Association Finance

Operating and Reserve Budgets

KICA operates with two separate budgets, the operating budget and the reserve budget. The operating budget covers the costs of administration, security and livability, land and lakes maintenance, recreation and amenity operations, and general maintenance. This budget is funded primarily by: the annual assessment paid for by all property owners (more than 80% of funds), commercial access fees (about 10% of funds), investment income, the amenity assessment and user fees and other miscellaneous income. Principally, the operating budget covers expenditures that are routine and predictable.

The reserve budget covers the cost of major repair to or replacement of existing island infrastructure. The reserve budget takes into account Reserve Study projections, which forecast the lifespan of and maintenance costs for all infrastructure in the next 30 years. It also considers predicted revenues. The reserve budget is funded by five sources: a transfer fee on all real estate transactions (about 40-45% of funds), the annual supplemental reserve assessment (about 40% of funds) paid for by all property owners, commercial access fees (about 15% of funds), investment income and if needed, a transfer from operations income. Each year, reserve budget costs vary due to the planned repair and replacement schedule for all assets, so this budget is designed to fluctuate between deficit and surplus.

Association Finance

Budget Process

The process of stewarding millions of dollars annually to maintain Kiawah Island is lengthy and thoughtful. Budget planning occurs throughout the year, but the first draft for the upcoming year is created in early September and finalized and approved by the board in early November.

To create a first draft, KICA staff evaluate operational needs and identify potential improvements to the organization’s functionality, efficiency and services. By the beginning of September, this draft is refined by KICA’s Director of Finance and Administration and is then provided to KICA’s Finance Committee for review.

The Finance Committee is comprised of members of the community, staff and board members with expertise in finance and management. Committee members provide valuable discussion and feedback on all budget items, analyze numerous scenarios, and make recommendations for budget revisions. The committee then reports to the KICA Board of Directors with a briefing.

Staff and the Finance Committee continue through October with several more drafts and multiple revisions, meetings, and updates to the board. The Finance Committee meetings are open for all community members to attend, and are a great way to become familiar with the draft budget.

In early November, KICA board members gather for a budget workshop to discuss all items in depth. Final refinements of the budget are made and a draft is shared online with the community for input. At the November board meeting, the annual budget is voted on by the directors. After approval, the final budget for the upcoming year is published online.