Fiduciary Duty Questions Dismissed for FCSA Director Long

On the agenda for the regular January meeting of the Fort Clark Springs Association Board of Directors was "Board Member Breach of Fiduciary Duty" and "Removal of an Officer." Speculation as to what and whom these items were referring circulated in advance of the meeting across social media and more traditional grapevines, leading to standing room only for the crowd that gathered in the FCSA Board Room on Saturday morning, January 18. 

As it became clear that the treasurer was being considered for removal from that officer position, members and board members seemed to agree that in his role of Treasurer, Jason Long has been a great asset, contributing ideas and efforts that have increased revenue, as well as transparency and improved reporting through his creation of an online dashboard showing bank balances and interest earned through various accounts. 

As the conversation of removal continued, more than one member from the audience made the point that if it's generally accepted that Long is at least fulfilling his duty as an officer (if not excelling), he should be allowed to continue in that role. A few members of the board made the argument that some of Long's behavior, however, would violate his fiduciary duty. As that is a serious accusation, if such a violation were proven, the Board would presumably have an obligation to follow a process towards removal of the member in violation, starting with a motion to put the issue on the upcoming election 2025 ballot. 

While the "removal of an officer" issue was listed on the agenda, the more serious issue of "removal of a director from the Board" was not specifically listed as an action item, but Director Wylie posed that it would be within his authority to make such a motion. After some back and forth between directors, member opinions, and subjective evaluations of loosely described transgressions, along with evidence presented in support of Director Long's contributions, dedication, and integrity, it was ultimately decided not to act on either agenda item, or the hypothetical motion to remove the director from the board. 

While it's possible to argue that violations of fiduciary duty might exist within the FCSA Board of Directors, given the inaction on any removal, and agreement to keep Director Long in his position on the Board as Treasurer, it stands to reason that such a fiduciary violation is not coming from Long.