Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Public Works Efficiency Recommendations Implementation
The city is overhauling how Public Works plans, schedules, and tracks work — cutting equipment, freezing positions, and tracking every labor hour. So far it has saved about $565,000, with more possible in Parks and Utilities. Savings on frozen positions will come back to the Commission for a future decision.
FY 2027 CRA Operating and Capital Budget
The CRA adopted its $12.5 million FY 2027 budget, funding a Main Street streetscape redo, a master plan update, and downtown improvements. The budget includes a $9.1 million placeholder for borrowing toward the downtown parking garage, and tax increment revenue is roughly a 50/50 split with the county.
Parking Garage Financing
The city took a step toward building a $10.3 million, roughly 192-space garage at Douglas & Scotland by amending its deal with Pinellas County to use $3.2 million in CRA tax-increment funding. Debt service of about $850,000 a year will eventually fall on the general fund after the CRA sunsets in 2033.
Hurricane storm cost recovery
Two homeowners (Bella and Ficken) told the board their roof and fence repairs are stalled by ongoing insurance and litigation battles. The board gave both 60-day windows to November 1.
FY2025 Audit Results and City Finances
Clean audit across the board: unmodified opinion, no findings, positive net position everywhere, and a 28.7% fund balance — down from 45% because of hurricanes and slow FEMA reimbursements, but still healthy.
Employee health insurance cost increases
Health benefits costs jump nearly 16% in the proposed budget — roughly $1.1 million — and one commissioner called the trend 'completely unsustainable.' Details come at the August 4 workshop.
Board of Finance capital project recommendations
The citizen finance board wants the $23.5 million aquatic center delayed to 2029 and the $9.1 million downtown garage held, plus trims to parks projects — warning that multi-year debt could sink the city if Amendment 3 passes.
FY 2027 Personnel and Health Benefits Costs
The self-funded health plan's claims are running 18% higher per employee than last year, reserves have dropped by about $1 million, and employee-only coverage is free no matter which plan is chosen — so 80% of employees pick the richest plan. The Board of Finance recommends raising employee rates, steering people to cheaper plans, raising out-of-pocket limits, and bidding out the plan administration.
FY 2027 City Commission budget
The city is trimming operating costs — nearly $1 million cut from the General Fund citywide — while insurance costs rise 15%. Commissioners pushed back on cutting their own training allowance, which will stay at $1,500 each.
FY 2026 Second Budget Amendment
The city moved $31.4 million of unfinished projects and purchase orders into this year's budget — about $15 million less carry-forward than last year. Four funds (solid waste, stormwater, golf, health insurance) sit below reserve targets, and the General Fund is healthier than projected at 32%.