Columbia Association Presents FY27 Budget

Columbia Association (CA) held a town hall meeting Jan. 22 to present its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget, which includes River Hill’s share of the annual charge and helps determine the village’s budget for the coming year.

Each Columbia village receives a portion of the annual charge paid by property owners to CA. The FY27 budget proposes allocating $3.6 million to the villages, a 3 percent increase from last year. For context, villages collectively receive about 7 percent of the roughly $52 million CA collects annually through the charge. In 2025, River Hill properties contributed $4,948,307, with an average annual bill of $2,219.

Despite receiving a relatively small share of annual charge revenue, villages are responsible for enforcing covenants, maintaining village buildings, and hosting community events.

The proposed budget also includes plans to close a neighborhood pool and replace it with a splash pad, a proposal that has drawn community concern. More information is available in the Council’s Corner column.

The draft budget is available at columbiaassociation.org/governance/leadership/board-of-directors. Community members are encouraged to submit feedback through the CA website or sign up to participate in Resident Speak Out at the Feb. 12 meeting. Final deliberations will take place before a vote scheduled for Feb. 26.