voice, No Say
For new homeowners, the reality can be jarring. Purchasing a property in Wynnfield automatically binds residents to the HOA’s rules and covenants, but it does not guarantee them a voice in how those rules are enforced or how the association operates.
“I pay into this every year, but I don’t know where the money goes, and I have no opportunity to ask,” one resident said. “It’s like we bought into a system where we have no rights.”
The Contrast With Public Governance
The difference between HOA governance and public governance is striking. A city council meeting typically includes:
Open agendas, posted in advance. Public comment periods, where citizens can ask questions or express concerns. Transparency requirements, such as published minutes and recorded votes.
By comparison, Wynnfield’s HOA board operates with none of these safeguards, leaving residents with no recourse when they disagree with decisions or demand accountability.
Why It Matters
Secrecy in governance fosters distrust. Homeowners who feel excluded are less likely to support the board, less likely to comply willingly with rules, and more likely to view the HOA as an adversary instead of a partner.
In Wynnfield, the lack of transparency has already fueled growing resentment, with residents questioning whether the board is serving the community’s best interests or simply protecting its own power.
A Call for Change
The solution is not complicated: open the meetings. Allow homeowners to attend, listen, and, at the very least, observe how their association is run. Better still, provide opportunities for input, much like local governments do.
An HOA is meant to be a steward of the neighborhood, not a private club operating in secrecy. When residents are silenced and excluded, the very purpose of the association — to serve the community — is undermined.
Until Wynnfield’s HOA changes course, homeowners will continue to live under rules they have no say in, decisions they cannot challenge, and leadership they cannot hold accountable.