Intent to apply for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort ApplicationCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 08.
Copyrighted
July 18, 2022
ITEM TITLE: Intent to apply for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second
Cohort Application
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval of the application for
Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort Application
and adoption of the resolution authorizing the application.
RESOLUTION Authorizing the application for the Cities & Counties for
Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort Application and authorizing the
Leisure Services Manager and the City Manager to approve the
application
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Cities and Counties For Fines and Fee Justice
Application for 2022-23 Cohort-MVM Memo
Staff memo
Resolution
Cities and Counties for Fines and Fee Justice
Application for the 2022-23 Cohort
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Intent to apply for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second
Cohort Application
DATE: July 13, 2022
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware is recommending City Council approval of the
application for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort Application
and adopt the resolution.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
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Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager
THE CITY OF
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TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: Intent to apply for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second
Cohort Application
DATE: 7/12/2022
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request approval to apply for Cities & Counties
for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort Application.
DISCUSSION
Organizationally, for the last 18 months with assistance from the FFJC and Policy Link,
Dubuque has embarked on an Equitable Fine and Fee Reform Initiative. We have used
many of the Policy Link resources with varying degrees of success to convene
stakeholders, assess our fine, fee, and revenue collection structures, craft legislative
priorities and survey our community to help quantify the detrimental impact of fines and
fees on our minority and lower -income residents. While we have done quite a bit of
work, we recognize we're only scratching the surface when it comes to quantifying
potential financial impacts, community engagement, and implementing reform. We see
this cohort as an opportunity to present our work for peer review, and collaboration and
to explore and share innovative strategies to reach residents through accessible forms
of communication. This is a dire time for our residents living in poverty. "With the added
complication of pandemic induced financial challenges, Dubuque sees participation in
the cohort as a critical resource to respond with urgency to produce immediate impact
and establish lasting systemic change.
Anticipated Amount: $55,000.00
Match Required: No
Match Funding Source: no match
Match Amount: N.A.
Application Due Date: 5/22/2022
Anticipated Notification Date: 6/12/2022
Anticipated Receipt of money: 6/22/2022
Departments Involved: City Manager, Leisure Services, Human Rights, POLICE
DEPARTMENT, Legal, Health Services, Finance
GRANT OBJECTIVE
PolicyLink, The San Francisco Financial Justice Project, and the Fines and Fees Justice
Center launched Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice to support localities working
to develop and implement policies that make a difference in the lives of low-income
residents. The cohort of Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice is made up of local
teams who are innovating and taking a leadership role in advancing fair and just policies
to reform fines, fees, tickets, and financial penalties that often have an adverse and
disproportionate impact on low-income people and people of color.
Jurisdictions selected for the second cohort of Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee
Justice must focus on one or more of the policy areas listed below.
CCFFJ Priority Policy Areas:
1. Administrative Fees in the Criminal -Legal System. End high -pain administrative fees
charged to people in the criminal -legal system. Eliminate fees, surcharges, penalties,
and interest that are piled on top of traffic tickets and drive up costs to unaffordable
levels for people with low incomes.
2. Driver's License Suspensions that Penalize People for Their Poverty. Stop
suspending people's driver's licenses when they cannot pay their traffic tickets and/or
miss a court date. Reinstate driver's licenses suspended for those reasons.
3. The High Costs of Incarceration. Put people before profits by eliminating the costs to
incarcerated people and their families for phone calls, and eliminate profiteering off of
purchases from the jail store/commissary and tablets. Phone call and commissary costs
are a significant economic drain on low-income people and people of color.
4. Fines that Exceed People's Ability to Pay or Serve No Compelling Policy Purpose.
Eliminate fines that do not advance a key policy goal and create alternatives to fines
where the goal can be achieved through other means. Remaining fines should be
proportionate to the offense, the person, and their circumstances. They should be
enforced equitably and serve a public policy goal. If they do not, rightsize fines that
exceed the ability of people with low incomes to pay them.
There is not a future opportunity to reapply for these funds, at this time.
GOAL(S) ADDRESSED
Council Goal: Financially Responsible, High Performance City Organization:
Sustainable, Equitable and Effective Service Delivery
Outcome(s)
Provide easy access to City information and services for all
Value(s)
Customer -focused City service delivery
We have received notification that this grant was not funded. This action is to file the
application for the record.
ACTION STEP
I respectfully request approval of the application for Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee
Justice - Second Cohort Application and adopt the resolution.
CC' Jennifer Larson, Director of Budget and Finance
Nathan Kelleher, Budget/Finance Analyst
MW/hs
Prepared by Made Ware Leisure Services 2200 Bunker Hill Rd Dubuque IA 52001 (563) 589-4262
Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13t' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100
RESOLUTION NO. 249-22
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR THE CITIES & COUNTIES
FOR FINES AND FEE JUSTICE - SECOND COHORT APPLICATION AND
AUTHORIZING THE LEISURE SERVICES MANAGER AND THE CITY MANAGER TO
APPROVE THE APPLICATION
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has committed to work in the area of fines and fees
reform; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque wishes to continue this work thus seek application
for the Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort Application.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, THAT:
Section 1. That the City Manager hereby is authorized and directed to submit an
application for the Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice - Second Cohort
Application on behalf of the City of Dubuque.
Section 2. That the Leisure Services Manager and the City Manager are hereby
authorized to approve the application that is submitted to Hena Khairzadah.
Section 3. That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to forward said
application and resulting standard executed contract to the respective agencies in a timely
fashion and as required by the Policyl-ink if awarded the grant.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 18th day of July 2022.
rad m-Cava gh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
CITIES &COUNTIES FOR
Fine and FeeJustice
Application
Overview of the CCFFJ:
Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice (CCFFJ) is a national leadership network of localities
committed to meaningful fine and fee reform that works better for people and for government.
The network will be launching its 2022-23 cohort in July 2022, selecting a total of five
jurisdictions to join the network to support meaningful policy reform from one or more of the
following issue areas (applicants must have jurisdictional authority over the issue areas they
select):
1. Fees in the Criminal -Legal System or traffic court system
2. Debt -based Driver's License Suspensions
3. The High Costs of Incarceration
4. Fines that Serve No Compelling Policy Purpose or Exceed People's Ability to Pay
Over the course of 12 months, each jurisdiction selected to join the network will be expected to
meet regularly and work together to advance their selected fine -and -fee reforms by the end of
the cohort, following steps outlined in the Roadmap to Bold and Equitable Fine and Fee Reform.
Cohort teams will participate in the CCFFJ process and curriculum, including regular meetings
with the network organizing partners, meetings with other cohort teams to share and receive
learnings, programming and trainings via webinars, and 1-2 in -person events.
Each cohort member will receive between $25,000 and $75,000 in grant funding, customized
technical assistance, access to a network of subject matter experts, reform implementation
planning, communications strategy support, and opportunities for shared learning.
Priority will be given to applicants who attended the CCFFJ Bootcamp (in -person or virtually) in
March 2022 (or reviewed the Bootcamp recordings). Bootcamp resources are accessible here.
Who should apply?
City and/or county jurisdictions/courts should apply as a team of 2-5 individuals (hybrid
city/county teams are welcome to apply). Team members should include:
A team coordinator who will be responsible for submitting the Invitation to Apply Form
and CCFFJ 2022-23 Cohort Application, and if accepted into the 2022-23 Cohort, will be
responsible for project managing the team's workflow, progress, and communications.
At least one additional city or county government official or senior employee, ideally with
direct authority or influence over the issue area(s) the team plans to address (e.g., senior
staffers from the Mayor's or Budget Office, courts (e.g., Chief Judge or District Attorney),
etc.).
Other team members should include:
o Community organizers, advocates, and impacted people (highly recommended)
o Courts. Drosecutors. and Dublic defenders. or other relevant iustice system
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o Additional stakeholders in city or county government (e.g., Department Staff, Office
of Racial Equity, etc)
Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the application process.
Application Next Steps:
• May 22, 2022 -Last day to submit CCFFJ 2022-23 Cohort Application (online
submission)
• June 9, 2022 - Finalists invited to interview stage
• July 12, 2022 -Announcement of five jurisdictions selected to join CCFFJ 2022-23
Cohort
• July 22, 2022 - CCFFJ 2022-23 Cohort Orientation and Launch (likely virtual)
If you have questions, please email ccffj@policylink.org.
Team Information
Note: Your privacy is very important to us. To better serve you, the form information you enter is recorded in real time.
Please select the total number of team members you are applying with, including yourself:
Team Coordinator
Team Coordinator First and Last Name *
Heather
First Name
Satterly
Last Name
Name of City and/or County you are representing *
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Pronouns*
She/Her
Job Title *
AmeriCorps Director
Employer/Organizational Affiliation(s) *
City of Dubuque
Team Coordinator Email Address*
hsatterl@cityofdubuque.org
Team Coordinator Mobile Phone Number*
(563) 513-5536
Team Coordinator's Direct Supervisor's Name *
Marie
First Name
Ware
Last Name
Team Coordinator's Direct Supervisor's Email Address *
mware@cityofdubuque.org
Team Coordinator's Professional Biography*
Heather Satterly currently serves as the AmeriCorps Director for the City of Dubuque,
www.cityofdubuque.org, focusing on community impact and data -driven efforts to address critical community
needs in Dubuque. Her role within the city is in the process of changing to a Division Manager that will oversee
the implementation of Community Impact work, focused on Equitable Fines and Fee Reform and Pre/Post
Arrest Diversion, alongside AmeriCorps Programming. Heather has been a part of the City's Equitable Fine and
Fee Reform team since its inception and has worked on the development of the City's Fines and Fees
Community Impact Assessment, supported City EFFR pilots, and identified methods of using community
service in Fine and Fee Reform work, including prevention of City fines and fees being assessed on impacted
community members through the DBQ Shovel Crew Pilot and ways that service could be utilized to help
community members 'serve' off their City -assessed fines or fees.
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The bio must identify this team member's organization/agency, provide a link to the organization/agency's website, and describe any
work the organization/agency or team member has done with respect to fines and fees reform.
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O Yes, I attended in -person
Yes, I attended remotely
No, I did not attend but I watched the recording of the event online
No, I did not attend and did not watch the recording of the event online
Government Elected Official
Teams should include at least one additional city or countygovernment official or senior
employee, ideally with direct authority or influence over the issue area(s) the team plans to
address (e.g., senior staffers from the Mayor's or Budget Office, courts (e.g., Chief Judge or
District A ttorney), etc.).
Team Member 2's Role
Government Elected Official
Team Member 2 First and Last Name *
Cori
First Name
Burbach
Last Name
Team Member 2 Title *
Assistant City Manager
Team Member 2 Organizational Affiliation(s) *
City of Dubuque
Team Member 2 Email Address *
cburbach@cityofdubuque.org
ElPowered by Formstack Create your own form >
VIU yVUI JCl.V11U LCCll 11 IIICI IIVCI CILLCI IU ll IC L.L.rrJ UVVU_C1I I I.J.
O Yes, they attended in -person
c Yes, they attended virtually
O No, they did not attend but they watched the recording of the event online
No, they did not attend and did not watch the recording of the event online
Team Member
Team Member 3's Role *
Government Decision Maker
Example team roles include: government elected official, government decision maker, government staffer, community member,
impacted person, etc.
Team Member 3 First and Last Name *
Collins
First Name
Eboh
Last Name
Team Member 3 Title *
Interim Director of Human Rights & Equity
Team Member 3 Organizational Affiliation(s) *
City of Dubuque
Team Member 3 Email Address *
ceboh@cityofdubuque.org
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Did your third team member attend the CCFFJ Bootcamp? *
Yes, they attended in -person
Q Yes, they attended virtually
No, they did not attend but they watched the recording of the event online
No, they did not attend and did not watch the recording of the event online
Team Member
Team Member 4's Role
Government Decision Maker
Example team roles include: government elected official, government decision maker, government staffer, community member,
impacted person, etc.
Team Member 4 First and Last Name *
Crenna
First Name
Brumwell
Last Name
Team Member 4 Title*
City Attorney
Team Member 4 Organizational Affiliation(s) *
City of Dubuque
Team Member 4 Email Address *
cbrumwel@cityofdubuque.org
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Did your fourth team member attend the CCFFJ Bootcamp? *
Yes, they attended in -person
Yes, they attended virtually
Q No, but they watched the recording of the event online
No, they did not attend and did not watch the recording of the event online
Team Member 5
Team Member 5's Role
Government Decision Maker
Example team roles include: government elected official, government decision maker, government staffer, community member,
impacted person, etc.
Team Member 5 First and Last Name *
Jeremy
First Name
Jensen
Last Name
Team Member 5 Title *
Police Chief
Team Member 5 Organizational Affiliation(s) *
City of Dubuque
Team Member 5 Email Address *
jjensen@cityofdubuque.org
ElPowered by Formstack Create your own form >
Did your fifth team member attend the CCFFJ Bootcamp? *
Yes, they attended in -person
Yes, they attended virtually
Q No, they did not attend but they watched the recording of the event online
No, they did not attend and did not watch the recording of the event online
Save and Resume Later
0
Progress
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CCFFJ Application
Team Goals, Capacity, and Interests
Please respond succinctly to the questions below (suggested word count for open-ended questions is 150-300
words).
1. Why does your team want to join Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice?*
Organizationally, for the last 18 months with assistance from the FFJC and Policy Link, Dubuque has embarked
on an Equitable Fine and Fee Reform Initiative. We have used many of the Policy Link resources with varying
degrees of success to convene stakeholders, assess our fine, fee, and revenue collection structures, craft
legislative priorities and survey our community to help quantify the detrimental impact of fines and fees on
our minority and lower -income residents. While we have done quite a bit of work, we recognize we're only
scratching the surface when it comes to quantifying potential financial impacts, community engagement, and
implementing reform. We see this cohort as an opportunity to present our work for peer review, and
collaboration and to explore and share innovative strategies to reach residents through accessible forms of
communication. This is a dire time for our residents living in poverty. "With the added complication of
pandemic induced financial challenges, Dubuque sees participation in the cohort as a critical resource to
respond with urgency to produce immediate impact and establish lasting systemic change.
2. Have members of the proposed team worked together in the past? If so, how?*
The members of the proposed team have worked together as employees for the City of Dubuque in many
capacities but have specifically worked together as part of the City's Equitable Fines and Fee Reform since Fall
of 2020, after the City of Dubuque's City Council prioritized Equitable Fine and Fee Reform as an initiative to
take a comprehensive look at fines and fees across the organization and analyze the intent of the fines and
fees compared to the impact. The proposed team is part of a larger group of City employees that have worked
to identify best practices and explore options and resolutions to situations that would otherwise commonly
result in a fine or fee. The team has worked together to evaluate administrative fees and fines resulting from
violations. The team has focused on the implementation of pilots around the fines and fees in the areas of
parking, utility billing, ambulance fees, sidewalk snow removal assessments, and pet licenses. Three (3)
internal workgroups are exploring the use of an administrative lawjudge type process to avoid processing
some matters in the court system with the associated fees/costs, crisis intervention coordination to avoid
criminal charges resulting in court appearances, fines, and fees, as wel I as advocacy through story mapping.
3. Why does your team want to assess and reform fines and fees, and why is this the best time for your
jurisdiction to undertake this effort?
Nationally, explicit social equity initiatives continue to be a "nervous area" for local governments to venture
into. However, in 2017 the City Council of Dubuque boldly adopted racial equity goals and strategies as
outlined by the Office of Equity and Human Rights to be used as a guidepost for city employees and leadership
to follow. Among those goals, one of which being the advancement of equity through service delivery and
community engagement, spurred our Legal Services department to spearhead an assessment of our fine and
fee structure to determine what segments of the population were being adversely impacted by our collection
practices and administrative policies as outlined in their department equity plan
Furthermore, COVID-19 demonstrated that many people are a paycheck away from situational poverty. If we
can improve our ability to collect information that predicts the possibility of an escalating financial crisis in a
family, then intervene early before the household is in full financial crisis, we may be able to head off
cascading impacts. Taken a step further, if the interventions we design are premised on expanding the
potential for higher earnings in the family, we may be able to foster longer -term financial stability amongst
our most under-resourced populations and divert them away from the criminal justice system
4. What actions, if any, has your jurisdiction alreadytaken to address the impact of fines and fees on low-
income communities and communities of color, (e.g., assessment or analysis of fines and fees in your
jurisdiction, repeal of fees, repeal or reduction of fines, waiver or discharge of fine or fee debt, etc.) *
Survey of departments
o In 2021 we surveyed city departments in an attempt to answer the nine grounding municipal
fines and fees assessment questions as outlined by the CCFFJ Roadmap to Bold and Equitable
Fine and Fee Reform guide. Data stemming from the least -collected and most -collected fees, as
well as fees turned over to collections and other parameters led us to identify these four high
revenue areas for further investigation: Ambulance Fees, Utility Billing Penalties, Parking and
Pet Licenses.
o Of these, utility billing penalties and pet licenses have late fees associated with them. Utility
billing and ambulance fees are subject to being turned over to collections. Unpaid parking
tickets that are more than thirty days in arrears result in a hold on a person's abilityto renew
their vehicle license and registration until paid. In addition, utility billing penalties can be
avoided if the customer enters into a payment plan, and ambulance fees may be excused by the
City Manager for inability to pay. While we also suspect nuisance violations are a prime area for
potential reform, we were unable to collect meaningful cross -departmental data at this point to
perform an analysis.
o Faculty and students at Loras College also assisted in doing spatial mapping of the distribution
of late utility bills. They compared the spatial distribution of Utility Billing accounts that had
incurred Fees during the final months of Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Findings displayed that the
greatest proportion of fined accounts are found in the census tracts with the highest proportion
of Black/African American residents, residents with higher levels of poverty and residents with
the lowest household income.
o Additionally, we do not have municipal level information on court debt, so we are making
informed judgments on where to focus local criminal interventions based on a combination of
state data on court debt and local data on our top ten charges every year.
o Finally, while quantitative data gave us some potential starting points, we also sought input
from community members most likelyto be impacted by excessive court debt or unable to pay
fines and fees that are accumulating.
The survey's purpose was to understand the experience of various cultural sub -groups within the city of
Dubuque in relation to Fines and Fees including their connections with various resources (or the lack of
experience and connection with various resources), to identify quality of life issues directly affecting the
community, and to begin to take steps to address disparities. Loras College Civic Leaders - Cultural
The survey was distributed in paper to local non -profits and community organizations, online, in person at
governmental facilities and directly emailed to 828 City of Dubuque Utility customers. It is estimated that this
canvas reached thousands of residents, however, from this outreach canvasing effort, 20 survey responses
were collected. 78.9% of respondents reported a previous municipal fine or fee including late utility bills and
traffic violations and the average fine amount reported for these fines was $83. 50% of respondents reported
that the fine amount was difficult to pay, as one respondent reported, "If money is already tight, adding
another $50 to the bill (essentially an entire months bill), is only going to make it more difficult to catch up."
55% of respondents reported paying court fines, fees, or costs for themselves or a loved one and the average
fine was $7,757. 55% of the individuals who were paying those fines were on a payment plan with all paying
the minimum payment of $50 per month. 77.8% reported a number of consequences for difficulty repaying
the fines and fees including, but not limited to: trouble meeting daily expenses such as childcare costs,
groceries, transportation, etc.; missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payments, etc.; stress over
meeting court -ordered payments related to their case, and lowered credit scores.
5. Please briefly describe what specific reforms your team may want to pursue within the issue area
you've selected.*
The creation of an ability to pay an assessment that places residents in a graduated plan or another type of
program like community service (San Francisco uses qualifiers like receiving Housing Choice Vouchers, and a
certain percentage below poverty level.) Another option would be to consider making community service
choices available to everyone as alternatives to payment.
