City of Dunedin - City Commission Special Meeting - 9/17/2026

The City of Dunedin held a City Commission Special Meeting on September 17, 2026, focused primarily on discussing a contingency budget plan in response to the potential passage of Amendment Three, which would significantly reduce property tax revenues. The city anticipates a $3 million budget cut starting January 1, 2027, escalating to $7.6 million annually by fiscal year 2029, necessitating substantial reductions across city departments. The meeting included detailed presentations on proposed cuts by department, including personnel reductions, operating expense cuts, and revenue adjustments. Key procurement-related topics included potential impacts on contracts such as legal services, janitorial services, and grant administration, with discussions on eliminating or reducing certain positions and services to achieve savings. Two scenarios were presented for Parks and Recreation, notably the option to close the city pool until a new aquatic complex is built, which would save approximately $528,000 but impact community programs and staffing. The commission discussed fee increases, reallocations of costs to developers, and the potential for increased law enforcement contract costs. The meeting concluded with public input emphasizing the community impact of cuts, especially on youth programs and the pool, and the commission agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in early October to finalize the contingency plan. The discussion highlighted the need for strategic prioritization of services and monitoring of impacts as the city prepares for significant revenue shortfalls.