Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.