We aim to staff the positions of Community Diversion & Prevention Coordinator and the Community Service
and Outreach Coordinator that were approved in our FY22 budget. The CDPC will focus the position on
exploring pre -charge and post -charge diversion options with both City and State prosecutors. The CSOC
position will be tasked with developing a formal Community Service program.
Finally, while some improvements have been made in the data collection process recently through our
internal analysis, we concluded that we could not conduct a deeper and more accurate, organization -wide
analysis without the retention of a data consultant. Making improvements in our "data -driven decision -
making" culture in order to have the information necessary to make meaningful change is essential to our
ongoing assessment and innovative reform efforts.
6. Does your locality have jurisdictional authority over the issue area you've selected to work on as part
of your participation in the network?*
The City retains control of its processing and charges related to civil infractions (parking, animal issues, public
nuisances, etc.) and the fees charged to citizens for permits, licenses, and rates (water, sewer, refuse,
recycling, etc.).
However, if the city proceeds toward an action in the Iowa District Court in and for Dubuque County,
legislative changes are necessary as there are state code sections which are obstacles to equitable resolving
matters. For example, if a municipal infraction (civil infraction) is pursued in the court by the City there are $95
in court costs. For many of the violations the city seeks compliance with, such as parking or animal licensing,
the cost is $15-25, making $95 in court costs significant and challenging for citizens.
7. Identify any government officials in your jurisdiction who have expressed support for reforming fines
and/or fees and identify the reforms for which support was expressed.*
The Dubuque City Council identified Equitable Fine & Fee Reform as a Top Policy Priority during their 2020
annual goal -setting process. At that time, they identified the creation of a report, direction, and actions as the
first steps. Since then, an Equitable Fine & Fee Reform team has met to collect data and identify reforms that
are potential low -hanging fruit and longer, stretch goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has admittedly slowed our
progress but also unearthed opportunities for us to act. For example, the City has identified ways to support
communities impacted by Fines and Fees through our Utility Billing Services. As of April 2022, Utility Billing has
95 active payment plans. The original amount owed on these payment plans was $64,133.43. We have
collected $21,502.16 of this amount or 34%. In addition, 126 payment plans have been paid in full, for a total
of $100,973.42 collected. The Iowa Finance Authority Rent & Utilities Assistance Program has paid $93,059.92
on 169 utility accounts since May 2021. HACAP / LIHWAP Program has paid $220,553.06 on 427 accounts since
November 2021. ARPA Program has paid $52,398.73 on 119 accounts since October 2021.
8. Identify any community/advocacy groups (or other non -governmental entities) in your jurisdiction that
have expressed support for reforming fines and/or fees and identify those reforms. *
• Friends of Fair Housing, , Iowa Legal Aid
For example, the City has identified ways to support communities impacted by Fines and Fees through our
Utility Billing Services. AS of April 2022, utility Billing has 95 active payment pla ns. The original amount owed
on these payment plans was $64,133.43. We have collected $21,502.16 of this amount or 34%. In addition,
126 payment plans have been paid in full, for a total of $100,973.42 collected. The Iowa Finance Authority
Rent & Utilities Assistance Program has paid $93,059.92 on 169 utility accounts since May 2021. HACAP /
LIHWAP Program has paid $220,553.06 on 427 accounts since November 2021. ARPA Program has paid
$52,398.73 on 119 accounts since October 2021.
9. Successful reform efforts continually engage community organizations and people directly impacted by
fines and fees in all phases of reform, including policy development and implementation. Please
describe how you plan to continue involving community -based organizations, community members,
and/or people who are directly in your work (name specific organizations, if possible).*
In FY 2022, the City of Dubuque funded two additional full-time positions that will be dedicated to conducting
engagementwith community organizations and other partners to advance work around Fine and Fee Reform.
These positions will be part of a re -imagined Division of Community Impact, which will focus on collective
impact model direct services to support fine and fee reform and poverty reduction work. The City has worked
closely with Loras College to administer our Community Survey, alongside the Fountain of Youth and the
Department of Corrections to spread the word to individuals and the families of current and formerly
incarcerated individuals. The City also works closely with the Community Foundation and the local United Way
to engage cross -sector support for this work
10. Successful reform efforts also need buy -in from a range of government stakeholders, including, though
not limited to, budget actors and relevant agencies and departments. Please describe how you plan to
secure additional buy -in from key government stakeholders (name specific individuals, agencies,
departments, etc., if possible).*
The City of Dubuque's Budget and finance office has developed a scoring process to prioritize equity. This
process allows all departments, the budget office, the City Manager, and the City Council to identify high -
equity items that may produce the greatest community impact.
The CityAttorney's Office has a limited role in criminal prosecution with the majority of criminal prosecutions
being handled by Dubuque County. However, to further the City's fine/fee initiative, initial discussions have
happened with the Dubuque County Attorney related to fines and fees and what opportunities may exist for:
A county assessment of fines and fees to determine the pain points for the entire county.
Exploration of additional diversion opportunities: For example, Dubuque County has used "Rocket Docket" as
a way to assist individuals in keeping their drivers' licenses. Additionally, a drug court existed to get those
with drug offenses what they really needed, support, time, and treatment, as opposed to jail and fines.
Discussion has occurred about additional opportunities to use this model to address issues surrounding brain
health that end up in the criminal justice system.
11. Selected teams will be awarded between $25,000-$75,000. What grant amount is your locality
seeking?*
$55,000
12. Please provide a high-level budget for the grant amount your locality is seeking.*
Budget Item
Budget Amount
Pilot Program: Technology,
$10,000
Implementation Costs
Retaining a data consultant: Analysis
$10,000
of the fiscal and budgeting impact of
both the current structure and
proposed reforms.
Barrier Reduction for Community
$25,000
Engagement: On -Site Childcare,
Meals, Parking, Community Member
Stipend for Time/Services.
• 12 Monthly Community
Engagement Events, 3
hr/event. —100 Participants
(+children).
Storytelling Production for
$10,000
Community Awareness & Legislative
Education
Total:
55,000
13. What challenges and obstacles do you foresee to advancing reform? Please be specific about your local
context.*
In Iowa the court ruleswere changed in 2013 to reduce the court's abilityto work with people on payment plans
and community service. There is a monetary threshhold of $300 before an individual can get a payment plan or
option to perform community service in lieu of a fine. The payment must be in $50 increments which is not
within reach for many individuals.
In order to try and influence the state on these issues, the City has included in its legislative priorities reform of
a number of items at the state level to address these inequities. The draft changes offer flexibility and include
the following:
1. Eliminate the eligibility threshold for a payment plan established in 2013. Currently, an individual must
have $300 in Court debt before they are eligible for a payment plan. Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 26, Rule
26.2.
2. Eliminate minimum payment requirement of $50 established in 2013 by the Iowa Court Rules, Chapter
26.
3. Eliminate the eligibility threshold for community service. Currently, an individual does not have the
opportunity for community service unless at least $300 isowed in Court debt. Iowa Court Rules, Chapter
26, Rule 26.4 (1).
4. Set a viable and realistic value of an hour of community service to equate to the value of a "volunteer
hour" which was $27.20 as of July 2020. Currently community service hours are valued at minimum
wage of $7.25 per Iowa Court Rule 26.4(4).
5. Properly fund staffing in courthouses to account for tracking community service efforts across the state
as opposed to the hodge podge of community service systems set up at the local level without proper
funding across the state. Dubuque examples:
a. Participants in the community service supervision program had to pay $50 to be supervised. This
isn't logical as the individuals needed community service because they didn't have funds to pay
fines.
b. The agency historically tracking community service in Dubuque (Project Concern) couldn't
financially support the continued operation of the program as the $50 paid by the individual
needing supervision was a flat fee. $50 was paid whether the individual had two (2) meetings
over the course of a month with the staff member or twenty-five (25) meetings over three (3)
years, it wasn't a sustainable model financially. While the judges at the local level were
supportive there were no court funds to support the work being done. A community service
funded program to work off Court debt should properly be managed by the Courts/Clerk of Court
at not non-profit agencies that are already challenged to support administrative operations.
Funding sources want to provide funds for projects, not staff and this isn't feasible when running
a community service program.
14. What assistance might you need to address those challenges/obstacles or otherwise advance reform?*
The team believes that investing in Story -telling Productions will help raise community awareness and
increase community education around the impacts of Fines and Fees on marginalized communities. We also
believe that these production pieces can be used to pursued elected officials atthe state level to consider the
changes recommended by the City of Dubuque in our legislative priorities. Awareness of this issue is low in our
community and across the state. Efforts in this area are believed to be able to have high -impact on awareness
in Iowa.
Attached to this application please find the following documents that demonstrate the City of
Dubuque's progress toward conducting a fine & fee assessment that include:
1. Progress Report on Equitable Fines & Fees work sent to City Council in August 2021.
2. Extracted pages from the City Council Goals & Priorities status report summarizing progress on
elected officials' goals
3. Extracted Equity Instructions from the FY23 Budget Instructions demonstrating progress toward
government stakeholder engagement and fiscal analysis
4. Memo regarding water delinquencies following COVID-19 related shutoff stoppages
demonstrating example of fiscal analysis
5. State Legislative Priorities for Fine & Fee Reform (see section 3. Equity)
6. DRAFT Audit of all City dept Fines & Fees
Form Name: Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice Application - 2022 Exported May 21, 2022 7:07 PM
Submission Time: May 21, 2022 7:07 pm
Unique ID: 967780761
Location:
Application
Team Information
Please select the total number of team
5
members you are applying with,
including yourself:
Team Coordinator
Team Coordinator First and Last Name
Heather Satterly
Name of City and/or County you are
City of Dubuque
representing
Pronouns
She/Her
Job Title
AmeriCorps Director
Employer/Organizational Affiliation(s)
City of Dubuque
Team Coordinator Email Address
hsatterl@cityofdubuque.org
Team Coordinator Mobile Phone
(563) 513-5536
Number
Team Coordinator's Direct Supervisor's
Marie Ware
Name
Team Coordinator's Direct Supervisor's
mware@cityofdubuque.org
Email Address
Team Coordinator's Professional Heather Satterly currently serves as the AmeriCorps Director for the City of
Biography Dubuque, www.cityofdubuque.org, focusing on community impact and
data -driven efforts to address critical community needs in Dubuque. Her
role within the city is in the process of changing to a Division Manager that
will oversee the implementation of Community Impact work, focused on
Equitable Fines and Fee Reform and Pre/Post Arrest Diversion, alongside
AmeriCorps Programming. Heather has been a part of the City's Equitable
Fine and Fee Reform team since its inception and has worked on the
development of the City's Fines and Fees Community Impact Assessment,
supported City EFFR pilots, and identified methods of using community
service in Fine and Fee Reform work, including prevention of City fines and
fees being assessed on impacted community members through the DBQ
Shovel Crew Pilot and ways that service could be utilized to help
community members 'serve' off their City -assessed fines or fees.
Organizationally, for the last 18 months with assistance from the FFJC and
Policy Link, Dubuque has embarked on an Equitable Fine and Fee Reform
Initiative. We have used many of the Policy Link resources with varying
degrees of success to convene stakeholders, assess our fine, fee, and
revenue collection structures, craft legislative priorities and survey our
community to help quantify the detrimental impact of fines and fees on our
minority and lower -income residents.
Our efforts include an ongoing partnership with a local university data
scientist, work to assess the ability to pay, leveraging established and
emerging community partnerships, and exploring transformative models of
community service. As well, we have "reimagined" an existing division to
direct pre/post-arrest and civil fine/fee diversion. The city has funded three
new full-time staff to expand capacity and has redirected an existing
leadership position to helm this division. This initiative supplements our
existing equitable poverty reduction and prevention work and accelerates
our efforts to engage impacted people and immediately respond to their
needs.
As of late, our work is centered on the implementation of pilots around the
fines and fees in the areas of parking, utility billing, ambulance fees,
sidewalk snow removal assessments, and pet licenses. Three (3) internal
work groups are exploring use of an administrative law judge type process
to avoid processing some matters in the court system with the associated
fees/costs, crisis intervention coordination to avoid criminal charges
resulting in court appearances, fines, and fees, as well as advocacy
through story mapping.
Did you attend the CCFFJ Bootcamp? Yes, I attended in -person
Government Elected Official
Team Member 2's Role Government Elected Official
Team Member 2 First and Last Name Cori Burbach
Team Member 2 Title Assistant City Manager
Team Member 2 Organizational City of Dubuque
Affiliation(s)
Team Member 2 Email Address cburbach@cityofdubuque.org
Did your second team member attend No, they did not attend but they watched the recording of the event online
the CCFFJ Bootcamp?
Team Member 3
Team Member 3's Role
Government Decision Maker
Team Member 3 First and Last Name Collins Eboh
Team Member 3 Title Interim Director of Human Rights & Equity
Team Member 3 Organizational City of Dubuque
Affiliation(s)
Team Member 3 Email Address ceboh@cityofdubuque.org
Did your third team member attend the Yes, they attended virtually
CCFFJ Bootcamp?
Team Member 4
Team Member 4's Role
Government Decision Maker
Team Member 4 First and Last Name Crenna Brumwell
Team Member 4 Title City Attorney
Team Member 4 Organizational City of Dubuque
Affiliation(s)
Team Member 4 Email Address cbrumwel@cityofdubuque.org
Did your fourth team member attend the No, but they watched the recording of the event online
CCFFJ Bootcamp?
Team Member 5
Team Member 5's Role Government Decision Maker
Team Member 5 First and Last Name Jeremy Jensen
Team Member 5 Title Police Chief
Team Member 5 Organizational
Affiliation(s)
City of Dubuque
Team Member 5 Email Address
Did your fifth team member attend the
CCFFJ Bootcamp?
jjensen@cityofdubuque.org
No, they did not attend but they watched the recording of the event online
Team Goals, Capacity, and Interests
Why does your team want to join Cities Organizationally, for the last 18 months with assistance from the FFJC and
& Counties for Fine and Fee Justice? Policy Link, Dubuque has embarked on an Equitable Fine and Fee Reform
Initiative. We have used many of the Policy Link resources with varying
degrees of success to convene stakeholders, assess our fine, fee, and
revenue collection structures, craft legislative priorities and survey our
community to help quantify the detrimental impact of fines and fees on our
minority and lower -income residents. While we have done quite a bit of
work, we recognize we're only scratching the surface when it comes to
quantifying potential financial impacts, community engagement, and
implementing reform. We see this cohort as an opportunity to present our
work for peer review, and collaboration and to explore and share innovative
strategies to reach residents through accessible forms of communication.
This is a dire time for our residents living in poverty. "With the added
complication of pandemic induced financial challenges, Dubuque sees
participation in the cohort as a critical resource to respond with urgency to
produce immediate impact and establish lasting systemic change.
Have members of the proposed team The members of the proposed team have worked together as employees
worked together in the past? If so, how? for the City of Dubuque in many capacities but have specifically worked
together as part of the City's Equitable Fines and Fee Reform since Fall of
2020, after the City of Dubuque's City Council prioritized Equitable Fine and
Fee Reform as an initiative to take a comprehensive look at fines and fees
across the organization and analyze the intent of the fines and fees
compared to the impact. The proposed team is part of a larger group of City
employees that have worked to identify best practices and explore options
and resolutions to situations that would otherwise commonly result in a fine
or fee. The team has worked together to evaluate administrative fees and
fines resulting from violations. The team has focused on the
implementation of pilots around the fines and fees in the areas of parking,
utility billing, ambulance fees, sidewalk snow removal assessments, and
pet licenses. Three (3) internal workgroups are exploring the use of an
administrative law judge type process to avoid processing some matters in
the court system with the associated fees/costs, crisis intervention
coordination to avoid criminal charges resulting in court appearances, fines,
and fees, as well as advocacy through story mapping.
Why does your team want to assess and
Nationally, explicit social equity initiatives continue to be a "nervous area"
reform fines and fees, and why is this
for local governments to venture into. However, in 2017 the City Council of
the best time for your jurisdiction to
Dubuque boldly adopted racial equity goals and strategies as outlined by
undertake this effort?
the Office of Equity and Human Rights to be used as a guidepost for city
employees and leadership to follow. Among those goals, one of which
being the advancement of equity through service delivery and community
engagement, spurred our Legal Services department to spearhead an
assessment of our fine and fee structure to determine what segments of
the population were being adversely impacted by our collection practices
and administrative policies as outlined in their department equity plan
Furthermore, COVID-19 demonstrated that many people are a paycheck
away from situational poverty. If we can improve our ability to collect
information that predicts the possibility of an escalating financial crisis in a
family, then intervene early before the household is in full financial crisis,
we may be able to head off cascading impacts. Taken a step further, if the
interventions we design are premised on expanding the potential for higher
earnings in the family, we may be able to foster longer -term financial
stability amongst our most under-resourced populations and divert them
away from the criminal justice system
What actions, if any, has your
In 2021 we surveyed city departments in an attempt to answer the nine
jurisdiction already taken to address the
grounding municipal fines and fees assessment questions as outlined by
impact of fines and fees on low-income
the CCFFJ Roadmap to Bold and Equitable Fine and Fee Reform guide.
communities and communities of color,
Data stemming from the least -collected and most -collected fees, as well as
(e.g. assessment or analysis of fines
fees turned over to collections and other parameters led us to identify these
and fees in your jurisdiction, repeal of
four high revenue areas for further investigation: Ambulance Fees, Utility
fees, repeal or reduction of fines, waiver
Billing Penalties, Parking and Pet Licenses.
or discharge of fine or fee debt, etc.)
Of these, utility billing penalties and pet licenses have late fees associated
with them. Utility billing and ambulance fees are subject to being turned
over to collections. Unpaid parking tickets that are more than thirty days in
arrears result in a hold on a person's ability to renew their vehicle license
and registration until paid. In addition, utility billing penalties can be
avoided if the customer enters into a payment plan, and ambulance fees
may be excused by the City Manager for inability to pay. While we also
suspect nuisance violations are a prime area for potential reform, we were
unable to collect meaningful cross -departmental data at this point to
perform an analysis.
Faculty and students at Loras College also assisted in doing spatial
mapping of the distribution of late utility bills. They compared the spatial
distribution of Utility Billing accounts that had incurred Fees during the final
months of Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Findings displayed that the greatest
proportion of fined accounts are found in the census tracts with the highest
proportion of Black/African American residents, residents with higher levels
of poverty and residents with the lowest household income.
Additionally, we do not have municipal level information on court debt, so
we are making informed judgments on where to focus local criminal
interventions based on a combination of state data on court debt and local
data on our top ten charges every year.
Finally, while quantitative data gave us some potential starting points, we
also sought input from community members most likely to be impacted by
excessive court debt or unable to pay fines and fees that are accumulating.
The survey's purpose was to understand the experience of various cultural
sub -groups within the city of Dubuque in relation to Fines and Fees
including their connections with various resources (or the lack of
experience and connection with various resources), to identify quality of life
issues directly affecting the community, and to begin to take steps to
address disparities. Loras College Civic Leaders - Cultural
The survey was distributed in paper to local non -profits and community
organizations, online, in person at governmental facilities and directly
emailed to 828 City of Dubuque Utility customers. It is estimated that this
canvas reached thousands of residents, however, from this outreach
canvasing effort, 20 survey responses were collected. 78.9% of
respondents reported a previous municipal fine or fee including late utility
bills and traffic violations and the average fine amount reported for these
fines was $83. 50% of respondents reported that the fine amount was
difficult to pay, as one respondent reported, "If money is already tight,
adding another $50 to the bill (essentially an entire month's bill), is only
going to make it more difficult to catch up." 55% of respondents reported
paying court fines, fees, or costs for themselves or a loved one and the
average fine was $7,757. 55% of the individuals who were paying those
fines were on a payment plan with all paying the minimum payment of $50
per month. 77.8% reported a number of consequences for difficulty
repaying the fines and fees including, but not limited to: trouble meeting
daily expenses such as childcare costs, groceries, transportation, etc.;
missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payments, etc.; stress
over meeting court -ordered payments related to their case, and lowered
credit scores.
