Articles of Incorporation
What is this document?
The legal paperwork filed with the State of Wisconsin in July 2004 that officially created the Lake Julia Association, Inc. as a recognized nonprofit corporation.
What does it say, in plain English?
- We're official. The Lake Julia Association is a legally incorporated nonprofit under Wisconsin law, filed and stamped by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- Our mission. We exist to protect, preserve, and improve the properties, water quality, wildlife, and general welfare of Lake Julia and its surrounding areas in Oneida and Forest Counties.
- We're a nonprofit. No profits are distributed to individuals. We operate like a charity under IRS 501(c)(3) rules, meaning donations may be tax-deductible.
- No politics. The association cannot campaign for political candidates or spend a substantial portion of its activities trying to influence legislation.
- We have members. Membership rules are defined in the Bylaws.
- We have a Board. A Board of Directors (minimum 3, initially 6) manages the association's affairs.
- If we ever dissolve, any remaining assets go to another qualifying nonprofit — nothing goes to private individuals.
- Changes require a vote. Amending these Articles requires a 2/3 vote of members or a majority of the Board.
Bylaws
What is this document?
The Bylaws are the association's rulebook — the day-to-day operating procedures that govern how the Lake Julia Association actually runs.
Members
- Membership is open to property owners and residents on the Lake Julia shoreline, as well as others who support the association's mission.
- Each paid membership gets one vote.
- Annual dues are set by the Board at the start of each year. Membership lapses if dues aren't paid by December 31st.
- The annual membership meeting is held in July or August each year.
Board of Directors
- The Board consists of 6 directors, each serving 3-year rotating terms (so roughly 2 seats turn over each year).
- Directors are elected by members at the annual meeting.
- The Board manages the association's affairs, but any single expense over $750 must be approved by the membership.
- The Board can act between meetings via written consent if 2/3 of directors agree.
Officers
- The association has a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
- Officers are elected annually by the Board.
- The President runs day-to-day operations. The Secretary keeps records and minutes. The Treasurer manages finances and reports to the Board and members annually.
Finances
- No loans can be taken out without Board authorization.
- All checks and financial instruments must be signed by authorized officers.
- The fiscal year end date is set by the Board.
Other Rules
- The Bylaws can be amended by a 2/3 vote of members present at a meeting where a quorum exists, provided members were given advance notice of the proposed change.
- The association is expected to join county and state lake organizations (like WLIA) and appoint delegates.
- Directors and officers are indemnified (legally protected) when acting in good faith on behalf of the association.
