Stashing away cash for future needs — According to a report shared at a recent meeting by Lantana Finance Director Stephen Kaplan, the town has $14.4 million in reserves.
Last year the town added $2.6 million to the fund.
“When comparing this as a percentage to fiscal year 2025 budgeted expenditures, it can be used as a decent indicator of the town’s fiscal health,” Kaplan said. “The unassigned balance accounts for 87% of fiscal year 2025’s general fund originally adopted operating budget (not including debt or capital); however, even when including the total adopted budget, it still accounts for 81%.”
Kaplan said as the town grows the reserves, it will assist the funding of future years’ projects.
“In considering the budget for fiscal year 2024/25, the Town Council and management were conservative as to the growth of revenues and expenditures,” Kaplan said.
Having healthy reserves also helps Lantana secure better interest rates, should it need to get a bank loan.
Funding sought for sea wall — The council authorized sending in an application for money under the Florida Inland Navigation District’s Waterways Assistance Program. If approved, the funding would cover 50% of the costs associated with the construction of a new sea wall and upland park improvements at Bicentennial Park.
Employee of the first quarter honored — Tammy Reeves has worked in various divisions for the town for more than 20 years and is currently a key member of the Public Works Division’s maintenance team. On April 14, she was recognized during a Town Council meeting as the top employee during the first quarter of 2025.
Co-workers call her the town’s beautification specialist because she has a desire to make Lantana look its best.
Her bosses say she is one of the hardest-working and most outgoing members of the team.
— Mary Thurwachter
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