The following provides an overview of
Fines that Serve No Compelling Policy Purpose or Exceed People's Ability
CCFFJ's 2022-23 cohort policy areas .
to Pay Eliminate fines that do not advance a key policy goal and create
Please select the primary issue area
alternatives to fines where the goal can be achieved through other means.
that you will work on as part of the
Remaining fines should be proportionate to the offense, the person, and
2022-23 cohort?
their circumstances. They must be enforced equitably and serve a public
policy goal. Any such fines that exceed the ability of people with low
incomes to pay them should be rightsized. This includes towing, booting,
and impound fines.
Please briefly describe what specific The creation of an ability to pay an assessment that places residents in a
reforms your team may want to pursue graduated plan or another type of program like community service (San
within the issue area you've selected. Francisco uses qualifiers like receiving Housing Choice Vouchers, and a
certain percentage below poverty level.) Another option would be to
consider making community service choices available to everyone as
alternatives to payment.
We aim to staff the positions of Community Diversion & Prevention
Coordinator and the Community Service and Outreach Coordinator that
were approved in our FY22 budget. The CDPC will focus the position on
exploring pre -charge and post -charge diversion options with both City and
State prosecutors. The CSOC position will be tasked with developing a
formal Community Service program.
Finally, while some improvements have been made in the data collection
process recently through our internal analysis, we concluded that we could
not conduct a deeper and more accurate, organization -wide analysis
without the retention of a data consultant. Making improvements in our
"data -driven decision -making" culture in order to have the information
necessary to make meaningful change is essential to our ongoing
assessment and innovative reform efforts.
Does your locality have jurisdictional Other
authority over the issue area you've
selected to work on as part of your
participation in the network?
If you selected "Other" as your answer The City retains control of its processing and charges related to civil
to the previous question, please explain infractions (parking, animal issues, public nuisances, etc.) and the fees
below: charged to citizens for permits, licenses, and rates (water, sewer, refuse,
recycling, etc.).
However, if the city proceeds toward an action in the Iowa District Court in
and for Dubuque County, legislative changes are necessary as there are
state code sections which are obstacles to equitable resolving matters. For
example, if a municipal infraction (civil infraction) is pursued in the court by
the City there are $95 in court costs. For many of the violations the city
seeks compliance with, such as parking or animal licensing, the cost is
$15-25, making $95 in court costs significant and challenging for citizens.
Identify any government officials in your The Dubuque City Council identified Equitable Fine & Fee Reform as a Top
jurisdiction who have expressed Policy Priority during their 2020 annual goal -setting process. At that time,
support for reforming fines and/or fees they identified the creation of a report, direction, and actions as the first
and identify the reforms for which steps. Since then, an Equitable Fine & Fee Reform team has met to collect
support was expressed. data and identify reforms that are potential low -hanging fruit and longer,
stretch goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has admittedly slowed our
progress but also unearthed opportunities for us to act. For example, the
City has identified ways to support communities impacted by Fines and
Fees through our Utility Billing Services. As of April 2022, Utility Billing has
95 active payment plans. The original amount owed on these payment
plans was $64,133.43. We have collected $21,502.16 of this amount or
34%. In addition, 126 payment plans have been paid in full, for a total of
$100,973.42 collected. The Iowa Finance Authority Rent & Utilities
Assistance Program has paid $93,059.92 on 169 utility accounts since May
2021. HACAP / LIHWAP Program has paid $220,553.06 on 427 accounts
since November 2021. ARPA Program has paid $52,398.73 on 119
accounts since October 2021.
Identify any community/advocacy For example, the City has identified ways to support communities impacted
groups (or other non -governmental by Fines and Fees through our Utility Billing Services. AS of April 2022,
entities) in your jurisdiction that have utility Billing has 95 active payment plans. The original amount owed on
expressed support for reforming fines these payment plans was $64,133.43. We have collected $21,502.16 of
and/or fees and identify those reforms. this amount or 34%. In addition, 126 payment plans have been paid in full,
Successful reform efforts continually
engage community organizations and
people directly impacted by fines and
fees in all phases of reform, including
policy development and
implementation. Please describe how
you plan to continue involving
community -based organizations,
community members, and/or people
who are directly in your work (name
specific organizations, if possible).
for a total of $100,973.42 collected. The Iowa Finance Authority Rent &
Utilities Assistance Program has paid $93,059.92 on 169 utility accounts
since May 2021. HACAP / LIHWAP Program has paid $220,553.06 on 427
accounts since November 2021. ARPA Program has paid $52,398.73 on
119 accounts since October 2021.
In FY 2022, the City of Dubuque funded two additional full-time positions
that will be dedicated to conducting engagement with community
organizations and other partners to advance work around Fine and Fee
Reform. These positions will be part of a re -imagined Division of
Community Impact, which will focus on collective impact model direct
services to support fine and fee reform and poverty reduction work. The
City has worked closely with Loras College to administer our Community
Survey, alongside the Fountain of Youth and the Department of Corrections
to spread the word to individuals and the families of current and formerly
incarcerated individuals. The City also works closely with the Community
Foundation and the local United Way to engage cross -sector support for
this work.
Successful reform efforts also need
The City of Dubuque's Budget and finance office has developed a scoring
buy -in from a range of government
process to prioritize equity. This process allows all departments, the budget
stakeholders, including, though not
office, the City Manager, and the City Council to identify high -equity items
limited to, budget actors and relevant
that may produce the greatest community impact.
agencies and departments. Please
describe how you plan to secure
The City Attorney's Office has a limited role in criminal prosecution with the
additional buy -in from key government
majority of criminal prosecutions being handled by Dubuque County.
stakeholders (name specific individuals,
However, to further the City's fine/fee initiative, initial discussions have
agencies, departments, etc., if possible).
happened with the Dubuque County Attorney related to fines and fees and
what opportunities may exist for:
A county assessment of fines and fees to determine the pain points for the
entire county.
Exploration of additional diversion opportunities: For example, Dubuque
County has used "Rocket Docket" as a way to assist individuals in keeping
their drivers' licenses. Additionally, a drug court existed to get those with
drug offenses what they really needed, support, time, and treatment, as
opposed to jail and fines. Discussion has occurred about additional
opportunities to use this model to address issues surrounding brain health
that end up in the criminal justice system.
Selected teams will be awarded between $55,000
$25,000-$75,000. What grant amount is
your locality seeking?
Please provide a high-level budget for Pilot Program: Technology, Implementation Costs $10,000; Retaining a
the grant amount your locality is data consultant: Analysis of the fiscal and budgeting impact of both the
seeking. current structure and proposed reforms $10,000 ; Barrier Reduction for
Community Engagement: On -Site Childcare, Meals, Parking, Community
Member Stipend for Time/Services. 12 Monthly Community Engagement
Events, 3 hr/event. —100 Participants (+children).$25,000 ; Storytelling
Production for Community Awareness & Legislative Education $10,000
What challenges and obstacles do you In Iowa, the court rules were changed in 2013 to reduce the court's ability
foresee to advancing reform? Please be to work with people on payment plans and community service. There is a
specific about your local context. monetary threshold of $300 before an individual can get a payment plan or
option to perform community service in lieu of a fine. The payment must be
in $50 increments which are not within reach for many individuals.
In order to try and influence the state on these issues, the City has included
in its legislative priorities reform of a number of items at the state level to
address these inequities. The draft changes offer flexibility and include the
following:
Eliminate the eligibility threshold for a payment plan established in 2013.
Currently, an individual must have $300 in Court debt before they are
eligible for a payment plan. Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 26, Rule 26.2.
Eliminate the minimum payment requirement of $50 established in 2013 by
the Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 26.
Eliminate the eligibility threshold for community service. Currently, an
individual does not have the opportunity for community service unless at
least $300 is owed in Court debt. Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 26, Rule 26.4
(1).
Set a viable and realistic value of an hour of community service to equate
to the value of a "volunteer hour" which was $27.20 as of July 2020.
Currently, community service hours are valued at a minimum wage of
$7.25 per Iowa Court Rule 26.4(4).
Properly fund staffing in courthouses to account for tracking community
service efforts across the state as opposed to the hodgepodge of
community service systems set up at the local level without proper funding
across the state. Dubuque examples:
Participants in the community service supervision program had to pay $50
to be supervised. This isn't logical as the individuals needed community
service because they didn't have funds to pay fines.
The agency historically tracking community service in Dubuque (Project
Concern) couldn't financially support the continued operation of the
program like the $50 paid by the individual needing supervision was a flat
fee. $50 was paid whether the individual had two (2) meetings over the
course of a month with the staff member or twenty-five (25) meetings over
three (3) years, it wasn't a sustainable model financially. While the judges
at the local level were supportive there were no court funds to support the
work being done. A community service -funded program to work off Court
debt should properly be managed by the Courts/Clerk of Court at not
non-profit agencies that are already challenged to support administrative
operations. Funding sources want to provide funds for projects, not staff
and this isn't feasible when running a community service program.
What assistance might you need to The team believes that investing in Story -telling Productions will help raise
address those challenges/obstacles or community awareness and increase community education around the
otherwise advance reform? impacts of Fines and Fees on marginalized communities. We also believe
that these production pieces can be used to pursued elected officials at the
state level to consider the changes recommended by the City of Dubuque
in our legislative priorities. Awareness of this issue is low in our community
and across the state. Efforts in this area are believed to be able to have
high impact on awareness in Iowa.
Supporting Documentation and Additional Information
Each applicant is required to submit
findings that demonstrate the team's
progress toward conducting a fine and
fee assessment that includes the
following four elements: 1) community
engagement, 2) government stakeholder
engagement, 3) examining authority,
and 4) fiscal analysis. Please upload all
assessment findings as a single PDF or
Word document.
https://www.formstack.com/admin/download/file/l 2779450305
11. Each applicant is encouraged to https://www.formstack.com/admin/download/file/l2779450308
submit one or more brief letters (1-page
maximum) demonstrating high-level
government support for participation in
the network. For example, a letter may
come from the mayor, city manager, the
lead of a relevant department or agency,
or a city or county legislator (see FAQ
for more details). Please upload any
letter(s) of support as a single PDF or
Word document.
12. Each applicant is encouraged to https://www.formstack.com/admin/download/file/l2779450310
submit one or more brief letters (1-page,
maximum, per letter) from key staff or
leadership of any community
organization team member, expressing
support for the organization's
involvement in the network. Please
upload any letter(s) of support as a
single PDF or Word document.
13. Provide any other information that https://www.formstack.com/admin/download/file/l2779450312
should be considered in the evaluation
of your application. Please upload
materials as a single PDF or Word
document.
Should my team be accepted into the Yes, I understand
CCFFJ network, I understand that we
must attend the 2022-23 Cohort
Orientation and Launch (likely virtual)
on July 22, 2022.
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
DUB
11111'r
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007-2012-2013
2017*2019
To: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
From: Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director
Date: July 29, 2021
Subject: Equitable Fine & Fee Reform Progress Report
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with a report on the progress of the
Equitable Fine & Fee Reform (EFFR) project group.
Background
For years the City of Dubuque has worked to advance the development of equity plans
within city departments. This work has focused on internal assessment
and the implementation of processes to assess the City's impacts on residents, as
these impacts may result in furthering disparities. This work has primarily been done on
a department by department basis. Until now, there has not been a comprehensive
effort across the organization to identify how the City's actions and initiatives, including
fees and fines implemented by the City, may disproportionately impact the populations
in our community historically discriminated against and/or currently struggling
financially.
Research from many sources shows that low-income communities and communities of
color are often hit the hardest by fines, fees, and financial penalties. This potentially
makes the City a creator of inequality in conflict with our goals to advocate for equity;
a contributor towards economic disparity, not a proponent of advancing equity. In
August 2020, the City Council made equitable fine and fee reform a policy agenda high
priority. This aligns with the Council's intended outcome of an equitable community that
does not leave anyone behind by acknowledging an individual's financial situation and
the impact of unpaid fines and fees on obtaining and maintaining stable employment
and financial self-sufficiency.
As a result of this Council priority, a work group was created with the task of providing a
report with potential direction and actions. The workgroup consists of representatives
from multiple departments:
Collins Eboh, Organizational Equity Coordinator (work group lead)
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Denise Blakely-lhrig/Chris Lester, Water Department Manager
Heather Satterly, AmeriCorps Director
Jeremy Jensen, Assistant Police Chief
Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director
Mark Dalsing, Police Chief
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
Maureen Quann, Assistant City Attorney
Shante Weston, Civil Rights Specialist
This report lays out the scope of the problem nationally and locally, along with some
best practices. From there, we describe:
1) the equity concern we are trying to impact;
2) the local data that has informed our thinking;
3) the community engagement we have done to date;
4) the strategies that are in process and/or recommended for the future; and
5) next steps for implementation, ensuring accountability and evaluating progress
over time.
The Scope of the Problem and Best Practices
Understanding the problem requires first understanding what is meant by "fines and
fees" and how fines and fees escalate to becoming "court debt." For our purposes,
fines are charges that are imposed based on the violation of an ordinance or statute.
These can include fines associated with, for example, nuisance ordinances, parking
violations, or criminal statutes. Fees, in contrast, are charges for services, such as
water and sanitation fees, animal licensing fees, or for reimbursement of costs
associated with failing to pay an initial fine or fee that has been assessed, such as late
fees, court costs, surcharges, collection fees, etc.
The overarching problem nationally relates to court debt, which can arise through
several channels and consists of various types of debt. Court debt can be owed in civil,
juvenile, and criminal cases, including criminal cases that have been dismissed. It
includes various types of debt — fines that have been imposed based on violations of
criminal or civil codes, restitution for victims of criminal behavior, indigent defense fees,
jail fees, surcharges, court costs, late fees, collections costs, etc. Fines and fees
escalate to court debt when enforcement through the court is necessary. There are
differences in the level of court debt associated with this escalation depending on
whether the underlying violation is civil or criminal in nature, with the total amount for
any citation being composed of multiple component parts.
A simple misdemeanor criminal citation consists of a fine, a criminal surcharge, and
court costs. For instance, a speeding citation for a person traveling 16 to 20 miles
above the speed limit in a 25 mile per hour zone will be comprised of a $120.00 fine, an
$18.00 criminal surcharge, and $55.00 court costs, resulting in a total expense of
$193.00 for a person pleading guilty or found guilty of the violation. A person cited for
2
failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle will see a $135.00 fine, a $20.25 criminal
surcharge, and $55.00 courts costs on the citation, resulting in a total expense of
$210.25. Iowa law establishes the fines, criminal surcharges, and court costs for these
scheduled violations.
Civil citations for violations of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances consist of a
state -established range for fines and state -established court costs. Iowa law dictates
that court costs for a civil citation are $95.00. Iowa law also determines that the fine for
a first offense civil citation may range from $0.00 to $750.00. A second offense civil
citation may range from $0.00 to $1,000.00. Cities and counties may choose the fine
sought, as long as it falls within these available ranges. A first offense civil citation for
failure to vaccinate a dog or cat for rabies carries a $750.00 fine and $95.00 court costs
if found guilty at trial. A second offense for not maintaining a building or structure in a
responsible manner under the International Property Maintenance Code carries a
$1,000.00 and $95.00 if found guilty at trial. Civil citations have higher court costs but
do not have a surcharge.
This chart shows the increase in court debt in Iowa over the past twenty years.
Total Outstanding Court Debt Since FY 199
5%0.0
5800-0
5 rou_o
$600.0
a
54MO
smo
Sao
s,oa,o
MKII Vow
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/BL/1 133657.pdf
The following two charts depict increases between 2017 and 2019, and show that
surcharges represent an increasing percentage of account receivable, increasing from
17% of the total accounts receivable in 2017 to 28% of the total in 2019.
3
Accounts Receivable June 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)
Fines, $257
Co
Surcharges,
$224.1
Attorney Fees,
$177.6
Accounts Receivable June 30, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
Surcharges,
7.4
Fines,
ttorney Fees,
$167.6
*Note - totals may not add up due to rounding $121.3
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/DF/1069863.pdf
Several of the problems related to court debt can only be addressed through State
legislative and rule changes. For example:
Court costs. Once a person receives a citation, the state assesses court costs
that the City has no power to alter. Court costs for civil citations are currently $95
dollars. Court costs for simple misdemeanor criminal citations are currently $55.
Court costs are administrative costs that the City pays up front, and the court
assesses to the losing party upon completion of the matter. Court costs are
separate from and in addition to any fines that are assessed with judgments.
Scheduled fines. Many simple misdemeanor fines are scheduled fines which
means the amounts are determined by Iowa lawmakers and set forth in Iowa
Code. Consequently, the City cannot modify these fines. Many simple
misdemeanor traffic fines are scheduled fines. For example, a red-light violation
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will cost $195 dollars (this encompasses the fine, surcharge, and $55 court
costs) because Iowa law dictates that amount.
• Community service. Iowa law determines that community service is allotted at
the same rate as the minimum wage and must be linked to the fine at hand.
Current minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour, so when assigning community
service after a charge has been filed, the rate of $7.25 per hour applies. This is
severely undervalued as compared to the national value of a volunteer hour,
which is currently $28.54. This value is used to value in -kind volunteer hour
contributions by many non-profit, school district and government entities.
• Payment plans. The minimum eligibility amount and schedule for payment plans
are also determined by state law and consequently beyond the City's control.
Iowa Code currently states that payment plans will be granted for amounts of
$300 or more, and $50 must be paid every thirty days until the amount is paid in
full. The City has no authority to modify the payment plan guidelines.
Magistrates and judges have the authority to combine separate fines and fees to
reach the minimum eligibility amount, but that is the extent of local control
regarding payment plans.
• Indigent defense fees. Under Iowa law, an indigent defendant is required to
reimburse the State for the total costs of legal assistance provided. Attorney fees
for defense historically range from $63 to $73 per hour and can total from $300
for a simple misdemeanor to $18,000 for a class A felony. See
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/IR/1050233.pdf. Additional charges
such as travel, photocopying expense, telephone expenses, postage, parking,
lodging, meals, etc. can be added on top of the hourly rate.
Concerns have been raised around the ways in which unpaid debt can interfere with
ongoing employment and financial stability. As just one example, when a resident in
Iowa has a criminal conviction of any kind and has court debt, a hold is placed on the
person's vehicle registration. If the conviction was for a vehicular crime, then the
person's driver's license is automatically suspended as well. If the crime is non -
vehicular and the person's financial state prevents them from paying the court debt, the
hold on the registration turns into a suspension when the renewal of their tags goes
unpaid. If they continue to drive — to get to work for example — they may then be
charged with driving with expired tags, a vehicular crime that leads to license
suspension. There is also anecdotal evidence from attorneys who have worked "rocket
docket" that people believe that paying the court debt is enough to reinstate their
license, which is untrue. They must also file with the DOT and pay a $30 reinstatement
fee. Depending on the amount of time that passes, they may also need to retake both
the written and driving tests.
Another concern is specific to indigent defendants. Both constitutionally and statutorily,
all court debt other than fines, surcharges, and victim restitution are to be assessed only
after it has been determined that the defendant has an ability to pay. And yet, in 2020
the State of Iowa had $177,924,445 in indigent defense debt at a collection rate of 2%.
