CA Annual Charge

If you have walked through the woods, fished in a lake, called your Village Community Association for information, enjoyed an outdoor pool, attended the free summer concerts on Lake Kittamaqundi, or voted in a Village election, then you have experienced some of the benefits of the CA annual charge.

The income provided by the annual charge, while significant, covers less than half of the cost of the services provided by the Columbia Association. Therefore, some of the most popular activities, such as Package Plan or Facility Memberships, require the payment of dues and fees. Since CA resident members pay both membership dues and the annual charge, their dues are significantly lower than those paid by Non-CA residents. For example, CA resident families normally pay approximately 50% less for a membership in the Package Plan or for the outdoor pools than Non-CA residents.

This approach creates a strong community balance. Those who use CA facilities and programs support the greatest portion of those costs, while the expense of maintaining and operating universal amenities like community centers, pathways, tot lots and lakes are shared by all residents. A recent survey showed that CA services are well-used and enjoyed by the community - 94% have used at least one of the amenities including the Open Space, and 72% have become members or used the sports and fitness facilities, camps, before and after school care, or the Art Center on a pay-as-you-go basis.

For information about your annual charge call the Annual Charge Hotline at 410-715-3058.

ON THE HORIZON
The CA Board of Directors has kept the annual charge rate for FY 2007 at 68 cents – matching FY 2006, almost ten percent less than the allowable maximum. In addition, the Board capped the amount of the increase to 4% - 6% less than the amount allowed by law. The amount to be paid will still be calculated based on 50% of the fair market value of the property.