By Patrick Sherry
Lantana officials say their proposed fiscal budget is business as usual, with the approval for the fifth consecutive year of a maximum tax rate of $3.75 for every $1,000 of taxable value.
The Lantana Town Council unanimously approved the tentative property tax rate at its budget workshop on July 13. Staff developed the town’s proposed total $32.4 million budget using the council’s priorities of maintaining infrastructure, continuing beautification projects, responsible development, attracting and retaining valuable employees, continuing to attract businesses along Ocean Avenue, promoting community engagement, supporting the library, resuming dune restoration and enhancing public safety.
“These are the same priorities we’ve been using for the last really several years, and the reason why we use them is because, for the most part, they really work well,” Town Manager Brian Raducci said. “They’re broad enough that they can be adjusted, and they’re all-encompassing.”
The town’s general fund revenues are projected to be about $19.1 million, and increasing property values are expected to generate an additional $495,000 without a rise in the property tax rate. The general fund covers the cost of the town’s day-to-day operations, supported by property tax revenues.
Staff proposed $551,000 in capital spending in the general fund that will go toward town improvements, fund the town library and pay for police equipment. Also included in the proposed budget is a 3.3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and a merit increase of up to 4%.
“We try to propose a budget that makes sense that we can support without overburdening and overtaxing the residents,” Raducci said.
The council will set the town’s solid waste assessment in August and will vote to adopt the final budget and tax rate in September.
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