Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in water utilities with high priority
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.
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.