Outstanding fines, in contrast, were at $264,643,905 at a collection rate of 18%. See
Iowa Legal Aid Comment to Proposed Rule, Iowa Department of Revenue, ARC 5272
5
(Dec. 8, 2020). In 2020, the Governor signed SF457. The bill removed jail fees from
the definition of court debt, so that delinquency in paying those fees will no longer affect
one's driver's license, registration, eligibility for expungement, etc. It also allows
agreements for payment of court debt in excess of $100 (down from $300) and permits
the judiciary to establish a lower threshold by court rule. However, the bill also made it
more difficult for defendants to get out from under court debt by proving an inability to
pay. Under this law, defendants are presumed to have the ability to pay and there is
little to no remaining oversight into court decisions regarding someone's ability to pay -
courts no longer have to provide reasons for finding that a defendant is able to pay, a
court can ascertain ability to pay before knowing the full scope of the debt, and direct
appeal of a judge's decision is available in fewer situations. See "Critics say law touted
as reforming court fines and fees will be a civil rights setback," Des Moines Register,
6/25/2020.
A third concern is with the constitutionality of the amount of debt assessed and accruing
in criminal cases that have been fully dismissed. From FY2014 through FY2019, the
Iowa Judicial Branch assessed $15 million in fully dismissed criminal cases. See Iowa
Legal Aid Comment to Proposed Rule, Iowa Department of Revenue, ARC 5272 (Dec.
8, 2020).
In 2016, the Conference of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators established
the National Task Force on Fines, Fees, and Bail Practices. This group released a set
of principles in 2017 to be put into practice by courts across the nation. See
https://www.ncsc.org/ data/assets/pdf file/0016/1609/principles-fines-fees.ashx.pdf
These include a set of fundamental fairness principles related to:
o addressing the disparate impact that fines, fees, and bail practices have on the
poor and racial and ethnic minorities;
o not initiating license suspension without a determination of ability to pay and a
finding that nonpayment was willful;
o modifying fines and fees imposed based on income and ability to pay;
o insuring representation by court -appointed counsel is free of charge, stating "no
effort should be made to recoup the costs of court -appointed counsel from
indigent defendants unless there is a finding that the defendant committed fraud
in obtaining a determination of indigency."
The magnitude of the problem nationally has moved the concerns beyond a "liberal" or
"conservative" issue. Advocates for reform include the following and, despite
differences in underlying values and reasons for focusing on reform, they agree that
reform is necessary:
• Fines and Fees Justice Center
https://finesandfeesousticecenter.org/2020/05/26/national-effort-to-reform-
harmful-fines-and-fees-announces-local-champions/
• PolicyLink https://www.policVlink.org/our-work/'lust-society/fines-fees
• National League of Cities https://www.nlc.org/article/2020/10/16/how-cities-are-
transforming-fines-and-fees-to-advance-equity-and-financial-security/;
https://www.nlc.org/initiative/cities-addressing-fines-and-fees-equitably-caffe/
n
• Institute for Justice https://ii.org/case-intake/fines-and-fees/
• Texas Public Policy Institute Right on Crime
https://rightoncrime.com/category/priority-issues/pretrial-justice/
• Americans for Tax Reform https://www.atr.org/hidden-costs-fines-and-fees
• Americans for Prosperity https://americansforprosperitV.org/government-fines-
and-fees-are-out-of-control/
Best practices and innovations in this arena vary across jurisdictions. The Fines and
Fees Justice Project recommends the following starting points, which have helped to
focus the efforts of our work group:
• identify what is mandatory and what is discretionary to collect;
• identify how fines and fees are collected, including the cost to collect and the
amount successfully collected;
• use community engagement to understand pain points for people most impacted
by fines and fees;
• examine the Texas statute on community service as a model — it is very broad
and includes things like completing courses to improve self, skills, and
employability;
• allow the defendant choice in deciding whether to pay a fine or choose a
community service alternative;
• establish a guideline that fees will not exceed 2% of income;
• keep the process for verifying community service simple.
The Equity Concern we are Trying to Impact
The work group's goal is to ensure equity and fairness in City policies, procedures,
fines, and fees while advancing equity for low-income communities and communities of
color. As noted in the Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan (EPRPP)
adopted by the City Council earlier this year, "[I]ow-income families who cannot pay
their fines and fees can have their driver's licenses suspended, wages garnished, tax
refunds intercepted, and credit negatively impacted. These can have dramatic
consequences that deepen poverty, including job loss, loss of income, inability to pay
other bills, interest rate increases, and crushing debt." Theoretically everyone pays
things likes fines and restitution, but only people who are indigent/have an inability to
pay incur certain costs like indigent defense fees and jail fees that arise because of an
inability to afford their own attorney or to afford bond or bail while awaiting trial. On the
one hand, the constitution requires that everyone be provided counsel and a speedy
trial (or be released in the interim) and yet one's financial status is intricately intertwined
with the degree to which these rights are "real" in any pragmatic sense.
This income equity issue becomes a racial equity issue when we consider the following
median income data for the City of Dubuque from the 2019 American Communities
Survey 1-year estimates:
Race/Ethnicity Median Household Income
White 1 $56,843
7
Black or African American
$12,068
American Indian and Alaska Native
$22,614
Asian
$58,958
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
$40,417
Two or more races
$29,183
Hispanic or Latino of any race
$44,583
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
$56,974
Moreover, the EPRPP goes on to note that "people of color - particularly Black
Americans — are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system and such
fees and fines make it even more difficult for them to achieve financial stability." Black
and African -American community members are likely to be particularly hard hit by the
financial repercussions of fines and fees. Finally, in discussing the degree to which
background checks are an ongoing impediment to fair housing in the Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing, the consultant recommended that we educate the public
on having criminal records expunged. The related equity challenge with this "solution"
is that expungement is not an option if have not paid all court costs, fees, fines, and
restitution assessed by the court. See Iowa Code 901 C.3(a)(d).
This is not to say that compliance with State and municipal codes is irrelevant, it is only
to note that fines are not an effective way of gaining compliance among people who
cannot pay — instead fines and fees in these situations push people further from an
economically sustainable life. In the meantime, the City expends tax funds in trying to
recoup money that is not there. The work group is interested in developing cost-
effective alternatives to payment that can achieve compliance while also supporting
people in moving toward financial self-sufficiency and preserving administrative time
and money.
To reach this goal, the group is focused on answering the following questions at the
local level:
• Are certain fees charged disproportionately to low income people who cannot
afford to pay?
• Are certain fees disproportionately impacting people of color?
• Are certain fees creating a major barrier to reentry?
• What is the impact of fees on revenue? Are they an effective or ineffective source
of revenue?
• What is the City spending on collections and what is the rate of success?
• Where are the opportunities for reform that will make a difference for struggling
individuals, be equitable for all populations, be fiscally feasible and within local
government control?
Local Data Reviewed
Data from Departments on City -assessed fees
Earlier this year, we surveyed departments in an attempt to answer the following
questions about municipal fines and fees:
• What is the least -collected and most -collected fee?
• Which fees bring in the most revenue?
• What's the breakdown of fees vs late fees?
• What are late fee + court costs as a percent of the initial fee? (e.g. if you're late
paying your dog license and end up paying late fee + court cost)
• Which fines and fees aren't we enforcing/following through on and why?
• What revenue numbers fluctuate the most in a 5-year history? What might that
tell us?
• Where are there outliers in the data? What does that tell us?
• What fees are turned over to collections? What is our cost for this? What
percentage of fees are collected after being sent to collections?
Overall, the responses we received did not allow us to answer most of the questions
posed with any degree of confidence. We concluded that we could not conduct an
accurate, organization -wide analysis without a consultant, along with significant
changes to our data collection and reporting process moving forward. Our
recommendations for next steps in order to do such an analysis are detailed in the
strategies section of the memo below.
The information we received, however, did allow us to identify these four high revenue
areas for further investigation:
Fee
Actual Revenue Generated FY19
Ambulance Fees
$ 1,104,932
Utility Billing Penalties
$ 295,734
Parking
$ 281,302
Pet Licenses
$ 174,554
Of these, utility billing penalties and pet licenses have late fees associated with them.
Utility billing and ambulance fees are subject to being turned over to collections. Unpaid
parking tickets that are more than thirty days in arrears result in a hold on a person's
ability to renew their vehicle license and registration until paid. In addition, utility billing
penalties can be avoided if the customer enters into a payment plan, and ambulance
fees may be excused by the City Manager for inability to pay. While we also suspect
nuisance violations are a prime area for potential reform, we were unable to collect
meaningful cross -departmental data at this point to perform an analysis.
Recommendations for addressing data shortcomings are included in the strategies
section of the memo below.
er
Based on the results above, we decided that the best data we have to work with at the
local level currently is the data around our four highest revenue generators: utility billing,
parking tickets, ambulance services, and pet licenses. The data collection in these
areas permits us to overlay race and income by address in order to determine equity
impacts and also measure whether any interventions we pilot are successful over time.
We are not sure that ambulance fees will be a worthwhile focus area, since most
ambulance fees will be covered by insurance. Before ruling it out, however, we would
like to dig a little deeper into the data to make sure that people not covered by
insurance and/or those who experience delays in insurance payment are not being
harmed by late fees and collections fees.
As an example of where we are headed from a data analysis perspective, the following
maps were created based on aging utility billing accounts receivable in January 2021. In
the map below, median income by tract based on the most current ACS 12 month
survey data is shown along with a density analysis of accounts with past due utility
billing balances from January 2021. The red shaded areas of the map show any
statistically significant spatial clustering of customers with past due balances. It can be
observed that not only does a statistically relevant clustering of points occur, but also,
the highest saturation of points show in and closely adjacent to Census tracts 1 and 5
which are those with the lowest median income per ACS survey.
qk
10
CerrsusTract
Medium Income
5
31, 727.00
1
q0,073. ao
17.02
4a, 756.0o
3
43,000.00
7.01
48, 349.00
12- 0r1
49,138. 00
4
49,776.00
101.1
50,156.00
101.03
57,536.00
9
56,418.0O
6
56,818.00
7.02
58,59R(10
17.05
50,636.00
11.01
56, 78& (10
11m
72,465, 00
12.04
73,450.0O
8.02
76,029.00
101.04
103,098.00
Median All Tracts
54,477.00
Faculty and students at Loras College also assisted in doing some spatial mapping of
the distribution of late utility bills. They compared the spatial distribution of Utility Billing
accounts that had incurred Fees during the final months of Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
Starting from 1000 accounts they were able to geocode 955 addresses. They then used
the 2014-2018 American Community Survey (ACS) to extract census data from
Dubuque County and its 26 census tracts. Each map compares the census tracts along
with their respective variables highlighting the gradient of values. Overlaid on top of
each census gradient map are the geocoded addresses of fined utility accounts. Below
you'll see the that greatest proportion of fined accounts are found in the census tracts
with the highest proportion of Black/African American residents, residents with higher
levels of poverty and residents with the lowest household income.
11
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r
U561
Lis,*,
Black or African AinisfiCan
0
144
20d
30d
40d
5 N
500
g _ T r=
� DCARTO.00snCV1Wj DMD tHOM GC-94.v:.
Figure 1. Census Tracts of Black/African American households. The higher numbers and warmer colors
indicate higher numbers of Black/African American households.
z
r
r
1
us SP
us 154
ill
..'AV VA*4 rµ
r� Ralio of Income w Powarly
a
10
20
]F� 30
40
150
70
-94
Figure 2. Census Tracts of Ratio of Income to Poverty Level. The higher number and warmer colors
indicate higher levels of poverty
12
xsacAFira, 6 n; orsireoutaa oonkovWwCc ax-M
Figure 3. Census Tracts of Median Household Income. The higher number and warmer colors indicate
higher levels of household income.
We acknowledge this data may be somewhat skewed due to the pandemic, and that we
may need to adjust over time as families move past some of the instability of the past
year or so.
Currently, we are in the process of obtaining reports from the other three high revenue
generator categories (ambulance fees, parking tickets, and pet licenses) that will allow
us to create heat maps to examine the degree to which there are overlaps in fines and
fees owed in particular areas of town, and the demographics of families being most
impacted.
Data from State of Iowa on Court Debt and Local Data on Top Ten Charges Annually
We do not have municipal level information on court debt, so we are making informed
judgments on where to focus local criminal interventions based on a combination of
state data on court debt and local data on our top ten charges every year. We started
with state data on the amount of outstanding court debt overall. Then, we eliminated
surcharges and "other" costs leaving only court costs (which is where indigent defense
fees and jail fees are recorded). Next, we sorted the remaining debt by race in order to
identify the top ten charges within each racial group and the amount of court cost debt
represented by those charges. Finally, we compared these top ten charges with the top
ten charges locally to help narrow and inform areas for intervention.
While not an exact science by far given the data we are working with, we can see that -
One of our top ten charges every year is for possession. Normally, this is a
secondary charge to other charges here in Dubuque. This is also one of the top
13
ten charges generating court debt for four sub -populations at the State level:
Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, Caucasians, and Hispanics.
• A second top ten charge locally that is within the top ten charges generating
court debt at the State level is Driving while Suspended/Revoked. This is within
the top ten types of charges generating court debt at the State level for four
subpopulations: Asians/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and American Indians.
• A third top ten charge locally that is within the top ten charges generating court
debt at the State level is Theft. This is within the top ten types of charges
generating court debt at the State level for three subpopulations: Blacks,
Caucasians, and American Indians. Many of these charges, and the one that
falls in our local top ten, are for fifth degree theft where property taken is valued
at less than $300 and includes actions like writing bad checks.
• A fourth top ten charge locally that that is within the top ten charges generating
court debt at the State level is disorderly conduct. This is within the top ten types
of charges generating court debt at the State level for two subpopulations: Blacks
and Caucasians.
• A fifth top ten charge locally that is within the top ten charges generating court
debt at the State level is OWI. This is within the top ten types of charges
generating court debt at the State level for one subpopulation: Hispanics.
In many instances, the City is not the primary prosecutor on charges for a variety of
reasons. Some violations are covered by both a local ordinance and the State criminal
code, the latter of which permits jail time while the City can only issue a fine.
Sometimes there are multiple charges from a single incident, and keeping them
together under State prosecution is the most effective approach. Charges related to
controlled substances, OWI, and some levels of driving while suspended or revoked are
more than simple misdemeanors, which makes automatic diversion or deferred
judgment more challenging. Moreover, there are no diversion options for adults on any
of these charges, though there are options for juveniles. These considerations all
impact our recommendations below.
Community Engagement
While quantitative data can give us some potential starting points, we also sought input
from community members most likely to be impacted by excessive court debt or unable
to pay fines and fees that are accumulating. In partnership with Loras College and the
Civic Leaders program, we designed and administered a community survey that was
available to the public from April through June. The purpose of the survey was to
understand the experience of various cultural sub -groups within the city of Dubuque,
including the experience within the city and in connection with various resources (or the
lack of experience and connection with various resources), to identify quality of life
issues directly affecting the community, and to begin to take steps to address
disparities. The survey was distributed in paper to local non -profits and community
organizations, online (https://tinVurl.com/dv9ta72b), in person at governmental facilities
and directly emailed to 828 City of Dubuque Utility customers. It is estimated that this
14
canvas reached thousands of residents, however, from this outreach canvasing effort,
20 survey responses were collected.
Table 1. Demographic Information of Survev Respondents
Age
18-29 — 33.3%
30-39 — 33.3%
40-49 — 27.8%
50-59 — 5%
Gender Identity
Male — 31.6%
Female — 63.2%
Prefer to Self -identify — 5%
Race
Rather Self -Identify — 11.1 %
Black/African-American — 16.7%
White/Caucasian — 66.6%
Hispanic/Latino a x — 5%
Relationship
Single — 57.9%
Married — 31.6%
Divorced — 10.5%
Education
Did not graduate — 5%
Completed High School/GED — 27.8%
Some College — 27.8%
Completed College — 38.9%
Employment
Employed Full -Time — 52.6%
Employed Part -Time — 26.3%
Self Employed — 5%
Unemployed — 10.5%
Supplemental Disability — 5%
Average Household Income
$23,108
Housing
Own — 17.6%
Housing Choice Voucher — 11.8%
Rent — 58.8%
Staying with Friend/Family — 11.8%
Children
Average 1.33 Children per household
Note: The Demographic data profile at times closely matches that of the City of Dubuque (Age, Gender
Identity, Education), and at others is less representative (Race, Housing, Household Income).
78.9% of respondents reported a previous municipal fine or fee including late utility bills
and traffic violations and the average fine amount reported for these fines was $83. 50%
of respondents reported that the fine amount was difficult to pay, as one respondent
reported, "If money is already tight, adding another $50 to the bill (essentially an entire
months bill), is only going to make it more difficult to catch up." 55% of respondents
reported paying court fines, fees, or costs for themselves or a loved one and the
average fine was $7,757. 55% of the individuals who were paying those fines were on a
payment plan with all paying the minimum payment of $50 per month. 77.8% reported a
number of consequences for difficulty repaying the fines and fees including, but not
15
limited to: trouble meeting daily expenses such as childcare costs, groceries,
transportation, etc.; missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payments, etc.;
stress over meeting court -ordered payments related to their case, and lowered credit
scores.
Some suggestions from survey respondents:
• "We need to replace our system of fines and fees with more structural ways of
generating revenue that doesn't disadvantage poor and working-class people."
• "They are very difficult to understand and you cannot get genuine answers from
the people who generate them. If we cannot afford the fines even when they may
be fair we definitely cannot afford a lawyer to look into the notice or the fine ... We
can and should do better."
• Explain the paperwork and fees
• "Take their income and cost of living into consideration"
• "Get rid of parking meter discrimination (rich can pay it; poor cannot)"
While fewer than 50% of respondents elaborated on what the city could do, almost all
responses mention equitable changes in the distribution and assessment of fines and
fees. In terms of proposed solutions to make these equitable changes in fines and fees,
respondents mentioned ideas like raising property taxes as a different income stream to
fines and fees, working with residents and thinking about the effects that fines and fees
may have on the economy if individuals are removed from their ability to pursue
employment because of court dates, or losing access to transportation due to shifting
finances.
Moving forward, ongoing community engagement strategies will need to be included in
any pilots we develop and implement to determine the extent to which we are having
the impact we intend. One of the biggest mistakes that institutions seeking to "help"
families in poverty tend to make lies in prioritizing the judgment of professionals over the
judgment of the families experiencing poverty. The interventions most likely to succeed
will be those that are co -created between people with professional expertise and people
with lived experience expertise.
Potential Strategies for Advancing Equity
With the information we have been able to gather to date, we have identified several
potential short and long-term strategies for consideration. In general, we have premised
these strategies on the following considerations:
1) Fines and fees that are civil in nature and established by City ordinance, policy
and practice are most within our authority to revise.
2) The majority of criminal offenses will require working collaboratively with
Dubuque County and other partners.
3) Once any charge — civil or criminal — proceeds to court, our options for
intervention become more limited and costs for the resident increase due to a
variety of statutes and court rules that are beyond our authority to revise.
16
Short-term strategies
Strategy #1: Consider a short-term pilot that leverages the data we have available
related to our four highest revenue generators on the civil side to identify potential
changes in policy and practice likely to positively impact households and/or areas of
town where there is significant overlap in these unpaid fees. Specific recommendations
for next steps may include:
1) Assessing the effectiveness of each fine or fee to determine its success in
creating the desired action (for example, late fees' impact on future payment in a
timely manner).
2) Creating an ability to pay assessment that places residents in a graduated
payment plan or another type of program like community service (San Francisco
uses qualifiers like receiving Housing Choice Vouchers, and incomes that are a
certain percentage below poverty level.) Another option would be to consider
making community service choices available to everyone as alternatives to
payment.
