The meeting began with City Manager Jennifer K. Bramley delivering an extensive update on the impending storm, highlighting the system in the Gulf of Mexico expected to escalate into a major hurricane. Bramley detailed the city’s preparations, including an emergency management meeting held earlier, securing parks, and topping off fuel tanks for city vehicles. She emphasized the activation of the emergency operation center scheduled for Wednesday evening, with staff prepared to monitor the storm overnight.

Bramley assured residents that communication with marina slip renters and captains had been established, with notifications planned from the Harbor Master. She addressed public concerns over boats being pulled from the marina and urged residents to remain proactive. Bramley anticipated tropical storm-strength wind gusts by Wednesday evening, with Thursday morning posing the highest risk due to high tide.

Events scheduled for Wednesday evening were set to be canceled as a precaution. However, the Citizens Academy on Tuesday evening was still planned to proceed, as the location and staff could manage the situation. Other events, including one related to the Skyway Bridge disaster, were confirmed to be canceled. The timing of the storm remained uncertain, requiring close monitoring over the following days.

Bramley confirmed the distribution of sandbags, starting with a session at 8 AM at Highlander Park. Approximately 2,400 sandbags had already been distributed, but current efforts were focused on ensuring residents could access sandbags at Highlander Park. The county’s emergency order related to the storm was also discussed, with plans for an executive order to cover necessary expenditures. An emergency meeting was proposed for the city commission to ratify this executive order after the county’s meeting, avoiding scheduling conflicts.

Following the storm update, the meeting transitioned to budget discussions. The city’s fiscal year 2025 final millage rate and budget were addressed, with Resolution 24-17 proposing a millage rate of 4.1345, translating to $413 for every $100,000 in assessed property value. A motion for approval was made and seconded, leading to detailed budget discussions.

Resolution 24-18, regarding the adoption of the final budget for Dunedin, was introduced. The budget totals $138,857,200 in net expenditures across all funds and includes 43 initiatives and 134 capital projects. An important amendment removed all items related to the Chamber of Commerce to avoid conflicts of interest, as the mayor serves as its president and CEO. The budget, supported by the board of finance, aligns with the city’s strategic priorities. The proposed millage rate represents an 8.89% increase over the rollback rate, generating nearly $2 million for the general fund and over $1 million for the Community Redevelopment Agency’s ad valorem tax revenues.

Commissioners provided feedback on the millage rate. The vice mayor and Commissioner Walker supported the rate, noting the effort put into the budget. Another commissioner praised the commission’s financial stewardship. In contrast, one commissioner advocated for a rollback, citing recent increases in tax revenues. Despite differing perspectives, the motion to approve the budget passed unanimously.

Resolution 24-21, pertaining to the Municipal Business Plan for fiscal years 2025 through 2030, was also introduced. This plan includes 43 business initiatives and 134 capital improvement projects, totaling $4.1 million for fiscal year 2025. Discussions emphasized the plan’s alignment with the city’s long-term goals and infrastructure needs. Concerns regarding stormwater management were raised, but overall support for the business plan was affirmed, resulting in a 4-1 approval.

The agenda then moved to Resolution 24-26, involving amendments to the fiscal year 2025 budget. Specific increases included funding for chamber memberships, the Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, and the Chamber of Commerce Hub program. The city attorney advised addressing these items separately due to their specific nature. A commissioner highlighted the chamber’s importance to the city’s economic vitality, supporting the funding despite it being less than the previous year’s.