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)
The missing Parc Reston sum amounts to less than $2 per household. It is not the responsibility (or even appropriate) for RA to be providing funds for a public high school. That is the purview of FCPS and the SLHS PTSA. Maybe RA needs to reconsider the extent (not the concept) of the subsidy it provides low income households. If they paid an extra $2 next year along with the rest of us, then that is all the more the assessments would need to rise. Not $25; more like $2. And please note: It's not about these incidental expenses. More than 80% of RA's fees go to pay RA employees who have been given substantial annual raises for years. How large was your raise this year?
The loss of 80 units at Parc Reston does not equate to a fee hike of $25. RA Board: Please be respectful of the tight budgets many Restonians are facing including the unfair toll increase on the DTR. A little here, a little there and POW! Families have less and less discretionary income than ever and depend on you to keep our fees as low as possible. Inflation is no where near 4.5%. Delete the "Turf Fields" and anything else not absolutely necessary, please. Thanks for your service on this most important board. We are depending on your good judgment.
What exactly were these projects?
They will soon be charging you for it even though they haven't had a referendum to approve building it.