3) Identifying the likely impact on revenues and management costs to implement.
4) Creating an implementation plan that includes a community engagement plan
and feedback loop.
Strategy #2: Develop and/or revise community engagement and/or criminal diversion
options that are targeted to positively impact subpopulations who are most negatively
impacted by the current structure. While there are several diversion and mitigation
programs in Dubuque (see Appendix A), we do not have any data readily available to us
that would allow us to conduct an equity analysis based on race or income. Specific
recommendations for next steps include:
1. Fill the position of Community Diversion & Prevention Coordinator that was
approved in the FY22 budget and focus that position on exploring pre -charge and
post -charge diversion options with both City and State prosecutors. This position
will also be tasked with developing a formal Community Service program.
Currently, the Police Chief is gathering community feedback on the position.
2. Focus criminal efforts on pre -charge diversion, working in collaboration with the
County attorney, Department of Transportation, and other entities as needed
3. Develop a structure that provides alternatives to payment for people who are
facing significant overlap in fees under strategy #1 above.
4. Catalogue current diversion and mitigation options, starting with those identified
in Appendix A, including:
a. collecting and examining data disaggregated by race to determine who is
benefitting from current diversion and mitigation options and who is not;
b. creating a more structured approach for where people are diverted
currently.
5. Determine whether modifications/additions to current diversion and mitigation
options are necessary in order to:
17
a. positively impact subpopulations likely to face court debt based on our
analysis of the overlap between our local top ten charges and the amount
of court debt for people with those charges disaggregated by race.
b. Reach and benefit subpopulations for whom the current efforts do not
appear to be effective in avoiding escalating court debt.
Strategy #3: Address the larger problem of court debt through legislative priorities and
proposed revisions to court rules in collaboration with other municipalities in Iowa, the
Metro -Coalition, and/or the Iowa League of Cities. The following steps, most of which
were included in our 2020-2021 State Legislative priorities, continue to be
recommended and are in need of more focused action:
1) Oppose efforts to further restrict or eliminate ability to pay protections. This past
session, HSB 658 was proposed and would have eliminated ability to pay
determinations across the board. A second bill, SF2374, would have made
ability to pay determinations more difficult than they already are.
2) Advocate for changes to court rules that would:
o Permit payment plans and community service for individuals who owe less
than $300;
o Allow for payment plans that are at amounts lower than $50 per month;
o Value community service hours at the same rate that other volunteer service is
valued.
3) Advocate for changes to Department of Revenue policies that would:
o exclude indigent defense fee recoupment and jail fees from the basis used to
calculate the 15% collection fee;
o develop a process for partial or full waiver of the collection fee based on
financial hardship.
Long Term Strategies
Strategy #1: Develop a consistent, cross -departmental approach to data collection.
Over the past year, the EFF team has met with departments across the City and
reviewed available data for this project. While some improvements have been made in
the collection process recently and analysis has been completed, the organization must
continue to make improvements in our "data -driven decision making" culture in order to
have the information necessary to make meaningful change. Specific recommendations
include:
1. Continue to make improvements to the way data is collected across enterprises
so that data extraction and manipulation is not such a manual process. The
rollout of the new Enterprise Resource Planning financial system has the
potential to greatly improve this process. This is a software system that will allow
us to automate and integrate several business processes.
2. Invest in a strong data governance program to establish the foundation for further
work on building a culture of data -driven decision making.
a. Seek professional development opportunities such as college courses or
webinars to develop leadership team members' ability to make data -driven
decisions. While many staff in our organization are able to produce data
sets, we can improve our analytical skills that allow us to use the data sets
to make decisions and pivot mid -program. Software tools and data sets
alone will not create a data -driven organization.
b. Build on the foundations laid by the Socrata team to establish clear data
governance policies organization -wide and in every department, including
establishment of data managers/champions.
3. At the front end of program or policy implementation, identify what customer data
will be necessary to have for program/policy analysis. This important planning
step ensures that departments won't be trying to recreate or piece together data
sets later, a burdensome process.
4. Identify standard demographic information that should be collected about
program participants and collect in a consistent format across programs and
software systems to allow for equity analysis. Where needed, assign customer
IDs so that demographic analysis can be complete without personally identifying
customers. Where collection of this data is not appropriate, equip staff with tools
and skills to us GIS-based census track data as a proxy to identify racial,
socioeconomic, or other demographic impacts geographically.
Ultimately, we hope to design strategies that could help us to identify the leading
indicators that are likely to lead to non-payment of fines and fees (i.e. loss of a job,
family health issues, etc.). If we can create a mechanism to help us identify when one
of these events happens and offer our interventions early, we may be able to prevent
things escalating to a financial crisis within a family. As COVID-19 demonstrated,
many, many people are a paycheck away from situational poverty. If we can improve
our ability to collect information that predicts the possibility of an escalating financial
crisis in a family, then intervene early before the household is in full financial crisis, we
may be able to head off cascading impacts. Taken as step further, if the interventions
we design are premised in expanding the potential for higher earnings in the family, we
may be able to foster longer term financial stability.
Strategy #2: Conduct a utility rate study
In fiscal year 2021, the City extended the monthly utility fee reduction program to water
and sewer services. Income -qualified residents are now eligible for a 50% reduction in
the base monthly water and sewer fee. In addition to the utility fee reduction program,
the Sanitary Sewer Utility has over $500,000 budgeted, in fiscal year 2022, to conduct
an Asset Management/Master Plan. This project will take a comprehensive look at the
condition of the sanitary sewer collection system components and assess future needs
of growth areas. Upon completion of the initial assessment, which is expected to take
18 months, data will be used to prioritize improvements to the sanitary collection system
to ensure the system meets the needs of the community. Any funding gaps, between
needed improvements and current funding sources, could then be addressed, through
further assessment, to ensure that system improvements are balanced with equitable
and affordable service charges for all users.
19
Currently, there is $100,000 allocated to a FY23 Capital Improvement Project to provide
funding in support of development of an equitable, affordable, and defensible water rate
analysis that will support not only operational and capital utility projects necessary to
continue the production and distribution of high quality drinking water, but will also
include assistance programs and water savings initiatives that do not take away from
operational expenses. The US Water Alliance states that "Water affordability is an
issue at both the household and utility level. The rates that utilities charge their
customers are the primary funding source for day-to-day utility operations and
investments in system improvements. Utilities need to raise rates to keep up with the
rising costs of labor and materials, and to make debt service payments on bond -
financial capital improvements ... While many utilities are committed to assisting low-
income families, finding a balance between financial management of the utility and the
needs of vulnerable communities can be difficult." Conducting a rate analysis for both
water and sewer fees will ensure an equitable approach to utility management so that
both the needs of the utilities and our vulnerable population can be met.
Strategy #3: Engage Dubuque County in identifying and developing any additional
interventions to address court debt that are within municipal and county control.
Next Steps for Implementation, Accountability, and Evaluating Results
This memo is a status report and will be part of our Equity Plan Progress Report at the
City Council work session on August 2. As we continue to gather and analyze data, we
will be in a better position to determine what is most actionable and will bring forward
additional recommendations at that time.
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
Mark Dalsing, Police Chief
Collins Eboh, Organizational Equity Coordinator
Jeremy Jensen, Assistant Police Chief
Chris Lester, Water Department Manager
Maureen Quann, Assistant City Attorney
Heather Satterly, AmeriCorps Director
Anderson Sainci, Director Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support
Shante Weston, Civil Rights Specialist
20
Attachment A: Current Mitigating Measures for Court Debt in
Dubuque
Juvenile Diversion
The City of Dubuque Police Department, its school resources officers (SROs), and the
City's partners engage in numerous diversion programs designed to assist primarily
middle school and high school juveniles from immersion in the criminal justice system.
The Juvenile Court Services (JCS) and other partners offer diversion programs in person
and online throughout the first judicial district. The following programs divert children from
the court process and attempt to change behavior, educate, and reform.
• Tobacco Diversion. SROs and the County Attorney's office collaborate in the
tobacco diversion program. Youths facing first offenses for underage tobacco
violations may complete a tobacco diversion course taught by the Police
Department's DARE officer and the Visiting Nurse's Association (VNA) instead of
facing criminal charges prosecuted by the County Attorney's Office. The course
explores health, financial, and other effects of tobacco use.
• Juvenile Court School Coach Diversion. JCS, the Dubuque Community School
District, and SROs work together to utilize this program. First time simple
misdemeanor offenders work with the Juvenile Court School Coach to discuss the
offense, process alternative pro -social behaviors, and assess the youth's needs.
The youth and the coach meet repeatedly as a method of diversion.
• Fight Diversion. SROs work with their respective middle schools to engage
students involved in physical conflict or conflict that may quickly evolve into
physical conflict in a fight diversion program. The program teaches and
encourages alternate methods of communication and conflict resolution. Students
who complete the program do not face criminal charges from the altercation.
• Weapons Diversion. JCS offers a weapons diversion course that involves child
and parent or guardian participation. It is offered for simple misdemeanor
concealed weapons charges, and it explores decision -making, consequences, the
dangers of real and decoy weapons, and police and civilian response to real and
decoy weapons.
• Shoplifting Diversion. JCS offers first-time youth offenders the opportunity to
participate in a course exploring the effects of shoplifting, moral reasoning, goal
setting, and future change. Parents or guardians participate with youths in the first
session.
• Alcohol Diversion. JCS partners with the Substance Abuse Services Center
(SASC) to provide an alcohol diversion program to individuals ages 18 and under
who are arrested for first-time alcohol related legal charges.
• Drug Diversion. JCS partners with SASC to offer a drug diversion program to
individuals ages 18 and under who are arrested for first-time substance abuse
21
related legal charges. Youths must participate in eight hours of programming split
over two consecutive evenings to successfully complete the program.
• Fire Safety and Prevention. JSC partners with the City of Dubuque Fire
Department (DFD) to offer this option to youths charged with reckless use of fire
charges. Through education about fire safety and prevention, JSC and the DFD
provide this this diversion alternative.
• Life Skills. Also offered by JCS throughout the first judicial district, low to medium
risk young people are given the chance to participate in two, two-hour sessions
covering law, choices, and decision making.
• Changing Lives Through Literature. Changing Lives Through Literature is a
partnership between the Carnegie -Stout Library, JCS, and the police department.
Youths complete a five -week reading, discussion, and learning process through
which they identify with characters in books, examine the characters and their own
life choices, and hopefully engage in alternative behavior moving forward.
Parental or guardian participation occurs in the initial stage. Changing Lives
Through Literature is generally targeted toward young people who have committed
simple misdemeanors and have little to no other criminal involvement.
• Restorative Strategies. Restorative Strategies is a non -punitive, community
building approach to addressing instances of harm or violations of law caused by
juveniles. Typically, police offer high school aged people who have committed
simple misdemeanors and have had little to no other criminal activity the chance
to participate in Restorative Strategies in lieu of criminal charges. The police have
partnered with the Restorative Strategies program since August 2017, and more
than fifty youths have been referred to the program as an alternative to criminal
charges.
Post -citation mitigating measures
Within the stricter confines that exist once a person receives a citation and has a case in
the court system, the City still offers options to minimize the impact on people. Some of
these examples include:
• For many simple misdemeanor moving violations, the City partners with Northeast
Iowa Community College to offer a National Safety Council approved defensive
driving course. People are eligible for the class once every six years. Completion
of the class results in dismissal of the citation. People are responsible for the cost
of class and their court costs, but this option often saves people nearly $100 and
helps with Department of Transportation consequences. If people receive
subsequent moving violations before defensive driving is offered again, other
options are available for dismissal of citations. Available options are determined
by many factors including the nature of the moving violation, the frequency of
moving violations for the driver, and the options the driver has previously used.
• For more significant moving violations like reckless driving or a first offense school
bus violation, the City offers a standard plea deal requiring six months with no
further moving violations, completion of the defensive driving course during those
22
six months, and six hours of community service at a non-profit organization located
in Dubuque. For school bus violations, this plea deal provides significant financial
savings as compared to paying the ticket, and it also allows a person to avoid the
30-day license suspension imposed by the Department of Transportation. For
people who need to drive to work, need to drive children to school or daycare, or
need to drive to other places, losing a license for thirty days has significant life
implications.
• For violations of the City's parental responsibility ordinance, the City offers
completion of the Visiting Nurse's Association's parenting class in lieu of fines. A
person is responsible for the court costs associated with the charge, but no fine is
assessed for people who successfully complete the parenting class. The class
teaches parents and guardians constructive techniques, coping strategies, and
other information designed to help parents and guardians be the best parents and
guardians possible.
• For some first offense simple misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, the City offers
a six-month probationary period. If a person receives no additional disorderly
conduct violations during that six-month probationary period, the charge is
dismissed. The person is responsible for the court costs but will avoid a simple
misdemeanor conviction.
• For first offense civil code violations like the social host ordinance, prohibited
noises, and appearing under the influence of a controlled substance in public, the
maximum fine available is $750 coupled with $95 court costs. For second
offenses, the maximum fine available is $1,000 plus $95 court costs. Although
these charges are civil, the economic impact is often higher than a criminal fine
and more than most people can bear. For first offenses, the City offers to reduce
the fine significantly to $50. If the fine reduction is accepted, the City offers
payment of the reduced fine or seven hours of community service in lieu of paying
that $50 fine. The court costs remain. For subsequent violations, the reduced
fines and community service offered double.
• For first offense rental license violations, if a person admits the violation and
complies with the required licensing and inspections, the City offers a 50% fine
reduction, lowering the fine from $750 to $375. The $95 court costs remain.
• For first offense violations of the International Property Maintenance Code, the City
typically offers a suspended fine format. The total fine is $750, but only $250 is
initially imposed. The remaining $500 fine is suspended, pending completion of
repairs by a designated date. If repairs are made, the City motions the court to
close the case. If repairs are not made, the City motions the court to impose the
remaining $500. The $95 court costs remain.
• For first offenses of the vacant or abandoned building ordinance, if a person admits
the violation and complies with the licensing requirement, the City offers a fine
reduction, lowering the fine from $750 to $100. Like all other cases, the court costs
remain.
23
This highlights many of the systems and options that currently exist as part of the
City's efforts to lesson the impact of enforcement while still attempting to modify or
deter future behavior and gain compliance with the law. Although the City has these
standard pathways, cases are evaluated on an individual basis. If the City finds valid
reason to proceed differently, it has some freedom to do so.
24
City of Dubuque Fiscal Year 2020-2022
Policy Agenda Status #6 Report
March 2022
Action: Identify additional non -City funding sources Timeline: 7/21
Status: Project complete
Narrative: City provided funds toward the rehabilitation of the building to make improvements that
now qualify the building/program as a licensed childcare center by the State of Iowa. It is
now eligible for state funding.
Action: 7 Receive Annual Report prioritizing racially- Timeli
1 disaggregated outcomes J
Status: Project complete
Narrative: The most recent annual report was received in March 2021. This was followed up with an
email from Dream Center that provided outcomes disaggregated by age, gender, and
race.
Project: Equitable Fines and Fees Reform: Report, Direction and Actions
Goal: Vibrant Community: Healthy & Safe
Department: Human Rights
What is the impact of this project update to residents? How does it meet one of the City Council's
outcomes under the Goal Area?
The Equitable Fines and Fees project aligns with the Council's outcome of an equitable community that
does not leave anyone behind by acknowledging an individual's financial situation and the impact of unpaid
fines and fees on obtaining and maintaining employment, and developing alternatives to payment that can
achieve compliance and support financial self-sufficiency. We are not far enough along in the project to
evaluate the actual impact.
What is the equity impact? Who benefits from the project/policy? Who is burdened?
We will have to examine who will benefit and who will be burdened based on the data that is collected and
the ways in which any resulting policy and practice changes take into account differences in pain points
facing communities of color and immigrant and refugee communities in comparison to our white residents.
Project outcome/results, when comp
If successful, payment plans and community service will be permitted for individuals who owe less than
$300; payment plans will allow for monthly payments less than $50 per month; community service will be
valued consistent with the value of other volunteer service; courthouse's will be funded to track community
service.
Page 4 of 20
Action: I Draft legislative proposals
11 /20
March 2022
Status: Project complete JU
Narrative: Proposals for state legislative priorities related to Fines and Fees were submitted to the
Assistant City Manager and approved by Council in the fall of 2020. No action in the
spring session. We have resubmitted the priorities in September 2021 for the coming
session. We will need a legislator to champion this in the future for it to get any traction.
Action: Complete data gathering and analysis Timeline: 1/21
Status: Project complete
Narrative: Data collection occurred with limited success due to the disparate collection and reporting
processes across departments. As a result, one of the long term strategies
recommended is the development of a consistent, cross -departmental approach to data
collection, including: 1) improve the way data is collected across departments so that
extraction and manipulation is not such a manual process, utilizing the new Enterprise
Resource Planning financial system wherever possible; 2) investing in a strong data
governance program to establish the foundation for a culture of data -informed decision
making, including professional development opportunities for staff and associated
policies and expectations; 3) identify customer data that needs to be consistently
collected on the front end, including standard demographic information for an equity
analysis.
Action: � Engage community and focus groups
Status: Project complete
Narrative:
Timeline: 3/21
Working with Loras College, we did complete this process though participation was quite
limited at twenty people. Of these 78.9% of respondents reported a previous municipal
fine or fee including late utility bills and traffic violations and the average fine amount
reported for these fines was $83. 50% of respondents reported that the fine amount was
difficult to pay, as one respondent reported, "If money is already tight, adding another $50
to the bill (essentially an entire months bill), is only going to make it more difficult to catch
up." 55% of respondents reported paying court fines, fees, or costs for themselves or a
loved one and the average fine was $7,757. 55% of the individuals who were paying
those fines were on a payment plan with all paying the minimum payment of $50 per
month. 77.8% reported a number of consequences for difficulty repaying the fines and
fees including, but not limited to: trouble meeting daily expenses such as childcare costs,
groceries, transportation, etc.; missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car
payments, etc.; stress over meeting court -ordered payments related to their case, and
lowered credit scores. We will need to continue engaging the community as we
implement pilots around the areas of parking, utility billing, ambulance fees, and pet
licenses.
Page 5 of 20
City of Dubuque
Year 2020-2022
Policy Agenda Status #6 Report
Action: Initiate internal policy changes
Status:
Narrative:
Action: Initiate Pilot Program
Status:
Narrative: --El
Timeline: 7/21
Timeline: 9/21
F'r
Project: Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan Implementation: Outcomes, Report with
Options, City Role, Direction and City Actions
Goal: Vibrant Community: Healthy & Safe
Department: Planning Services
11
What is the impact of this project update to residents? How does it meet one of the City Council's
outcomes under the Goal Area? -
Fhe Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan will impact the lives of those who are experiencing poverty and help
prevent individuals from falling into poverty.
What is the equity impact? Who benefits from the project/policy? Who is burdened?
The Equitable Poverty Preventions Plan will impact those who lives are experiencing poverty and to help
prevent individuals from falling into poverty.
Project outcome/results, when comp
When complete, the Equitable Poverty Prevention plan will provide a manual to help address poverty in
Dubuque. This will then be presented to City Council for further direction.
Action: I Finalize report with data and partners
Status: I Project complete
Timeline: 12/20
0
Narrative: City Council adopted the EPRPP at their March 1, 2021 meeting. City Council approved
the FY 2022 budget which included the development of the Office of Shared Prosperity &
Neighborhood Support (OSPNS) and retaining the consultant to help with implementation
of plan and development of the OSPNS
Page 6 of 20
FISCAL YEAR 2023
Please review Additional Information & Resources prior to contacting the Budget Office for
additional help:
Budget Help SharePoint Site: https://cityofdubugue.sharepoint.com/sites/BudgetPrep2
FY23 Budget Forms and Resources:
11 Page
3. Outcome: Copy and paste a City Council outcome from the CIP Outcome Worksheet into this
field. Choose only ONE outcome that best pertains to your CIP.
