Dunedin commission approves $1.826 million FY26 amendment; several ordinances pass first readings

The Dunedin City Commission on June 4 approved Resolution 26‑07, a second amendment to the city’s FY2026 operating and capital budget that raises appropriations by $1,826,000 to cover projects across several funds.

"The total amendment in this staffing is an increase in overall appropriations of $1,826,000 in various funds in fiscal year 26," said Les Tyler, the city’s finance director, as he summarized the proposed adjustments. Tyler walked commissioners through line items in the staffing report and explained how restricted and grant funds offset portions of the increases.

Key changes listed by staff include a $182,000 increase in the general fund to replace carpet tiles in the library (funded by a restricted bequest); a $1,446,000 increase in wastewater capital for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility 8 filter media and basin rehabilitation project after construction bids came in above the original estimate; a $58,000 transfer from the risk fund toward a $138,000 modular vehicle barrier system (the remainder funded by law enforcement impact fees); a $43,000 increase to Marina Fund debt‑service expense to reflect estimated interest on a line of credit tied to storm repairs; and shifts in internal service and IT budgets for network infrastructure and equipment updates.

Tyler told commissioners that all affected funds "meet or exceed their reserve target levels with the exception of one fund, the stormwater fund," and that the city plans to rely on grants and possible debt financing to cover some stormwater work. "Grants want you have to have the projects in the CIP for applying," he said, noting timing can affect when projects begin.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about the wastewater contract and the marina debt draw schedule. Vice Mayor Robert James Walker and others pressed staff on bid alternates and contingencies; staff said some alternates were not awarded and that other projects have come in under budget, which may offset shortfalls.

The commission voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26‑07.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26‑07 (FY2026 second budget amendment): Approved unanimously (Commissioners Dugard, Sandbergen, Gao, Vice Mayor Walker, Mayor Franey — ayes).
- Ordinance 26‑02 (Voluntary annexation, first reading): Approved unanimously; second reading scheduled 07/09/2026.
- Ordinance 26‑03 (Land‑use designation following annexation, first reading): Approved unanimously.
- Ordinance 26‑04 (Zoning designation following annexation, first reading): Approved unanimously.
- Conflict waiver for city legal representation in PNC v. Garrett: Approved unanimously.

Why it matters

The amendment funds a mix of restoration and routine capital work—particularly a large wastewater rehab that required extra appropriation after bids exceeded earlier estimates—and reallocates internal resources to keep projects moving. Commission discussion emphasized the use of restricted funds and grants to limit pressure on the general fund, and staff flagged the stormwater fund as below its target balance by design due to planned projects.

What’s next

Staff will monitor grant awards and, in some cases, pursue debt financing to complete larger stormwater projects. The annexation and land‑use/zoning ordinances will return for second reading on July 9.