The Skinner Boulevard project, initiated in 2017 with a Ford Pelis grant of $100,000 and later augmented by a million-dollar grant, has been a focus of the city’s infrastructure upgrades. With bids for the construction ranging from $9.1 million to $9.9 million, the agency selected the lowest bid to carry out the work. The project is anticipated to break ground in late fall and is projected to last approximately two years.

During the meeting, Bob Iron Smith, the city’s economic development director, laid out the need for the increased funding. He detailed the project’s history, goals, and the financial strategy behind the necessary budget adjustments. The commissioners discussed at length the impact of this escalation in costs, particularly concerning the financial health of the CRA. Members questioned the implications of the additional funding on other projects and sought assurances that the CRA fund would remain stable.

One topic of concern was the potential impact on the broadband project. The director of IT provided updates on the project’s phases and the design work. The commissioners were attentive to the challenges of managing such complex infrastructure projects, especially when faced with volatile costs for materials like asphalt, which could drive expenses higher than anticipated.

The economic implications of the Skinner Boulevard project were a focal point, with an emphasis on the project’s potential to catalyze more redevelopment activities in downtown Dunedin. The conversation revolved around how the changes would create a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment, aligning with broader goals of urban improvement and sustainability.

The discussion also touched on the strategies for managing increased project costs. There were concerns about the necessity of debt financing if budget increases occurred. The commissioners examined the availability of contingency funds to ensure that the project’s key goals could still be met, even with cost overruns.

Furthermore, the meeting delved into the federal and state contributions to the project, which were significant, and how these contributions affected the overall financial planning. The complexities involved in coordinating with various funding sources were evident, as the agency worked to secure a stable financial path for the project’s completion.

The commissioners paid close attention to the details of the project’s funding, from the CRA’s contribution to the reallocation of budget funds. They underscored the importance of maintaining a balance across the various initiatives and ensuring that the additional funding for Skinner Boulevard did not jeopardize other planned projects.

In closing the meeting, the commissioners expressed their final thoughts on the project and its implications for Dunedin. The motion to adjourn the meeting was passed unanimously.