4. Funding Restrictions: Please use the format "This project may only be funded by..." to list ALL
funding sources that could be used to fund the CIP. If you're unsure, refer to the CIP Funding
Resource Training Sheet to view common CIP funding sources.
Example:
Funding Restrictions
'This project may only be funded by Sales Tax Fund (20%) or DRA DistributionJGaming-
5. Project Location: Enter the address or general location of the CIP. For example, a boiler
replacement at City Hall would have a project address of "50 W. 13th Street." An asphalt overlay
project might list the location as "Heeb Street from 14th to 16th", etc.
The equity questions are located below the project narrative. You will need to scroll DOWN until you
find the CIP narrative questions:
1. Does this project apply an equity matrix or equity lens in the allocation of funds?
Yes. this project applies an equity lens (This project assists in removing barriers. undoing institutional and structural racism. or evaluating benerrts
and burdens in communities of color and low-income communities )
OYes. this project applies an equity matrix (This project will utilize a specific scoring mechanism to evaluate its equlty impacts )
ONo. this project does not aApit an equity lens or matrix
7.�If Yes) What specific racial >andloroconom.lc inequity in Dubuque does ibis pro*t intend to addres0reduCe? (Please select the option below that
B 5T applies to your project)
Economic well-being. Project contributes toward increasing median income or decreasing unemployment rate for nonwhite populations
Housing: Project contributes toward reducing housing cost burden or increasing horns ownership rates for non white populations
Education: Project contributes toward increasing pre•k readiness. grade level achievement. high school graduation, or collegelcareef certificate
completion for non -while populations
�f'leallh: Project contributes toward reducing rates of obesity or infant mortality in nonwhite populations or contributes toward increasing life
expectancy in non -while populations
Transportation: Project contributes toward increasing access to foundational community assets fornon•white populations
OCYirnlnal .fustica_ Project contributes toward reducing youth arrest rates, adult arrest rates. youth conviction rates_ or adult conviction rates among
non -white populations
�Arta- Cuhure & Recreation: Project contributes toward h cleating access to parks and recreational opportunili" for non -while populations or
Increasing cufturally appropriate or socially aware programing
3. (If Yea) What metrics will the Department use to evaluate or assess the program's impact on communities of color or low-income communities?
4. Is this project located in a CDBG target area? Not sure? View a reap of GDBG target areas (Ctrl+dick to open the Ink)
12 1 Page
1. Does this project apply an equity matrix or equity lens in the allocation of funds?
Place an X next to ALL of the responses that apply to your project. If you answer no, skip to equity
question 4 regarding CDBG.
In this context applying an equity lens means that your project assists in removing barriers, undoing
institutional and structural racism, or evaluating benefits and burdens in communities of color and
low-income communities. Applying an equity matrix means that you have a data -driven scoring
mechanism by which to evaluate your program.
Take time to consider the following;
• Potential Benefits (intended or unintended)
• Potential Burdens (intended or unintended)
• Potential impacts both internally and externally
2. (If Yes) What specific racial and/or economic inequity in Dubuque does this project intend
to address/reduce? (Please select the option below that BEST applies to your project.)
Please choose only ONE option from the list and place an X next to the selection that best
corresponds to your project.
3. (If Yes) What metrics will the Department use to evaluate or assess the program's impact on
communities of color or low-income communities?
In the box provided, please explain how you plan to monitor and measure the equity impacts of the
CIP. Include: (1) What data do you plan to measure to show equity impacts? (2) How do you plan to
collect the data? (3) Projected or anticipated outcomes/impacts. (4) How will you know that the
program was successful in achieving your planned equity outcome?
4. Ctrl+click on the blue link to view a map of CDBG target areas. If the project will occur within one of
the target locations shown on the map, choose "Yes" from the dropdown. If it is not located in one of
these areas, choose "No" from the dropdown.
Is this project located in a CDBG tar et area?
s arat areas CtrI+click to open the link}
T
Ctrl+click the blue link to view a map of CDBG target areas
Please repeat all steps for each CIP you are submitting/requesting.
When you are finished updating your CIPs, please notify Kayla Morrison or Jenna Hirtz.
131'age
NAME
Airport - FY21 Operating Budget Forms
Fleet Replacements
Airport Custodial
La
Budget Farm BPAA-Emp Exp (Airport(.xlsx
name � oFen n�wre
eie� uq�a
TYPE CREATED BY LAST MODIFlED
Rachel Kilburg
Jul 15, 4:32 PM by Rachei r...r.:
Rachel Kilburg
Jul 8, 8-55 AM by Rachel Kilburg
Rachel Kilburg
Mar 12, 11:07 AM by Rachel Kilburg
Rachel Kilburg
Mar 11. 11.19 AM by Rachel Kilburg
In the pop-up window that opens, navigate to where you saved the file on your computer. Click on the
file and click "Open." The form will upload.
■ DEPARTMENT EQUITY OVERVIEW
* NEW PROCESS FY2023- Before beginning budget entry, departments should take time to
evaluate how their budget dollars may impact equity within the City.
To begin, navigate to the Department Equity Overview sheet within your department's operating
folder:
_ : - - = - FY23 Operating Budget Forms
11
49 mo - - -r
E[tlanning
Department Equity Overview
= Maintenance Level
Equipment Replacements
Computer Replacements
Phone Replacements
0 Improvement Level
This sheet has a single question that asks you to "describe how your budget allocates funds in ways
to advance racial and economic equity." This is a chance for departments to highlight the work they
plan to do to bolster equity in Dubuque. This can include allocation of your budget dollars, but may
also include things like committing FTEs to address a known inequity or committing to gather data to
research disparities facing Dubuque residents. In this section, consider shifts in the department's
budget, FTEs, or strategic approach as a whole, as opposed to focusing on specific CIP or IP
projects.
■ UPDATE MAINTENANCE LEVEL REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FORMS
All computer, equipment, and phone replacement schedule forms will be updated on Wdesk,
in your department's FY23 Operating Budget folder.
These equipment replacement forms are used only for existing equipment at the Maintenance Level.
If you are requesting new equipment, you must request it at the Improvement Level. They include:
251 Page
8. Equity Worksheet: You must fill out the equity worksheet for each Improvement Package you
request. You can find this worksheet as a sub -page under each IP form:
— Improvement Level
Requested Personnel Exp. Tool
FlAirport New 1
Equity Worksheet 1
IP Titles
1. Does this project apply an equity matrix or equity Ions in the allocation offunds?
Yes. this project applies an equRy lens (This project assists in removing barriers. undoing institutional and Structural racism. or
evaluating benefits and burdens in communities of color and low-ncome communities.)
Yes, this project applies an equity matrix (This project will utillze a spedfrc scoring mechanism to evaluate its equity impacts.)
No. this project does not apply an equity lens or matrix-
2.4If Yes) What specific racial andlor economic inequity in Dubuque does this project intend to addressireduce? (Please select the option below that
B ST applies to your grojeet J
Economic well-being Project ccntriautes inward increasing median morne or decreasing unemployment rate for nonwhite
populations
Housing: Project contrtbule9 toward reducing housing cost burden or increasing home ownership rates for nonwhite populations
Education: Project contributes toward increasing pre-k regdinass, grade level achievement high school graduation, or colleged
career certificale completion for non -while populations
Health_ Project contributes toward reducing rates of ohesity or infant mortality in non -white populations or contributes toward
increasing life expectancy in non -white populations
Transportation: Projsct contributes toward intreasing access to foundational community assets lornon-white populations
Criminal Justice- Project contributes toward reducing youth arrest ratan. adult arrest rates, youth conviction rates. or adult conviction
rates among non -white populations
Md. Culture & Recreation. Project contributes toward increasing access to parks and recreational Opportunities for non -while
populations or increasing cuituralPy appropriate or socially aware programing
3. iIf Yes) What metrics will the Departrnent use to evaluate or assess the program's impact on communities of rotor or low-income Cornrnuaities?
4. Is this project located in a CUBG target area? Not Sure? View a map of CI)BG target area {Ctrl+cliclt to open the link]
32 1 Page
1. Does this project apply an equity matrix or equity lens in the allocation of funds?
Place an X next to ALL of the responses that apply to your project. If you answer no, skip to equity
question 4 regarding CDBG.
In this context applying an equity lens means that your project assists in removing barriers, undoing
institutional and structural racism, or evaluating benefits and burdens in communities of color and
low-income communities. Applying an equity matrix means that you have a data -driven scoring
mechanism by which to evaluate your program.
This is a good time to consider the following;
• Potential Benefits (intended or unintended)
• Potential Burdens (intended or unintended)
• Potential impacts both internally and externally
2. (If Yes) What specific racial and/or economic inequity in Dubuque does this project intend
to address/reduce? (Please select the option below that BEST applies to your project.)
Please choose only ONE option from the list and place an X next to the selection that best
corresponds to your project.
3. (If Yes) What metrics will the Department use to evaluate or assess the program's impact on
communities of color or low-income communities?
In the box provided, please explain how you plan to monitor and measure the equity impacts of the
CIP. Include: (1) What data do you plan to measure to show equity impacts? (2) How do you plan to
collect the data? (3) Projected or anticipated outcomes/impacts. How will you know that the program
was successful in achieving your planned equity outcome?
4. Ctrl+click on the blue link to view a map of CDBG target areas. If the project will occur within one of
the target locations shown on the map, choose "Yes" from the dropdown. If it is not located in one of
these areas, choose "No" from the dropdown.
I= iMs project located in a CDBG tar et area?
sure. ie�v a map o target areas k} Ct:l+click to open the lin
Ctrl+click the blue link to view a map of CDBG target areas
Please repeat all steps for each IP you are submitting/requesting.
331 'age
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Alexis Steger, Housing and Community Development Director
Rose Hoerner, Utility Billing Supervisor
DATE: July 13, 2021
RE: City Utility Bill Delinquency, Returning to Normal Operations
Dubuque
All•Merisa 6i�
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to recommend a process to use American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist with certain overdue utility accounts and return the
Water/City Utility Billing department to normal operations.
BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque suspended late pay fees and water -shut offs due to COVID-
19. The City continued to send delinquency notices to make sure residents were
informed that they were behind in payments, but no water -shut offs occurred. At the
onset of these changes, the City of Dubuque had approximately $300,000 in
delinquent payments. As of June 1, 2021 the amount of delinquent payments has
increased to over $675,000.
DISCUSSION
Staff has been reviewing options to return water billing and delinquency procedures
back to pre-COVID operations, with the least amount of hardship to those that
experienced COVID related losses. After review of the delinquent accounts there
are five categories of accounts:
1. Businesses (171)
2. Homeowners/Renters who have made payments since the beginning of
COVID (513)
3. Homeowners/Renters who have not made a payment since pre-COVID (128)
4. Residents Receiving Housing Assistance (52)
5. Homeowners/Renters who have overdue amounts but have executed a
payment plan with the City of Dubuque and are current with that plan (92)
1
As of June 1, 2021; there are 812 delinquent accounts in the first three categories
listed above who are overdue on their accounts and do not have a payment plan in
place.
Several options were considered for potential funding from ARPA for delinquent
utility bills, for those affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, analyzing who is affected
by COVID-19 requires significant labor hours and requires onerous applications
from residents to prove they were affected. The Housing and Community
Development Department reports that the #1 barrier to assisting those that needed
assistance during COVID-19 was the large amount of information residents had to
provide to qualify for assistance. The CARES Act Community Development Block
Grant program for rent and utility assistance required a greater allocation for staff
labor hours than money was provided to the community for the assistance. The
State of Iowa is also reporting this barrier while administering the same program,
leaving millions of dollars unallocated to residents still in need.
Due to this barrier alone, City Staff is recommending the City Council consider
using ARPA funding to assist with the payment of water utility bills from the March
2020 billing cycle through June 30, 2021 for categories 1-3 and 5 listed above after
residents have accessed any other funds available to them.
Residents receiving housing assistance would not be eligible for this funding, due to
already being provided utility assistance with their housing assistance. This assistance
is calculated based on usage history and appliances in the unit. These residents were
also able to immediately report income losses and receive additional assistance to
offset the income loss; therefore, it is part of their required family obligation per Federal
Regulations to stay current with utility bills. This does not preclude these families from
applying for, and receiving, assistance from other programs such as LIHEAP crisis
funds and the State of Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance or entering into a payment
agreement with the Utility Billing Division. City staff have also contacted all of these
residents to provide information about assistance, and several have already contacted
utility billing to pay or enter into payment plan agreements.
Water billing and delinquency operations that were suspended included the
application of a late fee after 30 days of delinquency and water shut-off on accounts
over 31 days and over $125 delinquent. City staff is requesting shut-off processes
start again on August 1, 2021, and that late fees continue to be suspended until the
end of calendar year 2021. Prior to August 1, staff will send written notices to those
with delinquent accounts. These notices would provide information about payment
required as well as a water shut-off date if no payment is received. Where phone
numbers are available, staff will also attempt outbound calls to notify residents and
discuss payment plan options. All residents are eligible for payment plan options
and, if the City Council approves, funding from ARPA for portions of their bill
incurred during COVID-19 shutdowns.
2
Residents eligible for shutoff due to an overdue account will have approximately 3-4
weeks from the date they receive a disconnect notice to contact the City to arrange
payment or a payment plan. Some "crisis" funding sources available from other
institutions, such as;
1. LIHEAP Utility Crisis Program — HACAP
2. State of Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program — HACAP
3. County of Dubuque General Relief Funds — CSEI
require disconnect notices before they can be accessed. City staff will work with
these agencies to ensure that if a resident is in the process of applying for crisis
funding, they are not disconnected until this application process has been
completed and utilized if possible.
Additionally, the State of Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program is under-utilized due
to the barriers described above; however, the process of review is taking several
months for some applicants. Forty (40) City of Dubuque Residents have applied and the
applications are still in the queue for review, some applications as old as 60 days. Eight
City of Dubuque Residents have received assistance with Water Utility Bills in the
amount of $3,275. The amount applied for in the City of Dubuque for Water Utility bills
under this program is $26,391; most of which is pending review of applications. City
Staff will continue to work with those applying for this assistance prior to executing a
water shut-off for non -pay.
The delinquency and shutoff notices, that will start in July 2021, would be tiered to
allow City Staff the ability to field phone calls, set up payment plans and work
through the funding options with each resident. This tiered approach also allows
any water shut -offs to be managed within the capacity of the Water Department.
Water shut -offs are the last resort for residents that are non -responsive to all other
attempts to assist the resident with payment of their accounts. The recommended
tiered approach is:
1. Accounts that haven't made a payment since February 2020 (128).
2. All other impacted accounts, given notice through the remainder of the
calendar year and sorted by billing cycle.
The Public Information Office will start advertising resuming normal water billing
operations prior to delinquency and water -shut off notices being distributed.
Additional information will be released should the City Council approve a ARPA
funded program for assisting with City utility bills.
This is a significant undertaking for City staff. Support for answering phone calls,
taking payments, applying funding and setting up payments plans will be required.
Water shut -offs and turn-ons will be managed with current Water Department staff.
3
BUDGET IMPACT
We anticipate that once notified that disconnects are being reinstated, many
residents will enter a payment plan or pay their overdue amount in full. If none of
the 812 overdue accounts did so, the budget impact would be approximately
$675,000. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be the source of funds
for this amount should City Council agree.
Not reinstating late fees until the end of calendar year 2021 will have some budget
impact on the Water enterprise fund. $63,000 was budgeted for late fee revenue in
FY22, and a significant portion of this will not be realized if late fees are not
collected for six months.
RECOMMENDATION
We respectfully request City Council consideration for the funding of delinquent
water utility accounts for usage between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021
using ARPA funds after all other options have been exhausted. We further
recommend that City Council not reinstate late fees until the end of calendar
year 2021, to give those impacted appropriate time to pay bills for actual utilities
used without being negatively impacted by additional late fees. Normal
operations for water billing and delinquencies would then return to pre-COVID
operations on August 1, 2021.
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
12
THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-Amerim City
NATK)NA1_(Tk:Il:v A 1.
1 1
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
-able of Contents
1. KEY PRIORITIES..........................................................................................................................................4
a. REINSTATE BACKFILL.............................................................................................................................4
b. PROPERTY TAX......................................................................................................................................4
c. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX.....................................................................................................................4
d. ASSESSOR'S BILL....................................................................................................................................4
e. STATE MANDATES.................................................................................................................................5
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................................6
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)........................................................................................................6
b. EMINENT DOMAIN................................................................................................................................8
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS...............................................................................................................
8
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS.............................................................................9
e. CHILDCARE............................................................................................................................................9
f. LAND BANK POLICY..............................................................................................................................10
3. EQUITY....................................................................................................................................................12
a. MADATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING.................................................................................................12
b. RACE & EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENTS...............................................................................................12
c. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS.........................................................................12
d. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................13
e. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES.............................................................................................................................................13
f. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION...................................14
g. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM................................................................................................14
4. TRANSPORTATION..................................................................................................................................16
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING..............................................................................................................16
b. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF).................................................................................................16
c. PASSENGER RAIL..................................................................................................................................17
5. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT...............................................................................................................18
a. ARPA FUNDS AIRPORT ALLICATION....................................................................................................18
b. KEEP IOWA AVIATION EMPLOYERS COMPETITIVE.............................................................................18
c. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK (CMAR)..............................................................................18
d. PFA / PFOA PROPOSED LEGISLATION................................................................................................18
e. PROTECT AIRPORT ZONING & AIRSPACE............................................................................................19
6. HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................20
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM............................................................20
1IPage
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS.................................................................................................21
7. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION................................................................................................................22
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.........................................................................................................22
8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY..........................................................................23
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM..........................................................................................................23
b. COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER.......................23
9. PUBLIC SAFETY........................................................................................................................................25
a. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME..............................................................................................................25
b. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY...................................25
c. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES...............................................................................26
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE.........................................................................................................................26
10. LIBRARY SERVICES.................................................................................................................................28
a. ENRICH IOWA......................................................................................................................................28
11. HUMAN RESOURCES.............................................................................................................................29
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA...............................................................29
b. 411 SUBROGATION.............................................................................................................................29
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE.............................................................................................30
12. IOWA CODE CHANGES..........................................................................................................................31
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS......................................................................................31
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONDED LOTS............................................................31
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING..........................................................................................................31
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE..........................................................................................32
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT....................................................................................................................32
13. PLANNING & ZONING............................................................................................................................33
a. EXAPND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION............................................................................33
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES...........................................................................................................33
c. LIVABLE COMMUIJTIES........................................................................................................................33
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG).................................................................33
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS...................................................34
f. APPEAL OF ACTIONS BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION......................................................34
g. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF..................................................................................35
14. PARKS & RECREATION...........................................................................................................................36
a. PARKS TO PEOPLE INITIATIVE..............................................................................................................36
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA.......................................................................................36
c. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP).......................................................................37
2 1 P a g e
d. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND
........................................................38
e. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM...........................................................................................39
15. ARTS & CULTURE...................................................................................................................................40
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING................................................................................................................40
16. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY..............................................................................................................43
a. ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY....................................................................................43
b. REPEAL OF THE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS CONTROL PROGRAM.........................................................44
17. PUBLIC HEALTH.....................................................................................................................................45
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING...................................................................................................................45
b. BRAIN HEALTH....................................................................................................................................45
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES..............................................................................................46
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS..........................................................................................................47
e. ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE....................................................................47
f. REDUCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS
........................................................48
g. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE............................................................48
h. OPIOID EPIDEMIC................................................................................................................................48
i. NOTICE OF VIOLATION.........................................................................................................................49
j. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING.............................................................................................................49
k. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS......................................................................................................................50
3 1 P a g e
1. KEY PRIORITIES
a. REINSTATE BACKFILL
Legislation providing for commercial property tax reform passed in the Iowa Assembly in 2013.
