News

By Mary Thurwachter

    A rebounding economy and $39 million uptick in taxable property values to $724.9 million will give Lantana more money to work with next year.
    But residents shouldn’t expect a spending spree. After all, expenses are going up, too.
    For the first time, the town will have to buy flood insurance, a $63,000 expense. Pension costs for 27 police officers are up $24,000 to $413,000; and pension costs for almost 40 general employees are $140,730.
    Health and dental insurance, factored by claims, is estimated to rise 17 percent at a cost of $1,056,530.
    And, while no cost of living raises for employees are planned, the budget does call for merit raises of up to 2 percent, depending on annual evaluations.
    The police department would like to add a dispatcher, and the town would like to continue to retain services of a lobbyist for $60,000 a year.
    Among capital improvement expenditures that total $429,569 are computers, library books, computer software, beach parking lot lights, a generator for Town Hall, an air conditioner for the library and a new police car for the chief.
    With these and other projected expenses, the proposed budget leaves a $275,397 deficit, a number that will need to come down considerably, Mayor Dave Stewart said. The budget has to balance, after all. In the past, the town has occasionally borrowed from its reserves to make up for a shortfall.
    Town Manager Deborah Manzo and Finance Director Stephen Kaplan will be sharpening their pencils to cut proposed spending in the weeks ahead.
    It is unlikely the current tax rate, $3.23 per $1,000 of taxable property, will change. Lantana has had the same rate for six years. Stewart made a point to note the poor attendance for the budget hearing on June 23, one of the most important meetings of the year, he said. Only two residents showed up.
    A second budget workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. on July 14 and the council will set its tax rate on July 28. Two public hearings will follow, with dates yet to be announced.