Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
Wastewater Treatment Plant capital projects
The city refinanced its state wastewater loans at favorable rates — the finished projects close out at 0% interest and the remaining electrical project gets $17.5 million at 2.16%, far below the ~4.8% market rate.
Bayshore Water Main Replacement
State Representative Kim Berfield delivered $1.5 million in state money to replace aging water lines along Bayshore Boulevard — better fire protection and fewer main breaks.
New Amberlea Park production well for hurricane resiliency
The city is spending $326,672 to drill its 30th well — built for hurricane resilience after storm surge knocked out wells, not for growth. Above-ground work will cost another $300,000–$400,000.
$4.7 million in state appropriations for Dunedin projects
Dunedin secured $4.7 million from the state this year: a $200,000 high-water rescue vehicle for fire rescue, $1.5 million to replace the last unlined water main along Alt. U.S. 19 (a project pushed since the 1990s), and $3 million for marina hurricane repairs.
Marina Bulkhead Repair Contract Growth
The vice mayor flagged that marina repair bills keep adding up; this addendum adds $43,230 for extra inspections and design changes, bringing that contract to $341,313.
Utility Rate Increases
Trash and recycling rates are set to jump about 28.5% in April, with another 15.6% bump next year — roughly $6.75 more per month now. Inflation, county disposal fees rising 8% a year, and long-delayed truck replacement are the drivers. Final approval comes March 19.
Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining
The city is spending $899,834 to line about 11,500 feet of aging sewer pipes, which keeps groundwater out of the treatment plant and extends pipe life around 50 years without digging up streets.
Duke Energy reliability and Clean Energy Connection program
Dunedin's electric grid is performing better than Florida averages thanks to Duke's storm hardening, but the city's community solar subscription is underperforming financially — payback has stretched to 17-24 years because the capacity factor sits at ~26.7% instead of the assumed 28%. Commissioner Dugard also pressed Duke on its slow transition away from natural gas dependence.