This legislation included language providing for cities and protecting local residential taxpayers
ensuring they would not bear the tax burden of this reform bill. Senate File 619 passed in 2021
which phases out the commercial and industrial property tax replacement claims, known as the
backfill, in either five or eight years, depending on valuation growth.
REQUESTED ACTION
Reinstate funding the backfill and hold Iowa cities and residential property tax payers
harmless for the backfill created by the commercial property tax reform legislation in
2013. Reverse Senate File 619 which passed in 2021 and phases out backfill.
b. PROPERTY TAX
The current tax structure for state and local governments is a mix of tax laws, rates and policies that do
not provide for a fair and consistent tax system. The Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa State
Association of Counties (ISAC) have identified key areas needing revision for a comprehensive tax reform
in Iowa. They include: 1) changes to assessment and valuation procedure, 2) changes to city and county
budgeting processes, 3) developing an alternative to current property tax limitations, and 4) elimination
of the rollback formula and homestead exemption.
REQUESTED ACTION
Work with the Iowa League of Cities, the Metropolitan Coalition and ISAC to approve legislation
to design a tax structure that provides tax equity and policies that are consistent with an overall
direction for state and local government taxation.
c. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
The State should give consideration to increasing the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
This would allow local governments more flexibility to deal with any negative impacts property tax
reform may cause. In the case of Dubuque, an increase of 0.50% in local option sales tax would
generate approximately $4 million dollars, half of which is used for property tax relief.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
d. ASSESSOR'S BILL
Property tax experts or representatives are now part of the tax appeal process. A tax representative can
file an appeal for a large commercial property under a contingency basis, receiving their pay based on a
percentage of the property tax savings they can achieve for their client. In many of these cases little or
no money is expended by the taxpayer. The representative files a protest with the Board of Review and
supplies little or no information to the Board. The Board may deny the protest, but the tax
representative will file a protest to either District Court or the Property Assessment Appeal Board. At
this point the tax representative may produce more information or they may try to negotiate a
4 1 P a g e
settlement. On the assessor's side it may be very costly to hire appraisals and fight this out in Court. A
single appraisal for a large Commercial or Industrial property will easily exceed $5000.
Also, many appeals to the Board of Review are filed at the last minute with a statement such as
information to be presented at hearing. Many appellants never provide the information or provide it
very late in the Board of Review session, so the Board is unable to reach a well-founded conclusion.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request the Iowa Legislature to limit appeals to District Court and the Property Assessment
Appeal Board to matters and information that were presented before the local Board of Review.
e. STATE MANDATES
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments without
receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation that exempts local government from providing any new service or engaging in
any new activities mandated by the state if the state does not provide full funding for the
mandated additional staff, equipment and infrastructure.
5 1 P a g e
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The role of city government in economic development is crucial. Economic activity requires roads,
streets, airports, water and sanitation. New jobs necessitate more and better workforce housing as well
as quality, affordable childcare. Growing businesses seek quality of life amenities for employees and
families, such as parks, recreation, bike trails, art, museums, and libraries. Protection and safety of
property and life must be assured. A community must value equity and be welcoming. This can only be
accomplished with the strong support of an effective city government in partnership with local private
sector and non-profit leaders and state and federal government officials.
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
The Iowa Code provides that cities can use TIF for certain public and private economic development
purposes once an urban renewal plan is approved and an urban renewal district established. The ability
to use TIF to assist private economic development projects in urban renewal districts is an essential
ingredient of the City of Dubuque's nationally recognized success, providing financing and incentive for
private investment.
The City of Dubuque has prioritized the redevelopment of our urban core; cities need tools like TIF to
accomplish this. The Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF allows cities across the state to reclaim their
urban cores, restore otherwise abandoned historic properties, and create more sustainable
communities. TIF is one of the most important economic development tools available to cities.
Since 2010, there have been a total of 47 development projects that have utilized TIF. These projects
have received an estimated $34,678,632.14 in direct TIF incentives. These projects have leveraged
$403,464,204 in capital investment throughout the greater downtown and Industrial parks. These
projects have resulted in the retention of 3,278 jobs in Dubuque and the creation of 1,010 jobs. This
does not include many of the jobs added to the downtown employment base where there was no direct
TIF agreement with the employer but rather the projects were facilitated by loan pools and other
methods benefiting from the Downtown TIF district.
This has all worked because responsible elected officials, who while acting in an entrepreneurial fashion
to encourage community growth, have used TIF, the City's only meaningful local economic incentive, in
a strategic fashion.
Dubuque has leveraged TIF to achieve consistent, significant job growth and maintain a strong,
diversified local economy. Over the years, it has facilitated the purchase and development of 1,470
acres of land in our industrial parks and Port of Dubuque, the attraction and expansion of 57 businesses,
and created 6,874 jobs.
Dubuque has been the recipient of numerous awards from organizations as diverse as the EPA, the
Human Rights Campaign, the National Civic League, the International Economic Development Council,
Forbes, SmartAsset.com, and the White House for its strong resilient economy, variety of amenities, and
inclusivity.
Wages and income for residents have grown, as evidenced by a 22.4% increase in median household
income from 2013 ($51,475) to 2020 ($63,031) in Dubuque's MSA. Iowa Workforce Development
reported Dubuque's MSA labor force to be 58,357, a 15.6% increase from 50,500 just two decades ago.
6 1 P a g e
Dubuque's unemployment rate was just 3.9% in July 2021, a tremendous rebound from 1983 when it
was 24%. This type of job growth and low unemployment is only possible through the strategic use of
TIF. Like many other communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep, negative impact on local
employment; however, the Dubuque Metropolitan Statistical Area has experienced the second highest
percentage of job growth from July of 2020 to July of 2021 in the state at 4.6%, second only to Des
Moines/West Des Moines
Since TIF is really the only economic development financing tool available to Iowa cities, Dubuque often
uses TIF as the local match required when partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
This was certainly the case with the 1,300 jobs created by IBM, the over 200 retained and 200 created
jobs at Hormel, the 420 jobs retained and created by A.Y. McDonald, and most recently the attraction of
270 high quality jobs at Simmons Pet Food. Without the flexibility this tool provides, Dubuque would
not have this kind of success in job creation and retention.
A very important priority of the City of Dubuque, the Historic Millwork District, benefited initially with a
$105 million investment of private and public dollars, rebuilding much of the street network,
underground utilities, creating parking and renovating the Caradco Building (Schmid Innovation Center)
into 72 apartments, and 35,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two additional buildings
requiring approximately $40 million in investment, with 92 additional apartments and tens of thousands
of square feet of commercial industrial space were renovated and came online in 2015. In 2021, Dupaco
Community Credit Union completed the $30+ million rehabilitation of a five -story building to house its
corporate headquarters. Ultimately, the entire Historic Millwork District will easily exceed $200 million
in investment leveraging new business creation and much needed workforce housing for Dubuque. This
Historic Millwork District slum and blight subarea TIF was established in 2008. Legislative proposals
which place restrictions on Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF Districts would rapidly dissolve the City's
financial investment in this priority project for the City of Dubuque which will require many more years,
and likely decades, of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City of Dubuque would oppose TIF reform that would prohibit the use of TIF revenue on public
buildings, which would stop the creation of parking ramps (vital to the economic viability of downtown
businesses) and City efforts to restore the Historic Federal Building, an iconic anchor building in the
downtown allowed to go into disrepair by the Federal Government.
The City of Dubuque has
supported legislation requiring
increased transparency,
fastidious data collection and
antipiracy language for TIF
reform, but cannot support
reform that limits or sunsets
the City's use of slum and blight
and economic development
TIFs.
Even in these areas, the
language should be narrowly
Retiring TIF - New Tax Money to Taxing Bodies in
Fiscal Year 2019
$900,000
$$795,174
800,000
$700,000
$600,000 $579,086
$500,000
$400,000 $337,144
$300,000 $234,752
$200,000 $170,958
$99,532
$700,000 $58,478
$17,^264 $9,854 $33, 377
Tech Park South -2019 DICW - Subarea B -2019
■OCSD ■City ■County ■NICC ■Other
7 1 P a g e
crafted so as not to stifle economic and community development activities by cities. No language should
be included that could limit or destroy job creation and economic development potential that exists in
current TIF laws.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to maintain Tax Increment Financing as an economic development financing
tool. Oppose restrictions on use of TIF for public infrastructure and oppose the "sunsetting" of
TIF districts.
b. EMINENT DOMAIN
During 2006, the Legislature approved changes to the Eminent Domain Law. Included in the changes,
and of particular concern, is the requirement that seventy-five percent or more of the area included in
the urban renewal plan must consist of property in a slum or blighted condition at the time the plan was
established in order for the entire project or acquisition plan area to be subject to condemnation by the
municipality. We believe that a 51% threshold is more reasonable. Furthermore, the new language
provides that the project or acquisition plan area shall only include the adjacent and contiguous parcels
necessary for the completion of planned activities for a specific business or housing project. This
language would be limiting for downtown development projects that may be larger in scope than just
the parcels that meet the definition of slum and blight. Lastly, the burden for the use of eminent
domain for airport project is increased by the requirement that the Board of Supervisors must hold a
public hearing and pass a resolution unless the airport improvement is FAA -required. This creates
additional layers of burden on a municipality.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to amend sections of the Eminent Domain Law to allow for changes as proposed
by the Iowa League of Cities and noted above.
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in May 2000 to promote investment in our historic
resources in communities, codified in Section 404A.4. Rehabilitation of these resources contributes to
the economic viability as well as the strength of our communities. The secondary impacts of this historic
tax credit on our communities are countless. The program provides a tax credit of 25% of the qualified
rehabilitation expenses for qualified projects. Thus, each credit represents an investment in our
community of at least four times the amount of the credit. Additional revenues are generated through
increased property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes.
The cap for the program is currently set at $45 million per year.
Between the beginning of the program in 2000 and now, Dubuque has completed 36 projects using the
State Historic Tax Credit program. These projects leverage over 3 times the amount of SHTCs invested in
the project from other funding sources.
These projects have added well over 2,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 2,000 people would equate to an $80 million
annual payroll.
8 1 P a g e
Critical workforce housing needs in the City of Dubuque make state historic tax credits and other
financial incentives a top priority as the City works to promote redevelopment and reinvestment in our
urban core.
Recent concerns raised by the Iowa Department of Revenue have resulted in a slowdown of the State
Historic Tax Credit program. City staff and partners of the Smart Growth Coalition will work with the
respective state agencies (DCA, IDR, and IEDA) to reduce current overall timeframe or Part 1, 2, and 3,
and tax credit certificate return. Other suggested administrative changes to the program include
recommending an adjustment go the basis method and clarification of submission requirements to
reduce the number of resubmissions, due to an increased number of exceptions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners through membership in
Smart Growth Development Coalition to:
• Preserve, improve, and expand the State Historic Tax Credit Program boosting credit from
25% to 30% to mirror the Federal Historic Tax Credits.
• Increase the State capped dollar amount.
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS
Successful quality of life programs need continued funding, such as Enhance Iowa, REAP, CAT funds,
RECAT Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for historic preservation.
Having a variety of recreational, historic, cultural and outdoor amenities in a community attracts and
retains families and a solid workforce. The listed programs allow the City and its partners to create
those amenities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in Iowa to promote economic
improvement throughout the state through investment in our recreational and outdoor
amenities, cultural offerings and historic rehabilitation of our unique downtowns.
e. CHILDCARE
In many Iowa communities, childcare has become unaffordable, inaccessible,
or nonexistent. As a result, working parents miss work, drop shifts, are less engaged on the job, switch
employers, or leave the workforce altogether. Childcare is an essential and under -emphasized tool for
our state to develop, grow, and sustain a reliable workforce.
Research consistently shows that increasing workers' access to affordable, high quality
childcare options aren't simply a benefit for parents; it improves the economy. Providing access to
quality affordable childcare positively impacts the bottom line of Iowa companies and is critical to
sustaining a strong workforce and economy.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supports the following recommendations of the Iowa Women's
Foundation:
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Top recommendations:
• Provide funding for a public private partnership with the purpose of stabilizing and growing
the child care industry.
• Increase funding to adequately support sustained funding for WAGE$° statewide.
• Reinstate the Before and After School Grants program that was established in 2007 to
create a state funding stream for before and after school, and summer programs.
• Increase child provider reimbursement rates to the 75% percentile of the 2020 Market Rate
Survey (MRS) for all providers participating in the QRS program.
• Increase Child Care Assistance entrance income limits to 185% incrementally at 5% annually.
Other recommendations:
o Continue flexibility regulations.
o Implement tax credits to incentives that encourage investments in childcare solutions
■ Business Tax Credit: Provide a credit for businesses that have donated funds to
childcare centers to support eligible childcare expenses, based on the quality rating
of the center.
■ Family Tax Credit: Support families based on childcare expenses, federal childcare
tax credit, state childcare tax credit, and the quality rating of the center at 100%
deductibility for child
■ care expenses.
■ Provider Tax Credit: Reward centers based on their quality rating and the number of
Child Care Assistance Program or foster care children that are served. Centers
become eligible if they participate in the statewide quality rating system at a level 2
or above, and their benefits increase with the proportion of at -risk children they
serve.
■ Teacher and Director Tax Credit: Recognize teachers and directors for their
professional education and commitment to the field.
■ Child Care Resource and Referral Tax Credit: Provide a credit for businesses matched
to the amount donated to Resources and Referral agencies up to $5,000.
o Include the Child Care Workforce as high demand occupations with Iowa Workforce
Development
f. LAND BANK POLICY
In order to return blighted and abandoned properties to productive use quickly, states have passed
legislation that streamlines the tax foreclosure process by giving ownership of these tax reverted
properties to a nonprofit land bank therefore obtaining them earlier in the tax foreclosure auction
process. Further legislative reform in these states has redirected money collected from unpaid and
delinquent property taxes toward land banks for purposes of funding the land banks and for the
purchase of tax reverted properties. The City of Dubuque in collaboration with its regional partners will
explore the formation of a land bank that would purchase tax reverted properties through the tax
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foreclosure process. The land bank would maintain these properties until purchase by a responsibility
buyer, ensuring the properties return to productive use.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Land Bank legislation and work with State partners to approve redirection of monies
collected from unpaid and delinquent property to a regional landbank for funding and for the
purchase of additional tax reverted properties.
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3. EQUITY
a. MADATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING
Mandatory minimum sentences are punishments ordered by judges with terms set by the legislature to
those who have been convicted of crime; they dictate that certain crimes require, by law, a set amount
of time in prison. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws effectively strip judges of their authority to take
the circumstances of a crime into account and shift sentencing power to prosecutors who can use the
threat of these laws to intimidate defendants into pleading guilty in order to receive a reduced sentence
(Written Submission of the American Civil Liberties Union on Racial Disparities in Sentencing, 2014). In
theory, mandatory minimum sentencing laws are "race neutral" and should affect everyone who has
been convicted of a crime equally regardless of race. In practice, however, this is very much not the
case. Prosecutors are more likely to levy heavier charges against people of color in general than they are
against whites, while federal prosecutors are over twice as likely to charge black defendants with
offenses that carry a mandatory minimum than white defendants (Report to the United Nations on
Racial Disparities in the U.S. Criminal Justice System, 2018). This has led to Iowa having one of the
highest rates of imprisonment for black people in the nation (Stageberge & Rabey, 2013). In 2016, 35%
of the 1,196 Iowa inmates serving mandatory sentences were Black.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support striking mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, allowing judges to apply sentencing
guidelines in a way that takes facts into consideration so that sentences fit the crime.
b. RACE & EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENTS
Used to address possible disparities caused by proposed legislation, minority impact statements largely
serve as guidelines for state legislators to utilize in crafting laws that are fair and do not have
disproportionately negative effects on women, people of color, or people with disabilities. Minority
impact statements were designed to help prevent disparities from getting worse and are in use in Iowa
with a particular focus on criminal justice disparities. A 2019 review of Iowa's minority impact
statements for criminal matters found that statements need to be made available to all stakeholders
much earlier in the legislative process; they need to be thorough and comprehensive and not a generic
analysis; and that legislation should specifically prohibit the passage of bills where the impact statement
indicates the bill would increase disparities. See The Promise of Racial Impact Statements.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that requires thorough minority impact statements to be attached early to
any bill, joint resolutions, or amendment and that prohibits passage of bills where the impact
statement indicates the bill would increase disparities. Require review of bills by appropriate
commissions under the Iowa Department of Human Rights.
c. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS
Internships provide experience, training, and build connections that can help youth and young adults
achieve professional success. Youth and young adults with internships on their resumes are more likely
to find full-time employment after they graduate, with over 50% reporting job offers by the time they
graduate (Hecht, 2016). In addition, internships have been shown to help change career directions for
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the better, with 34.8% indicating a significant change in career direction and 46.3% indicating a slight
change (Saltikoff, 2017). There are significant racial disparities among interns; while over 68% of white
students have participated in internships, less than 60% of black and Latino students have participated
in them (Hecht, 2016). Gender disparities are also significant, with women being 20% more likely to be
in unpaid internships than men. Unpaid internships largely go to those who can afford them, with
students from high -income households being more likely to participate than students from low-income
households.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides funding specifically targeted towards creating paid internships
along with targeted recruitment of applicants of color.
d. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
As it relates to policing, an early warning system is a data -based management tool used to detect and
categorize officers who exhibit problem behaviors and to correct said behaviors. Effectively, early
warning systems are supposed to help police departments get involved before their officers' problem
behaviors merit some form of penalty. Early warning systems have been used since the 1980s. By 1999,
39% of police departments were using early warning systems (Walker, Geoffrey, & Kenney, 2001). By
2007, an estimated 65% of police departments utilized early warning systems (Vracar, 2020). Even
though early warning systems have seen more use over the years, problematic behavior persists. The
core issue with early warning systems is not that they are underutilized, but that there is no process to
audit existing early warning systems that would prevent protocol from being ignored.
REQUESTED ACTION
Ensure that local governments have the flexibility to establish early warning systems while
encouraging local police departments to utilize them.
e. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED
SMALL BUSINESSES
With only one minority -owned business for every 43 residents, Iowa's ratio is the lowest in the nation
(Clark, 2014). Iowa's black population is one of the most underserved small business markets in the
nation, representing a mere .8 percent of Iowa's business population compared to 7.1 percent nationally
(Armstrong, 2016). Disproportionately, businesses owned by people of color have not had access to the
funding provided by certain federal and state programs. People of color who own small businesses are
less likely to have strong relationships with their financial institutions, and many immigrants and
refugees who own small businesses are less likely to have access to information they need (Thrane,
2020). The largest minority business development program in the state — the Targeted Small Business
(TSB) program — has received severely limited promotion since 2012 (Augustine, 2014). As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, however, a fund has been created to support the TSB program (COVID-19 Targeted
Small Business Sole Operator Fund, 2020). Consistent funding for and promotion of the TSB program
would make it easier for more minority business owners to access and learn about resources they could
use to support their businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides targeted funding for women and BIPOC owned small
businesses.
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f. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION
Under both federal law and Iowa state law, recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Iowa has some of the
harshest penalties for first -offense marijuana possession in the nation, with possession of any amount of
marijuana being a misdemeanor with 6 months of incarceration and having a maximum fine of $1000.
