A Case for Self Management
The management company was hired so that the HOA board didn't have to interact with residents - they could let the management company be the "bad cop". But dealing with residents should be part of the deal - having to look someone in the eyes when you tell them they have to spend $5000 keeps you from turning into a tyrant.
Southern Property Management Sucks
These people are some of the rudest and most unprofessional people you will ever have ever had to deal with. They say in meetings they will do things and send out information, then never do any of it. You get notices with dates that are weeks before the postmark.
A Plan for a Fix
Fire Southern Property Management and handle the HOA ourselves.
This doesn't mean we have to handle the books personally - our plan is to hire an accounting firm to manage the HOA finances for a management fee.