Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues
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.
Marina Repair and Master Plan Progress
The east bulkhead should be substantially complete by late November, but paving slips to just before Christmas and the fishing pier is still stuck waiting on a federal fisheries permit review. Staff are documenting contractor delay damages and planning alternative boat parade viewing.
City Manager Compensation and Morale
Commissioners praised City Manager Jennifer Bramley but split 3-2 on her raise, approving 3% rather than the 3.5% given to other managers. Two residents publicly opposed any raise while the city plans layoffs under Amendment 3.
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.
Damaged fence at 1440 Wildwood Court
A fence post and panel at the same property have been missing since Hurricane damage, cited under the accessory structures code. The owner lacked funds until his November social security check, so the board gave a 30-day deadline.
Accumulated debris and overgrowth on Fairway Drive
A single-family property has been cited twice for grass exceeding 10 inches and spilling over the public sidewalk and into the street. The front has been mowed, but the backyard remains overgrown, with a November 13 deadline to fix it.
Recycling services contract award
Recycling now costs $1.17 million a year — up from about $931,000 — and two commissioners balked at the price and the missing side-by-side comparison with the rival bidder before voting it down. It returns October 22 with more data, and residents' rates (paid through the enterprise fund) will reflect the outcome.
Sunsetting two advisory committees
Two pairs of underperforming citizen committees were merged into one each — Social Services/ADA and Stormwater & Sustainability — to get more robust agendas and better attendance.
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.
968 Douglas Avenue rezoning to Downtown Core
Rezoning 1.07 acres from Downtown Industrial to Downtown Core lets Mazas Development add ground-floor retail to a 318-space parking garage serving downtown and Main Street Exchange. Unanimous first-reading approval; final vote October 22.
Dunedin Golf Club maintenance contract
The city is switching course-maintenance contractors to BrightView at about $868,000 a year — slightly cheaper — after member complaints and staff site visits to nine BrightView courses. The golf fund turned a profit last fiscal year and must keep paying for itself.
Senate Bill 1134 and Dunedin's Scottish heritage
New state law bars cities from funding or promoting anything tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion starting January 1, 2027 — and yes, that includes Scottish cultural events. Officials could even face removal from office for violations, so the city attorney is reviewing every event and contract.
School drop-off traffic on Texas and Carolina Avenues
Two longtime residents described years of dangerous congestion, blocked driveways, and hostile parents from drivers using a residential block as an unofficial drop-off lane for the high school. Staff explained the gate opens for pedestrians and pledged continued talks with the school and sheriff, with an update due in a couple of weeks.
Howell Street neighbors' privacy and the city easement
A last-minute letter from neighbor Bill Faulkner asked for mature trees along the project's southern border. A 15-foot city-owned right-of-way sits between the site and the Howell Street homes, and the LPA asked staff to explore letting the HOA plant trees and a fence there. Neighbor Deborah Mobourne also came with concerns that her fence would be removed — the developer clarified it won't be.
Sunrise Townhomes redevelopment
Eight townhomes in a two-story building are planned for 0.59 acres across from the wastewater treatment plant. The same design was approved in 2024 but expired when permits weren't pulled in time, so it had to start over. The project would add roughly $11,500 a year in property taxes.