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Los Ranchos midyear cash report: $14.9M balance; trustees ask about cleanup liens as CFO prepares to depart
Summary
CFO Tammy Silva reported an ending cash balance of $14,891,158.27 and a year‑to‑date revenue‑over‑expenditure excess of $583,708.44. Trustees questioned whether code‑enforcement cleanup costs are lienable after staff and counsel explained mortgage/trust complications on one property. Silva announced she will assist part‑time through January while the village recruits a successor.
CFO Tammy Silva presented the village’s 12/31/2025 midyear cash report at the Jan. 20 Board of Trustees meeting. Silva reported an ending cash balance of $14,891,158.27, a monthly increase of $267,483.83 and a year‑to‑date excess of revenue over expenditures of $583,708.44. She told trustees the review shows the village remains on track with the adopted budget through the fiscal midyear.
Trustee Edwards asked about cleanup expenditures listed in the packet (about $8,900 for a property described as a hoarder case) and whether those costs are lienable against the property. Planning Director Shanna Schultz said municipal liens are generally available; the village can typically place a lien after making expenditures. Village counsel explained the situation was complicated for one property because certain mortgages held in trust (a Fannie Mae trustee arrangement discussed in the meeting) can prohibit additional liens; outside counsel handling the foreclosure is pursuing recovery as litigation and the bank may ultimately recover funds if it forecloses.
Silva also explained negative cash positions shown in the report arise from grant or pass‑through revenue reimbursements the village is awaiting (for example FEMA reimbursements) and timing in bond‑related accounts where bond payments are made before property‑tax collections are received.
At the end of the meeting the mayor and trustees publicly thanked Silva for seven years of service; Silva said she will continue to support the village part‑time during the transition and assist with candidate interviews and training for her successor.
Why it matters: the cash report gives trustees and the public a snapshot of fiscal health. The discussion about lienability illustrates limits the village faces when enforcing cleanup or recovery on properties encumbered by complex mortgage or federal trust arrangements.
Next steps: staff and outside counsel will continue litigation and recovery efforts where possible; trustees will proceed with recruitment for a new CFO and Silva will help during the transition.
