Lantana officials propose holding the millage at 3.75 mills in draft 2026–27 budget

Town Manager Brian Raducci opened the July 13 budget workshop saying staff is close to a final draft of the fiscal year 2026–27 budget and will recommend holding the millage rate steady.

Finance Director Steven Kaplan told the council the town is proposing a 3.75 millage rate for a fifth consecutive year, noting taxable value rose roughly $143 million (about 6.9%) year‑over‑year. Kaplan said property tax remains the town’s single largest revenue source and that the rollback threshold and recent state statute changes now require a supermajority of the five‑member council to approve any increase above the rollback rate.

Kaplan outlined revenues and expenditures: the general fund is roughly $19 million, property tax revenues are the largest component (about a portion of that total), and staff expect a net revenue increase of several hundred thousand dollars compared with last year. He proposed a 3.3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for staff, continued tuition reimbursement ($14,000), and noted health and dental remain the largest benefit cost at about $2.3 million. Kaplan also described pension costs and a state contribution toward police retirement expenses.

To help close budget gaps, staff recommended several operational changes: reclassifying positions (for example, marine safety to ocean rescue), transferring one police position between divisions, removing one assistant development services director position and budgeting $40,000 to outsource certain business development tasks. Kaplan said capital spending has been trimmed in some areas (for example, police vehicle purchases) to preserve reserves.

On fees, Kaplan proposed raising on‑street parking by $1 per space and presenting a water/sewer rate adjustment tied to the May CPI (4.2%) to generate several hundred thousand dollars to address infrastructure needs. He said the water/sewer fund will carry larger capital needs next year (approximately $3.5 million) compared with general fund capital.

Raducci highlighted grant success — including federal, state and ARPA funds used for projects such as street and lift‑station work — and introduced Contracts and Grants Administrator Vanessa Holly to describe federal/EPA reimbursement timelines. Holly said EPA reviews ITB documents and that staff must resolve comments before advertising bids and seeking reimbursement for projects such as the planned water‑treatment control panel upgrades.

The council approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session on a 5–0 voice vote (motion moved by Council member Castle; seconded by Council member Mason). The workshop will be followed by two public hearings in September when the council will consider final adoption of the budget and assessments.