Bylaws

The following bylaws were enacted and became effective Thursday, December 19th, 2024.

Article I: Name

This organization shall be known as Wise County Horticulture Club.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of this club shall be to encourage and promote interest in, and the development of, all aspects of gardening.

Article III: Membership

Requirements of Membership shall pay annual dues of $25 for single and $35 for family, be willing to attend meetings, serve on committees and hold office.  Application for membership is open to anyone interested in joining, and shall submit a completed application form. The form shall be accompanied by payment of dues (Article IV).

Article IV: Finances

Section 1.

The fiscal year shall by January 1st – December 31st.

Section 2.

Dues shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per year.

Section 3.

The Wise County Horticulture Club is a nonprofit, 501(c )(3) tax exempt organization.  As such, it is exempt from paying federal taxes on income related to the club’s charitable purpose.  The Club is required to file an annual information return with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Article V: Officers

Section 1. Officers

The officers shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  They shall perform duties usual to their offices and as outlined in these bylaws. 

Section 2. Election of Officers & Committee Chairs

The Officers & Committee Chairs shall be elected by the membership for a two-year term.  The President and Secretary will start with a three-year term, and the VP and Treasurer will start with a two-year term.  The election of officers & Committee Chairs shall be held at the February meeting. Term limit for Chairs will be two years. 

Section 3. Rules for Running for Office:

Person running for office or chair must be a member for at least one year and have attended 50% of the meetings from the previous year. Person will be nominated by a current member. Voting will be silent ballot and counted by 2 board members. 

Section 3. Duties of Officers

President:

The President shall preside at the meetings of the Club, shall call for the reports of the committees, keep the files of annual reports, set agenda by the first Thursday of the month and send it to the Vice President and Advisory Chair and make sure taxes are paid by club.  The President is authorized to sign checks in the Treasurer’s absence. This position will be a two year term re-elected opposite of Vice President in the odd years. 

Vice President:

In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside at all meetings and shall exercise all the powers of the President. If the President is unable to complete a term, the VP shall assume the role as President. The Vice President will be incharge of the newsletter and monthly mass email to members of the organization. This position will be a two year term re-elected opposite years of President in the even years. 

Secretary:

The Secretary shall keep a record of all the minutes, take attendance at meetings, keep a current list of members’ addresses, email addresses and phone numbers, and maintain a file of annual reports. This position will be a two year term re-elected in the odd years. 

Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the club, collect dues and pay all bills.  Prepare a monthly report of dues collected and expenses paid. This position will be a two year term re-elected in the even years. 

Section 4. Duties of Committee Chairs and Programs Chair:

The Programs Chair shall schedule and arrange presenters for meetings, including obtaining information about the presenter and needs for presentations. The Programs Chair will coordinate and organize the annual event ‘Garden Affair’. This position will be a two year term with re-elected opposite years of Co- Programs Chair in the even years. 

Programs Co-Chair:

The Programs Co-Chair will assist Programs Chair with duties and responsibilities of the Programs Chair. This position will be a two year term re-elected opposite years of Programs Chair in the odd years. 

Education Chair:

The Education Chair shall keep records of educational materials of past presenters in an organized manner for members to reference. The Education Chair shall keep members current in upcoming local horticulture events. This position will be a two year term re-elected in the even years. 

Communication Chair:

The Communication Chair shall update and monitor media resources via Facebook, Instagram, website, local newspaper, and emails, which would include meeting information, presenters and local updates from The Education Chair. This position will be a two year term re-elected opposite years of Programs Chair in the odd years. 

Technology Chair:

The Technology chair shall maintain the website, credit card payment process. This position will be a two year term re-elected opposite years of Programs Chair in the odd years. 

Advisory Chair:

This will be a representative from the Wise County Agrilife Extension. Position will be to help guide and advice the board in making decisions that will affect the well being of the club. 

Article VI: Meetings

The WCHC shall hold meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday.  The President will then reschedule the meeting.

Article VII: Amendments

The Bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the WCHC by two-thirds vote of members present and voting.

ARTICLE VIII – Order of Business

SECTION 1.

At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be suggested as follows:

  1. Call to order
  2. Reading of minutes of the last meeting
  3. Report of the President
  4. Report of the Secretary
  5. Report of the Treasurer
  6. Report of Committees
  7. Election of Officers and Board of Directors (at annual meeting)
  8. Nomination of New Members
  9. Unfinished Business
  10. New Business
  11. Educational Program and/or Guest Speaker
  12. Adjournment

SECTION 2.

At meetings of the Board of Directors, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by a majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:

  1. Call to Order
  2. Establishment of Quorum
  3. Reading of minutes of the last meeting
  4. Report of the Secretary
  5. Report of the Treasurer
  6. Report of Committees
  7. Unfinished Business
  8. New business
  9. Adjournment