Keeping in the Loop

BUDGET 2027

The 2027 budget process is underway with first budget meeting held on September 23rd. Developing the budget is one of the most important, and time-consuming, responsibilities of your Board of Directors and it is not taken lightly. Every line item in the budget reflects careful thought and consideration, ensuring that we keep costs as low as possible in this time of high inflation while upholding the quality of life we all cherish in Forest Lakes.

There are three major elements involved: The annual operating budget covers "everyday" needs, such as landscaping, community management, utilities, insurance and many other detailed items. The capital spending plan covers major long-run maintenance and improvements (which are funded from our separate replacement reserves account and are based largely on projections from the independent reserves study). Homeowner assessments are set to cover the annual budget spending plus the fixed annual amount that has been established to deposit into the replacement reserves fund for major capital project spending.

A draft budget from the September meeting are now available on the Forest Lakes website under password-protected documents. We encourage all homeowners to share their comments or suggestions regarding the budget, including any specific items they wish to add or remove. Please reach out to the FLCA office preferably before the next budget meeting on October 28th, and our staff will ensure your input is communicated to the Board.

There will be a community input session during the October 28th Board meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. You are welcome to attend, share your thoughts, and leave if you wish—there's no need to stay for the entire session. Please note that, due to the focus on the budget, we will not have time for general Q&A. A budget work session will follow any community input. This meeting on October 28th is expected to be the final budget meeting.

Deer Management - Starts October 16th

Deer management will take place in two specific areas in Forest Lakes South , which will be clearly marked with signs. For the designated areas, please see the attached MAP. The areas are marked with red lines.

The scheduled dates are:

October 16, 17, 18 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

October 23, 24, 25 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

October 30, 31 & November 1 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

November 6, 7, 8 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

We ask all residents to please stay out of the designated areas between 5:00 and 9:00 a.m. on these dates. Please plan walks, dog walks, jogging, biking, and other activities around these temporary closures.

The deer management will be conducted by a total of 2-3 bow hunters using portable tree stands. Hunters will be positioned approximately 20 feet above the ground, and arrow shots will be limited to a maximum distance of 20 yards. Hunters will remain within the designated areas and will follow established safety requirements throughout the program. All meat will be donated to Hunters for the Hungry.

We know that getting outside and enjoying our community is part of what makes living here so special. We also know that seeing signs and temporary restrictions in familiar areas may be a little unusual. These precautions are simply intended to give everyone a safe environment while the program is underway.

Please watch for the posted signs, review the attached map, and give these areas a wide berth during the designated hours. The areas will be available for normal use after 9:00 a.m. each morning.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our community safe while responsibly managing our deer population.

Holiday Markets

The 2026 Holiday Markets will be at the South Parking lot on Saturday November 21st and Saturday December 19th from 9:30-1:00. Vendor lists will be in the November and December newsletters.

HALLOWEEN IS COMING!

Trick or Treating will be here before you know it! While we have no set-in-stone times for trick or treating in Forest Lakes, our first ghosts and goblins start around 5:30pm and the mummies and skeletons wrap it up by 8:30pm.

We need volunteers for judging our annual Halloween Decorating Contest on Saturday, October 17th. Call the FLCA office, 434/973-4596, if you'd like to be a judge!

PUMPKIN DROP OFF

Help feed farm animals and donate your pumpkins! Please no painted, waxy or overly rotten pumpkins. You can drop them off at the designated truck that will be at the South Parking Lot on November 6th-8th and again on November 13th - 15th. The piggies thank you! Oink.

BOOKMOBILE AT FOREST LAKES

DAY and TIME CHANGE

The Jefferson Madison Regional Library Bookmobile has changed its days and times it comes to the North parking lot. It will be coming every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 11:15am - 11:45am. For information on the bookmobile click HERE

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

• The next regular FLCA Board meeting will Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:00pm in the Pavilion. This will be a budget meeting. Resident input is welcome at 6:00pm.

• Need a babysitter or petsitter list? Call the FLCA office. Want to be on the list? Call the office!



• For information on Pickleball, Yoga, Libraries, and Parents group click HERE
• Forest Lakes Book Club
• Forest Lakes Board of Directors
• Community Forms and Documents
• FLCA and Sub-Association contacts
• ALBMARLE COUNTY NEWS LINK

SEEN AROUND FLAKES..............

Dog Day at the Pool 2026 - Despite the weather, a dog gone good time was had by all!

In the Pink - Lots of Fun for a Good Cause!