Dunedin keeps millage at 4.1345 mills, adopts tentative $138.8M FY2027 budget

On Sept. 3 the Dunedin City Commission adopted a tentative millage rate of 4.1345 mills and approved a tentative FY2027 operating and capital budget that totals roughly $138.8 million across all funds.

Finance Director Les Tyler told the commission that a 4.1345 mill rate is 2.72% above the 2026 rollback rate and would generate approximately $18,626,000 in general‑fund ad valorem revenue: "At 4.1345 mills, our ad valorem taxes are projected to generate $18,626,000 in the general fund," he said. Staff noted the millage rate itself is unchanged from recent years, but the city must advertise the rate as a proposed tax increase because taxable property values have risen.

Staff described changes since the last workshop, including an approximate $645,000 net revenue increase driven by a state appropriation for a high‑water rescue vehicle and Bayshore water‑main design, offset partially by lower FEMA reimbursement estimates. The tentative budget is balanced, with staff projecting a general fund reserve above the city's 15% target in 2027 but noting long‑range pressures that include an estimated $5.05 million annual shortfall in future years if not addressed. The commission unanimously adopted the tentative millage and budget and set a second, final public hearing for Sept. 17, 2026.