The recruitment and retention of board members is an issue that every common interest community association must face. There is no legal way to compel members to serve on a board of a condominium in which he/she owns. While some condominium boards are run by only one volunteer (due to apathy, complete satisfaction in a single board member or otherwise) that one (1) trustee will, in effect, make all decisions on behalf of the entire association.
Most people living in a common interest community would be uncomfortable by having every resident’s property, money, and general investment determined, in a large part, on the decision of one person. This usually motivates more than one person to serve as a board member. Ultimately, someone has to pay the insurance, collect the trash, fix the leaks, shampoo the hall carpets, etc. These responsibilities will be taken care whether one person or a full board is willing to volunteer and serve.
Should there be a single-member board, that volunteer is still obligated to comply with the condominium act and all other condominium regulations with respect to accounting records, open meetings, alternative dispute resolution, etc. His or her engagement of a management company would help, so that day-to-day operations (collection of funds, disbursement of funds, etc.) would be handled by an outside professional. This would provide for some desired financial oversight.