Lantana council accepts clean audit; unassigned fund balance about $15.7 million

The Lantana Town Council voted unanimously to accept the town’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, after auditors reported a clean opinion. Steven Kepler of Growell and Associates presented the overview and external auditor Ben Steed said the review produced “no findings.”

Kepler and audit staff described key balances: the unassigned general‑fund balance rose to approximately $15,700,000 — about 84% of the current year’s budget — and the infrastructure surtax (penny tax) fund retains roughly $3,000,000, much of which is already committed to projects. Kepler noted that water and sewer proprietary funds recorded planned net position changes as the town invests in major utility improvements.

Auditor Ben Steed told the council, “it’s a clean audit,” reinforcing the audit partner’s statement that there were no instances of noncompliance identified in the procedures tested. Council members praised staff for conservative budgeting and for carrying little long‑term debt, while staff said ongoing capital work — including lift stations and force main projects — means some utility spending will continue in coming years.

The motion to accept the report was made, seconded and passed 5–0. Council directed staff to continue regular reporting on capital projects and to bring forward any fiscal impacts that might affect future years’ budgets.