Dunedin could close Highlander Pool, cut Community Center hours and trim special events under a contingency budget triggered by the passage of Amendment 3 on Election Day.

Mayor Maureen "Moe" Freaney laid out the stakes in a public message posted Thursday, Nov. 5 on the city's website. The city projects a $4.7 million revenue loss in fiscal year 2028 and a $7.6 million loss in fiscal year 2029 and beyond, according to the statement.

"We recognize property tax relief is important to many residents as we all face rising costs of living," Freaney wrote. "At the same time, we must address financial sustainability."

Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with more than 62% support, as reported by the Florida Phoenix. The constitutional amendment changes the state's property tax structure. State economists estimated it would reduce local government revenues statewide by as much as $12 billion a year at full implementation, according to the Phoenix.

What could change for residents

The contingency budget would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to Freaney's statement. Departments that could see reductions include Fire Rescue, Parks and Recreation, the Library, Streets Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Community Development, Finance, Communications, Human Resources and the Office of City Manager.

Specific cost-saving measures the city listed include closing Highlander Pool, reducing hours at the Community Center, cutting the number of special events and reducing funding to not-for-profits. On the revenue side, the city is considering a fire assessment and increasing user fees.

The September contingency plan, presented before the election, had also listed increasing user fees for the Community Center and youth programs and reducing the number of fire personnel per shift as potential measures, according to a city press release.

Where the money goes

The $4.7 million and $7.6 million figures are not new. Finance Director Les Tyler presented them at a budget presentation over the summer, as reported by the Tampa Bay Beacons. Tyler said the losses include not just ad valorem revenue but also reductions in Pinellas County Library Cooperative funding, county fire protection revenue and county EMS paramedic reimbursement.

The city adopted a nearly $139 million FY 2027 budget on Sept. 17 at a millage rate of 4.1345 mills, a rate it has held since 2016, according to city records. That budget preceded Amendment 3's passage.

What happens next

A Special City Commission Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 1:30 to review and approve the 2027 contingency budget, according to Freaney's statement. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city's website, Facebook, YouTube and Spectrum channel 639.

The Florida Legislature must still establish a process to implement Amendment 3, and city staff plan to work with Dunedin's elected state delegation, Freaney wrote.

The city also plans to hold town hall meetings in late winter or early spring for public input on programs, facilities and service priorities ahead of the FY 2028 budget.