Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 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.