Dunedin Adopts $156M Budget, Keeps Millage Rate Flat for 10th Year
Published on October 22, 2025
The Dunedin City Commission has approved a $156 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2026, keeping the city’s millage rate unchanged at 4.1345 mills for the 10th consecutive year. The budget was adopted unanimously during a public hearing on September 23.
“Maintaining the same millage rate for a decade reflects our commitment to sound financial planning and fiscal responsibility,” Finance Director Les Tyler said. “We’ve been able to deliver high-quality services and invest in our community without placing additional burden on taxpayers.”
The city’s budget process began in February with a strategic planning session followed by two workshops over the summer and two public hearings in September.
Of the total budget, the general fund accounts for $56.8 million, which supports core services such as police, fire, parks and recreation and city administration.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal year 2026 includes 133 projects reflecting Dunedin’s continued investment in infrastructure, recreation and resiliency.
Among the major projects funded in the new budget are:
- Marina Bulkhead Project: $3.5 million total project cost with an anticipated 87.5% reimbursement from FEMA
- Fishing Pier and Day Docks: $2.3 million project, which is also expected to receive 87.5% FEMA reimbursement
- Utility Relocation for FDOT’s Curlew Project: $3.3 million budgeted in the Water/Wastewater Fund
- Gabion Repair and Replacement: $3.1 million budgeted in the Stormwater Fund, funded through the Emergency Watershed Protection Grant
- Midtown Parking Facility: $9.1 million allocated in the Community Redevelopment Agency Fund
- Highlander Aquatic Complex: $18.8 million total project cost with $4.5 million budgeted in fiscal year 2026 and $14.3 million planned for fiscal year 2027, funded through the Penny for Pinellas and the General Fund
Tyler said the city continues to emphasize strong financial stewardship while advancing key capital projects.
“Our focus is on long-term sustainability. The city has long-range financial forecasts to identify and address potential future fiscal imbalances before they become unmanageable,” Tyler said. “We’re also leveraging grant funding and outside reimbursements wherever possible to ensure that every local dollar is spent efficiently and with purpose.”
The new budget went into effect on October 1.