Reston Association OK's budget
The Reston Association approved the 2008-09 budget with only one vote in opposition at the board's Nov. 15 board meeting.
At-Large Director Joe Leighton was the sole vote against approving the budget, based on what he said was an unacceptable increase of the assessment rates.
The current annual assessment rate is $437. The newly approved budget raises that to $475 in 2008 and $483 in 2009.
“I see no justification for that,” Leighton said.
Assessments make up 78 percent of the RA's operating revenue. Revenues for 2008 and 2009 are expected to be $12.8 million and $13.1 million, respectively. Operating expenses for 2008 and 2009 are expected to be $12.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively.
CEO Milton Matthews said last month that the surplus revenue from the assessment increase will be put into a fund that is used for repair and replacement of RA facilities.
“One of the reasons the assessment is higher is because the board made a decision to increase the balance in the R and R fund by an additional $100,000 over a two-year period,” he said.
That fund currently has just over $4 million.
Mike Kogan, president of the Newport Cluster said senior citizens will be hit the hardest by such an increase in assessments.
“I feel a 9-percent increase is just too much for members to absorb, especially if we're on fixed income,” he said.
Discussion of the budget was minimal, as the board had held two previous work sessions and a public hearing.
The board heard a greater number of members speak than usual, with a large majority of them, 11, appearing before the board to champion an indoor tennis facility.
The board has included two referendums in the budget, one of which will address an indoor recreational facility, though it is not specified to include tennis. The board will decide what type of facility will be presented on the referendum in the winter of 2008.
Jerry Katz, a resident of Reston for 27 years, urged the board to begin work on a referendum as soon as possible.
“It's even a joke now amongst tennis players. You mention indoor tennis and they roll their eyes,” he said.
Many of the speakers pointed to the potential revenue the RA could earn from such a facility.
RA Treasurer John Higgins said issues such as the indoor tennis facility are the reason he's remained involved for so long.
“These are exciting times, it will probably keep me involved for as long as it takes to get an indoor facility,” he said.