RA Assessments Likely To Rise by $25 Or More

Reston Association's Board of Directors will vote Nov. 29 on the assessment level for 2013, and households should be prepared for a number that is flirting with $600 annually.

The proposed assessment for 2013 is $590, a number that was forecast in the biannual budget process this year. The 2012 assessment rate was $565.

Board members could vote for an assessment above that number, but no higher than a ceiling of $600. They discussed several projects at their regular meeting on Thursday that will need funding, so the assessment is not expected to be below the projected $590.

"We believe the budget is sound," said RA president Ken Knueven. "This is an opportunity for the board to double check any budget items."

Board members discussed a projected shortfall in 2013, due in part by the 80 units at Parc Reston being demolished. When that area reopens in the next few years as a new, it will be an opportunity for more assessment income. But for now, RA is missing out on up to $45,000.

Board members also discussed a rise in lower-income residents qualifying for reduced assessments, as well as the board's interest in funding new projects such as turf fields at South Lakes High School and Reston's 50th anniversary celebration events in 2014.

Assessments have been rising steadily since 2007 (see chart below). If the assessments are $590 in 2013, it will mean households are paying $75 more than they did in 2010.

The public is invited to comment to the board about assessments at the meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29 at Reston Association headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.

RA ASSESSMENTS SINCE 2000

Year    Amount    % +/-    
2000    $370.00        
2001    $375.00    1.35%    
2002    $387.00    3.20%    
2003    $399.00    3.10%    
2004    $415.00    4.01%    
2005    $425.00    2.41%    
2006    $437.00    2.82%    
2007    $437.00    0.00%    
2008    $475.00    8.70%    
2009    $491.00    3.37%    
2010    $515.00    4.89%    
2011    $540.00    4.85%

 2012    $565.00    4.50%

2013     $590.00   4.50% (projected) 

(Source: Reston Association)