Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with critical priority
Jolley Trolley Funding and Amendment 3 Threat
The property tax relief amendment that passed Tuesday means Dunedin faces roughly $4.7 million in cuts by 2028 and $7.6 million by 2029. The mayor promised residents will get input, with a contingency budget special meeting set for December 2 and possible cuts to pools, parades, and positions.
Penny for Pinellas V renewal and project priorities
The 1% sales tax that pays for big capital projects expires in 2029 and returns to the ballot in November 2028. Dunedin expects about $63 million but departments want $91.4 million in projects — Fire Station 60 replacement ($21.5M), Highlander Aquatic Complex ($16.5M), pavement management ($15M) and more. Expect lots of needs-vs-wants debate.
50 Squire Court chronic nuisance property
A vacant house where someone is squatting, removing windows, and piling junk drew the meeting's biggest fine — $500 a day — and the city manager is now meeting with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office about the property's history.
Proposed Fire Special Assessment to fund fire operations
The city hired Cypress Revenue Solutions for $74,200 to design a legally defensible fire assessment — a new way to fund fire services that shifts some cost to property owners via a special assessment.
FY 2027 Contingency Plan
If voters pass Amendment 3 in November, Dunedin loses about $7.6 million a year in property tax revenue starting FY 2029 — money that funds police, fire, parks, and the library. The first $3.4 million in cuts starts January 2027 and touches nearly every department.
FY 2027 Maximum Millage Rate and November Property-Tax Referendum
The city kept its property tax rate at 4.1345 mills for the 12th straight year and adopted the $138.8 million budget. Commissioners praised the stability but noted contingency planning continues because of Amendment 3.
State property tax reform (SJR 2-F)
Property tax reform (HB 1F) passed in a June special session, and commissioners worry a one-size-fits-all formula could bankrupt some communities. The mayor asked staff to build a top-10 list of state home rule intrusions as talking points, and a 2027 constitutional taxation review could reshape everything.
2026 Legislative Session Impacts on Dunedin
Tallahassee passed several bills that will cost or constrain the city: a biosolids law that could require a $5.5 million wastewater plant project, a DEI restriction bill with malfeasance penalties awaiting the governor's signature, a net-zero greenhouse gas policy ban, and building permit timelines. Property tax reform special sessions loom with potential budget cuts of $2-7.5 million.
Homestead property tax elimination proposals
A proposed state constitutional amendment would phase out non-school property taxes for homesteaded Florida residents. Property taxes fund 35% of Dunedin's budget, and the Board of Finance called passage 'catastrophic' for the city and county.