The only area in which i think you are being idealistic is thinking you will get a reduction in fees from the strata manager. Their attitude will be that they now have to deal with another professional instead of a couple of volunteers – that doesn’t represent a significant reduction in their duties. If, however, the strata manager has been charging you for work done on a job-by-job basis, then you could save money buy having that covered by someone doing it on a retainer basis.
Why wouldn’t you get a strata manager to come round once a week and check the lights etc and have a mobile number that’s issued to committee members so they can contact them in an emergency.
Those people who think it should be left to the strata manager need a crash course in what an SM actually does and how much they charge for performing tasks that are not part of their core responsibilities.
If your committee is looking to continue the free ride provided by departing owners, they are going to be disappointed. You are make some smart choices – just don’t make the mistake of going for the cheapest option – it is rarely if ever the best choice.
As far as good managers go, I can’t go past Eric Francis management, but i don’t know if they would take on this kind of job. There are other good people out there but as a general rule I would avoid the big operators for small jobs.