Dunedin Insights: How Potential Budget Cuts Could Impact City Services

Published on October 28, 2026

The FY 2027 Contingency Plan is the City of Dunedin’s first step at preparing for the effects of property tax reductions and the estimated loss of revenue of $4.7 million in fiscal year 2028 and $7.6 million beginning in fiscal year 2029.

The Contingency Plan was developed with city departments and leaders to initially identify cuts to take place in the FY 2027 budget to cut approximately $3.0 million, which would be implemented on January 1, 2027.  Additional reductions will be required to address the full loss of $4.7M in FY28 then $7.6M in FY29.  The Contingency Plan was presented to City Commission during a special meeting held on September 17, 2026. 

The revenue loss will necessitate reductions in staffing levels city-wide which in turn will eliminate programs, decrease maintenance levels at facilities, decrease operating hours and/or result in the closure of community centers.  Some of the impactful proposed budget cuts in the City’s Contingency Plan primarily impact quality of life services in the first year; however; there are deeper cuts that may impact public safety in year 2. 

Some of the initial proposed cuts that would take place in January 2027 include: 

• Reduction of 50% in Aid to Organization for civic partners and nonprofit grants for FY 2027 - savings of $104,250 (potential full elimination of Aid to Org in FY  2028)
• Elimination of Peg channel (Spectrum cable channel hosting live streamed and recorded City meetings) - savings $18,600
• Elimination of the Solar Rebate Program - savings of $50,000
• Reduction to the Resiliency & Sustainability Rebate Program – savings of $20,000
• Closure of Library on Saturdays and elimination of 4.2 full-time employees - savings of $334,950
• Facilities staff reduction of 2.0 full-time employees which will impact internal service levels for projects and renovations and support for special events- savings of $121,830
• Streets department reduction of 2.0 full-time employees, eliminating utilities road/sidewalk cuts and maintenance of traffic for special events - savings of $162,000
• Temporary aquatic complex closure - savings of $528,520 
• Elimination of music programs and center special events, including band and chorus and summer camps - savings of $109,000
• Reduction in contractual services for City run events shifting special events to be sponsored or eliminated if costs are not covered - savings of $178,250
• Reduction in repair and maintenance to outdoor restrooms and athletic field improvements - savings of $223,500

Additional future cuts may include:

• Reduction of services to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office by removing a portion of the Community Policing Office (CPO) program
• Eliminating the Clearwater Ferry service between Dunedin and Clearwater
• Closure or limitation of access to athletic and sports fields
• Elimination of the Santa Fire Truck neighborhood program

No changes or cuts have been approved at this time.  Additional cuts will be required to achieve the full revenue reduction in fiscal year 2029 of $7.6M.  The City Commission will review the Contingency Plan in greater detail in mid to late November at an upcoming scheduled special meeting.  Please ensure you receive the weekly DunediNews and follow social media for more information on the special meeting.

The September 17, 2026 Contingency Plan special meeting can be found here.  

Information on the FY 2027 Budget can be found here.