Trestle Provides an Update Following the Ongoing Extension of Proclamation 20-51

On Tuesday, December 8^th, Governor Jay Inslee extended Proclamation 20-51. The Proclamation, previously set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2020 has been extended to expire at 11:59 p.m. on January 19, 2021.

While the April 17^th Proclamation directly impacted community associations and their ability to process delinquencies, charge violation fines, meet remotely and vote by mail or electronically, the Proclamation was amended on July 31^st to no longer limit an association’s ability to levy fines. As a result, unless requested otherwise, Trestle resumed levying of fines as appropriate and allowed under its Clients’ governing documents following the July 31^st amendment.

Trestle intends to continue to extend its response regarding the delinquencies and meetings as outlined in its April 22^nd announcement. As a reminder, the steps Trestle is taking to ensure compliance with the extended portions of the Proclamation are outlined below.

Delinquencies, Late Fees, and Interest Charges

Under the Proclamation, community associations may not assess late fees or interest on any delinquent accounts during the effective period. Accounts which have reached the end of a community association’s collection policy and are scheduled to be referred to an attorney for further action may still be referred to the attorney.

During the effective period of the Proclamation, Trestle will issue statements to notify past due owners of their status in an effort to encourage payment but will not assess late fees or interest. Furthermore, Trestle will not advance a delinquency beyond its state as of April 17, 2020. Issuing statements will allow associations to resume their standard delinquency policy and advance delinquencies from their prior status after the end of the Proclamation’s effective period.

Remote Meetings, Mail and Electronic Voting

Previously, several RCWs allowed for remote meetings and mail and electronic voting if not restricted within a community’s governing documents. The Proclamation strikes all mention of an association’s governing documents in relation to meeting and voting restrictions. As a result, if an association’s governing documents prohibit remote meetings, mail or electronic voting, the association may proceed with the meetings or voting during the effective period of the Proclamation. Trestle provides remote meeting services and can assist any client in holding a meeting via video or telephone conference. Board Members are encouraged to contact their Community Association Manager for assistance should they wish to proceed with a meeting, or mail or electronic voting at this time.