<prompt> Human: There was a vote at our condo complex to do some work on the pool. The vote passed and now owners have to pay 800 per unit. I always thought something like this would be covered by the reserves that the HOA holds? Anyone know what the common practice would be?  <response>: I used to be on a HOA board. Reserves for our HOA were used for regular maintenance ...and a certain was required by the insurance policy. All major improvements or updates required a Special Assessment and a vote. Dues were for regular planned expenses something big would require a separate collection in my old HOA... Do you have a copy of your bylaws? This would be spelled out as to how funds are collected and used. Also, youd need to look at the specific amount in reserves that your HOA actually has-your HOA treasurer or fiscal manager could give you this info. 