By Mary Thurwachter
The tax rate in Lantana will remain the same as it has since 2022 — at $3.75 per $1,000 of taxable value.
However, homeowners may pay more in town taxes due to an increase in their taxable property value. The approved tax rate is 6.17% higher than the rolled-back rate of $3.53 per $1,000, which is the rate that would raise the same amount of money as last year except for taxes from new construction.
Anticipated property tax revenues are $7.4 million, an increase of $420,000.
Stephen Kaplan, the town’s finance director, said the proposed tax rate, given a 95% collection rate, will produce about $7.343 million in tax revenues, a 5.6% increase of about $390,000. The taxes will be used to support an $18.8 million town operating budget.
Other budget highlights from the Sept. 8 and 17 budget hearings include:
• A $25,000 increase in metered parking revenues;
• A $63,000 increase in interest income, and
• A $1.6 million decrease related to a one-time grant budgeted in fiscal year 2025.
As for special assessments for garbage collection, property owners will face a 2% increase for curbside pickup and a 1% increase for container pickup.
Town employees can expect a 4% cost-of-living raise and, based on annual evaluations, could receive up to a 5% merit raise.
Kaplan said health and dental insurance premiums are projected to increase 24% for a total cost of $2.3 million.
By category, 70% of the budget will fund personnel, 25% other operating expenses, and $1.26 million for capital expenses. The town has no debt.
Some new employee positions are in the works.
Lantana will spend $42,000 to add a part-time administrative assistant at the Police Department, $91,000 for a youth librarian, and an additional $14,000 to reclassify one water plant operator to lead water plant operator.
The Development Services Department will add a business development specialist. That person, whose salary remains unfunded, will partner with the town’s liaison from the Chamber of Commerce.
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