April 6, 1998
Harold P. Knutty, Chairman of the Board
Mather Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 790
Rancho Cordova, California 95741-0790
Dear Mr. Knutty:
You have asked about the meaning of Article
XIX, Section 6 of the Federal Credit Union Bylaws (FCU Bylaws)
that states "(a)ll books of account and other records of
this credit union shall at all times be available to the directors
and committee members of this credit union." In your letter,
you specifically reference as examples Investment and Cost Control
Committees. You comment that the bylaw seems to give unusual
latitude and ask whether there must be a reason for the access.
We believe the bylaw is limited to those committees
defined in the FCU Bylaws which are: the Credit Committee; the
Executive Committee; the Nominating Committee; and the Supervisory
Committee. We interpret this provision to allow any director
or committee member, as defined in the FCU Bylaws access to all
records of the credit union. The bylaw assumes that access is
in connection with credit union business and that directors and
committee members will act responsibly in exercising this privilege.
If the board is aware of committee members using credit union
records for personal matters, rather than credit union business,
we suggest that they consult with local counsel to discuss appropriate
legal action.
We also note that an FCU board could set up
other committees not specifically referenced in the bylaws and,
as part of setting them up, give committee members access to certain
records as appropriate to the functions of the committee.
Sincerely,
Sheila A. Albin
Associate General Counsel
GC/MFR:bhs
SSIC 3701
98-0218