The lack of full transparency is very worrying.
My association does award one honorarium, but is a small amount, and goes to the treasurer who spends many hours keeping and preparing detailed accounts. Complete financial details of income from rents, shop sales etc and all outgoings and a detailed report is tabled at the AGM. The AGM also covers field managers report on rents taken, number of plots rented, plots vacant, evictions, water use, right down to minor expenditure on pest control / rat traps.
It works well because everything is open and above board. Visibility is a good policeman.