City Commission Workshop on FY 2026 Budget and New Firefighter Swearing-In – July 1, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held a workshop on July 1, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM and adjourning at 10:12 AM. The meeting included a swearing-in ceremony for ten new firefighters, a review of the proposed FY 2026 City Commission budget, and informational updates on capital projects and community issues. All four present commissioners (Mayor Freaney, Vice Mayor Gow, Commissioners Dugard and Sandbergen) voted unanimously to excuse Commissioner Walker’s absence. Approximately 33 members of the public attended.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to excuse Commissioner Walker’s absence – Moved by Commissioner Dugard, seconded by Vice Mayor Gow, carried 4–0.

Presentations

• Swearing-In Ceremony for New Firefighters – Fire Chief Parks introduced ten new Firefighter/Paramedics, Paramedics, and Firefighter/EMTs: Emma Bejger, Makala Bowers, Deshawn Buck, Colin Burford, Zachary Harner, Derek Johnson, Sawyer Keller, Ty Parrish, Ron Shelly, and Nicholas Wienecke. Mayor Freaney administered the oath, followed by a pinning ceremony. Commissioners expressed gratitude and pride.

Discussion Items

• FY 2026 City Commission Line Item Budget Discussion – Finance Director Les Tyler presented the proposed budget totaling $619,785, a net increase of approximately $95 over FY 2025. Key changes included:
  • Insurance costs: Increase of 11% (≈$5,000) citywide.
  • IT Services Fund: Decreased by $13,300 (19%) due to elimination of $8,100 in computer replacements and a shift to laptop/docking stations.
  • Promotional Activities: Increased by $3,100 for holiday banquet ($2,500) and employee gift cards ($1,200).
  • Other Current Charges: Decreased by $3,550, primarily from the Sister City Program (budgeted every other year, $4,750 in FY25, $0 in FY26).
  • Aid to Private Organizations: Proposed increase of $9,000 to $217,000 (from $208,000). Three civic partners (Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Dunedin Historical Museum, Dunedin Cares) receive line-item allocations; the remaining funds are distributed via grant applications. This year 20 applications were received (five more than last year); the subcommittee (City Manager, Finance Director, Library Director) will review and make recommendations at the August 6, 2025 workshop.
  • A formula error in Exhibit B was noted: percentage changes for Commissioner Dugard and Sandbergen should both be 100% (dollar amounts correct).
  • Commissioner Dugard characterized the budget as a “modest increase.”
  • Vice Mayor Gow inquired about the long-term plan for civic partner funding; City Manager Bramley noted that contributions have decreased from about $50,000 to $37,000 each but remain flat this year. She acknowledged the difficulty of further reductions given economic pressures.
  • Commissioner Sandbergen asked about the geographical scope of grant recipients; staff clarified that organizations need not be based in Dunedin but must demonstrate service to Dunedin residents. The subcommittee reviews prior-year spending and reserves.
  • Commission consensus was to approve the proposed FY 2026 City Commission Budget and the membership of the Aid to Private Organizations Subcommittee.

Informational Items

• City Manager Jennifer Bramley provided updates on several projects:
  • Douglas Avenue: A berm was constructed around the retention area; tidal valves installed are working, but water encroachment at high tide through one stormwater outlet is being addressed with additional valves.
  • Baywood Shores: Tidal valves are expected to mitigate sunny-day flooding; residents were advised that during high tide with rain, drainage will be delayed.
  • Marina: Open for operations and pedestrian access on the peninsula. Slip rental agreements are being signed daily. The ramp remains closed at the Marina Advisory Committee’s recommendation due to upcoming construction (east bulkhead wall repair and north bulkhead wall repair; bids came in at $3.047 million vs. budgeted $3.5 million, with an August start). The causeway is still closed, and jet ski traffic would inundate the ramp. Electric pedestals are on order (expected mid-July); installation will take about two weeks.
  • State Budget: The Governor signed the budget on June 30, including $1.5 million for marina repair and gabion repair. FEMA reimbursement will be reduced by that amount to avoid double-dipping.
  • Ferry Landing: The city is working with Clearwater on a new landing; an agenda item is forthcoming.
  • Playground: Open and operational; a small sinkhole was repaired.
  • Fishing Pier: Design and RFP to proceed, with construction possibly starting as early as January 2026.
• Real Estate and Community Discussion: Mayor Freaney and Commissioner Sandbergen raised concerns about the number of homes for sale, abandoned properties with health hazards (black pools), and corporate investors. Data presented indicated that corporate investors own over 117,000 single-family homes statewide, with 27,000 in the Tampa Bay region and over 300 in Dunedin listed as investment properties (average monthly rental return >$2,000). City Attorney Cowan noted that while the city cannot prevent private property sales, protections exist via the Land Development Code, architectural review, historic designations, and short-term rental regulations. Commissioners emphasized the importance of preserving neighborhood character and homeownership opportunities.
• Budget Outlook: City Manager Bramley noted that a balanced budget will be presented for FY 2026; out-year deficits are forecast but not adopted. A discussion on increasing the reserve fund (currently 15%, potential target 20%) will occur at the July 18, 2025 budget workshop. Staff will provide a plan for gradually building reserves to mitigate future risks.

Key Outcomes

• Commission unanimously excused Commissioner Walker’s absence.
• Commission consensus to approve the FY 2026 City Commission Proposed Budget ($619,785) and the Aid to Private Organizations Subcommittee (City Manager, Finance Director, Library Director).
• City Manager will bring a plan to the July 18 workshop regarding reserve fund increases.
• State budget includes $1.5 million for marina repair and gabion repair.
• Marina ramp to remain closed during construction; electric pedestals expected mid-July.
• Ongoing monitoring of Douglas Avenue and Baywood Shores tidal flooding.