These penalties are far more likely to harm people of color. With black people being almost eight times
more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession (despite the fact that both use
marijuana at roughly equal rates), Iowa is surpassed only by Montana, Kentucky, Illinois, and West
Virginia in terms of racial disparities in arrests for marijuana possession (Edwards, et al., 2020).
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that legalizes marijuana or, at a minimum, decriminalizes marijuana use and
possession.
g. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM
Court fines and fees often become a barrier to financial self-sufficiency for families living in poverty.
Given the disproportionate number of African -Americans living in poverty and interacting with the court
system, this has a significant racial equity impact.
First, several provisions make it difficult for those with limited incomes to get out from under court
debt. Under Iowa Court Rules Chapter 26, an individual must have $300 in court debt before they are
eligible for a payment plan or can perform community service, though Iowa Code Section 602.8107
would allow the court to establish a lower threshold. When they enter a payment plan, a minimum
payment of $50 is required. Community service is valued at the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, yet the
value of a volunteer hour in general is $28.54 as of July 2021. Participants in community service
supervision programs currently are charged $50 to be supervised, which defeats the purpose of allowing
community service as an alternative to payment because they cannot afford the fees and, in any event,
is not a financially sustainable model. The agency historically tracking community service in Dubuque
(Project Concern) couldn't financially support the continued operation of the program as the $50 paid by
the individual needing supervision was a flat fee. $50 was paid whether the individual had 2 meetings
over the course of a month with the staff member or 25 meetings over three (3) years, it wasn't a
sustainable model financially. While the judges at the local level were supportive there were no court
funds to support the work being done. A community service funded program to work off Court debt
should properly be managed by the Courts/Clerk of Court.
Second, unpaid debt can interfere with ongoing employment and financial stability. As just one
example, when a resident in Iowa has a criminal conviction of any kind and has court debt, a hold is
placed on the person's vehicle registration. If the conviction was for a vehicular crime, then the person's
driver's license is automatically suspended as well. If the crime is non -vehicular and the person's
financial state prevents them from paying the court debt, the hold on the registration turns into a
suspension when the renewal of their tags goes unpaid. If they continue to drive — to get to work for
example — they may then be charged with driving with expired tags, a vehicular crime that leads to
license suspension. There is also anecdotal evidence from attorneys who have worked "rocket docket"
that people believe that paying the court debt is enough to reinstate their license, which is untrue. They
must also file with the DOT and pay a $30 reinstatement fee. Depending on the amount of time that
passes, they may also need to retake both the written and driving tests.
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Third, indigent defendants are constitutionally and statutorily entitled to an assessment of their ability
to pay for any court debt other than fines, surcharges, and victim restitution. However, Iowa law also
presumes an ability to pay and there is little to no remaining oversight into court decisions regarding
someone's ability to pay - courts do not have to provide reasons for finding that a defendant is able to
pay, a court can ascertain ability to pay before knowing the full scope of the debt, and direct appeal of a
judge's decision is available in few situations. In addition, indigent defendants incur additional costs like
indigent defense fees and jail fees that arise because of an inability to afford their own attorney or to
afford bond or bail while awaiting trial. On the one hand, the constitution requires that everyone be
provided counsel and a speedy trial (or be released in the interim) and yet one's financial status is
intricately intertwined with the degree to which these rights are "real" in any pragmatic sense. These
fees when unpaid multiply quickly with the Department of Revenue imposed 15% collection fee.
REQUESTED ACTION
Eliminate the $300 eligibility threshold for a payment plan; eliminate the minimum payment
requirement of $50; eliminate the $300 eligibility threshold for community service; set a viable
and realistic value of an hour of community service to equate to the value of a "volunteer hour"
which was $28.54 as of July 2021; properly fund staffing in courthouses to account for tracking
community service efforts across the state as opposed to the hodge podge of community
service systems set up at the local level without proper funding across the state. Eliminate the
non -renewal of vehicle registrations and the suspension of licenses based on court debt or, at a
minimum, on court debt that is related to a non -vehicular crime. Strengthen requirements to
ensure a full and fair assessment of ability to pay or, at a minimum, oppose any effort to further
restrict or eliminate ability to pay protections such as the changes proposed last session by
HSB658 and SF2374. Advocate for changes to Department of Revenue policies that would allow
for partial or full waiver of the 15% collection fee upon a showing of financial hardship and that
would exclude indigent defense fee recoupment and jail fees from the basis used to calculate
the 15% collection fee.
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4. TRANSPORTATION
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin tri-state area. With local
international companies and businesses such as the John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, Mc Graw Hill Publishing Company, AY McDonald Manufacturing, Kendall/Hunt
Publishing, Simmons Pet Food and Hormel Food Corporation, a 21st century transportation
infrastructure system is essential. In order to continue the consistent and strong economic growth and
job creation in the tri state area, critical transportation infrastructure requires increased state and
federal funding.
Transportation projects and improvements in Dubuque include:
• Completion of the Southwest Arterial bike trail
• Planning, design, ROW acquisition and construction of the East West Corridor
• Improvements and enhancements of the at grade railroad crossings in Downtown Dubuque
• Intersection enhancements at the Northwest Arterial and Highway 20 intersection
• Bring the Northwest Arterial up to a state of good repair prior to the transfer of jurisdiction
of the SW Arterial to the IDOT
REQUESTED ACTION
In order to increase transportation revenue for these and other important transportation
projects the City requests support of the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission to
maintain its current programmed funding and increased opportunities for funding to ensure
implementation of priority transportation projects.
b. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF)
According to Iowa Code, road use tax funds (RUTF) are studied every five years in order to identify
alternative revenue options that could support and enhance the fund as traditional transportation
modes evolve and older funding streams diminish.
Local governments recognize that local transportation systems carry great importance not only for
public safety and quality of life, but also for mobility, commerce, community vitality and economic
development. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, regardless of its road and bridge
conditions or other factors. When existing funding sources are inadequate to address failing or
deteriorating infrastructure needs, local governments are faced with aging and limited infrastructure as
well as safety concerns.
While the State of Iowa's gas tax increase in 2015 increased current and near -future Road Use Tax Fund
revenues, consideration needs to be given to future road funding needs and mechanisms as Iowa's
drivers purchase fewer gallons of conventional vehicle fuels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Investigate alternative funding mechanisms to increase funding for Iowa's transportation
infrastructure. Study to include possible additional revenues from agricultural, energy, and other
sectors that have heavy traffic and load impacts on Iowa's transportation systems.
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c. PASSENGER RAIL
Through the Envision 2010 process, the Citizens of Dubuque have established a Passenger Rail
Committee to support and promote the return of passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Illinois to implement passenger rail service
between Chicago and Dubuque. Currently funding provides for connection from Chicago to Rockford,
Illinois. The City has been successful in partnership with DMATS and the local Ride the Rail citizen group
in securing funding for the feasibility study of passenger rail return from Rockford to Dubuque.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque, with local and
regional partners.
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5. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
ARPA FUNDS AIRPORT ALLICATION
Commercial passengers, cargo, corporate and general aviation communities, Iowa's system of airports
needs significant investment if Iowa is to remain competitive in today's global marketplace. 2020 State
Aviation System Plan (SASP) https://sites.jviation.com/2020-iowa-aviation-system-plan/news.html
identifies needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
The Iowa Public Airports Association respectfully requests an increased budget commitment to
STRENGTHEN Iowa's airport system. Allocate $100 Million of existing $1.5 Billion ARPA Funds
toward vertical airport improvement infrastructure.
b. KEEP IOWA AVIATION EMPLOYERS COMPETITIVE
Thirty -Four States have the sales tax exemption, including all but one state surrounding Iowa driving
repair work and subsequent revenue to neighboring states.
This bill is about helping Iowa employers offer competitive pricing to rival prices offered by out-of-state
companies, an especially important consideration when planes are, by definition, very mobile.
NOTE: This is NOT a tax break nor a tax diversion for aviation companies — rather an initiative of being
competitive with businesses providing aircraft maintenance services in States neighboring Iowa, such as:
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska that are considered No Tax States; with,
South Dakota currently at 4.50%, whereby in Iowa, current Tax Rates are at 6.0% and up to 2.0% local.
Help keep aviation maintenance jobs in Iowa!
House File 2573 was approved by the House of Representatives on a vote of 89-7 on March 5, 2020,
however, less than a week later, the Legislative Session was shut down due to the COVID Pandemic.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support previously proposed HF-2573 Aircraft Parts and Labor Taxes.
c. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK (CMAR)
The bill allows for the use of CMAR on public projects. The bill also prohibits the use of design build on
public projects. Relating to a construction manager -at -risk commercial construction alternative delivery
method and prohibiting certain other alternative delivery methods in the public sector and including
effective date and applicability provisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Existing Bill SF 183.
d. PFA/ PFOA PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that include
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). AFFF firefighting foam has been
mandated for use by the Federal Aviation Administration with no approved substitute to date.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose any legislation that holds airports liable for the use or cleanup of AFFF firefighting foam
or its residue respectively.
PROTECT AIRPORT ZONING & AIRSPACE
Protecting and preserving airport approach and departure paths is one of the main reasons airport
protections were placed in the Iowa Code many years ago. The safety and protection of the public,
pilots and passengers must not be placed secondary to tower siting considerations.
REQUESTED ACTION
Dubuque opposes any efforts to eliminate, supersede, or lessen the zoning and airspace
protection abilities of local communities for their public airports.
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6. HOUSING
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM
Creation of the Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program under the discretionary policy of the
Iowa Finance Authority provides greater opportunity for the City of Dubuque and its partners to stabilize
the community and will prioritize environmentally sustainable development and will promote economic
development. This grant program was established in the 2010 legislative session. The program,
however, lacks funding.
Definition
Smart Growth practices are settlement patterns that avert urban sprawl by encouraging more compact
development, greater transit use, and enhanced environmental protection. Workforce housing is
normally defined as housing affordable to households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent area
median income (AMI). Affordable, in the housing industry, means a household pays no more than 30
percent of its annual income on housing. Smart Growth Workforce housing is the combination of these
concepts —the development of sustainable, transit -oriented housing that is affordable for our
workforce.
What can our workforce households afford to pay for housing? "The National Housing Act of 1937"
created the public housing program... [wherein] a tenant's income could not exceed five to six times the
rent; and by 1940 income limits gave way to the maximum rent standard in which rent could not exceed
20 percent of income — in practice, the same as the predecessor income limit standard. Over the
decades, that percentage has risen, so that by 1981 the threshold was set at 30 percent of income.
Households that spend over 30 percent of income on housing are considered cost burdened. Why the
increase? Was it truly deemed a more appropriate benchmark? Or was it simply in response to an
increase in housing costs and the government's inability to subsidize housing for an ever-growing
number of struggling households?
Over the past decade, rising housing costs have outpaced the average salary across the United States —
in some areas by two- to five -fold. Many workers in urban areas have dealt with this discrepancy by
living far from their downtown jobs or by living in housing they can't afford. Unfortunately, the former
solution is offset by an increase in transportation costs. And what is the price we pay for the latter
solution? "Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost
burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and
medical care." In fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
Fortunately, housing costs in smaller urban and rural areas are often within closer reach for workforce
households. However, in areas where vacancy rates are low — calling for the production of new units —
development of quality housing is financially impossible, as operational income on the properties is not
enough to cover interest payments on the project mortgage. Low local rent levels, although beneficial
for tenants, preclude developers from creating new units, despite a community's housing shortage. For
this reason, many developers have turned to the LIHTC program to make their projects financially
feasible, whether or not this fulfills the community's particular housing demand.
Meanwhile, the recent economic downturn and housing market woes have combined to create a new
class of workers, forced into the rental market because they do not qualify for a mortgage. Displaced
workers with homes that won't sell, families who've had their homes foreclosed, young professionals
20 1 Page
with student loans, and households that might otherwise be able to afford mortgage payments if only
they could come up with the higher requisite down payment demanded in a tight lending climate — all of
these are moving into the rental market. This creates a rather sudden increase in the demand for rental
residential units for households that are neither wealthy, nor are they eligible for low-income housing.
The creation of affordable housing options for our workforce allows communities to attract and retain
quality employers. If the only housing that developers can afford to produce is intended for low-income
or wealthy households, we should not be surprised to see such a disparity in our communities' income
levels. To have a healthy mix of incomes, we must have housing options available for all income levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Fund the Iowa Finance Authority Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program.
• Allow access to funds from the National Housing Trust Fund for the rehabilitation of
dilapidated and long -vacant properties, despite having a prior residential use.
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS
The "sun -setting" of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone program in 2014
resulted in the creation of two new tax credit opportunities under the High -Quality Jobs Program: one
for economic development and the second for workforce housing. The City of Dubuque supported this
policy decision in the 2014 legislative session however some refinement of the workforce housing tax
credit program will be necessary in the 2018 legislative session in order to meet the demand identified
in the State's workforce housing study completed in 2012. The legislative changes in 2014 expand access
to the worthwhile housing program, but the cap is unnecessarily limiting.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City supports moving the workforce housing tax credits out of the aggregate Iowa Economic
Development Authority's Economic Development Tax Credit Cap. The workforce housing
program is a housing program and not a direct economic development incentive and should not
be restricted as such.
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7. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband access and speeds in the state. Like water, sewer,
energy and roads, affordable access to globally relevant internet speeds is a minimum infrastructure
necessary to the quality of life of our families and the competitiveness of our businesses. State policy
should support and incent public/private collaborations to accelerate broadband access and services.
State policy should support innovations in new technologies and flexibility in existing systems like the
Iowa Communication Network (ICN). State policy should fund innovative approaches by local
communities to bring globally relevant broadband speed and services to under -served and hard to serve
populations. State policy should not hamper local municipalities from directly addressing the issue and
providing service to citizens where appropriate. Also, while we support the concept of improved
efficiency and transparency in the regulatory process to encourage private broadband investment, we
ask that care be taken with State policy to assure there is sufficient flexibility for local government to be
able to respond to local complexities and needs with permitting, licensing and regulatory decisions.
Preservation of the use of the public right of way for utilities provides benefits to all right of way users.
Reasonable regulations that provide for efficient use of sometimes very limited public right of way space
is a wise investment that pay dividends in the future to all taxpayers. When the first utility into a
location inefficiently installs their utilities, it drives up future installation costs for utilities that follow
behind. The additional incurred costs by the following utilities are then passed on to rate payers.
Individual residents and commercial property owners can also incur additional costs installing private
service laterals when utility conflicts exist in front of their private property. Lastly, if the State chooses to
"target" its broadband efforts, those targets should not be based on artificial distinctions of "urban
versus rural" or "small versus large", but rather on key consideration of whether in a specific location
there is access to globally competitive infrastructure in terms of broadband access, choice, speed,
redundancy, safety, and cost.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal access to broadband in
the State of Iowa. Modernized the statewide telecommunications franchise agreement
from 1918 (check date with Barry). We continue to support home rule around location and
policy regarding broadband resources.
Redefine "rural" and create an equitable formula for the distribution of broadband grant
funding and other broadband funds throughout the state of Iowa.
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8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for everyone dollar expended in
disaster mitigation programs/projects, taxpayers save four dollars in recovery costs. The newly
established State Flood Mitigation program is designed to leverage local and federal dollars with state
financial assistance and is funded up to $600 million over the next twenty years. This amount will most
likely be insufficient in addressing the flood mitigation infrastructure demands of Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge legislators to continue to appropriate funds annually to the flood mitigation account in
order to support local governments faced with high costs of these public infrastructure flood
mitigation programs in order to protect the lives and property of Iowa citizens.
b. COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Dubuque County has experienced eight presidential disaster declarations since 1999. Increased
frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for expanded facilities.
Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services more effectively and
efficiently to citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
Emergency Operations Centers have been in place throughout the state of Iowa for decades. The City of
Dubuque's Emergency Operations Center is currently located at the Dubuque Emergency Responder
Training Facility. It had been previously located in the Dubuque Fire Headquarters basement since the
mid -twentieth century. EOCs were built during the Cold War and with a focus on civil defense. Today,
with more frequent and extreme weather events as evidenced by Dubuque's high number of
Presidential Disaster Declarations, demand for a new combined center is evident.
The Emergency Communications Center is located in the Dubuque County Law Enforcement Center. It is
in the middle of the building and is restricted for future growth. Currently there are 5 full console
positions, and 1 administrative (computer only) position. With the numbers of calls and the severity of
some of them, there is a need to have additional capacity for call taking and dispatching. The Center has
been remodeled several times and future expansion is limited. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and new
social distancing restrictions, the Communication center has been split into 2 different room until the
pandemic is over. The center is nearing completion of updating its radio system to a P25 System with all
Public safety agencies using the new system at this time and by February 2021 having Dubuque Public
Works Department and other city departments using the system. Even though updates to the radio
system have occurred at current location, there still is restrictions on growth and capabilities during high
volume times and disasters.
In order to respond to the well-being and safety of the citizens of Dubuque, and to the increased
demand for services created by more frequent disasters, and in order to replace aging and inefficient
facilities, efforts are underway to explore funding opportunities that would enable the creation of a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
The State of Iowa has partnered with many larger city/county governments to assist in funding
combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers.
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REQUESTED ACTION
• Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and funding for a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
• Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds back into the
local's hands to assist local 911 Service Boards with maintaining 911 systems.
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9. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME
On January 24, 2017, Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing and Davenport Chief Paul Sikorski, along
with the County Attorneys from Polk and Blackhawk Counties, and the Mayor of Des Moines, testified
before the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee to request the State take a harder look at firearms and
violent crime issues across the state.
Chief Dalsing has provided the following information on shots fired calls:
Confirmed Shots Fired
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Des
Moines
NA
NA
NA
1287
1456
Davenport
152
168
195
195
279
Cedar
Rapids
87
104
117
99
163
Waterloo
99
62
85
92
106
Sioux City
NA
NA
NA
9
59
Iowa City
20
20
NA
13
57
Dubuque
26
20
5
16
17
Council
Bluffs
NA
NA
NA
9
13
Ames
3
3
2
2
5
Peoria, IL
469
670
602
615
728
Rockford,
IL
NA
NA
497
442
679
REQUESTED ACTION
Murders
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
NA
NA
14
22
6
12
6
2
10
4
6
3
7
12
3
6
6
2
7
NA
NA
NA
3
5
0
4
0
1
2
1
1
1
0
1
4
2
4
6
0
1
1
1
1
0
10
10
24
25
14
NA
NA
NA
NA
36
• Requirements for high, cash -only bonds for crimes involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of existing codes to determine if penalties are sufficient (as compared to federal
penalties).
• Exploration of new codes to address additional unauthorized persons possessing firearms
(as compared to federal codes).
• Exploration of limitations on plea bargains for cases involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, including mandatory minimums.
• Analytical research into the individuals involved in gun crime and violent crime for
commonalities and cause and effect variables so effective treatment can take place.
b. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY
State leadership and funding is required to establish and support alternative teams of local community
service providers to work with local police professionals to address public safety. Police professionals
are called upon more frequently to serve as first responder, mediator, mental health counselor, and
social worker.
251Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Create a state task force to study replicable models that could address the need for support
teams for local police. Identify funding sources for mental health professionals, medical
professionals and social workers who would staff this expansion of community service to
residents.
c. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES
Public safety and basic tenet of judicial process depends upon a robust fully funded judiciary which
provides for its citizen clients: access, timely processing, staffing and services. Critical funding must be
provided for all judicial services including juvenile court offices and services, drug court, and judicial
access.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation which provides full funding for the requested budget of the State of Iowa's
judicial branch. To do otherwise jeopardizes work being done with youth and is a compromise to
public safety.
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE
According to FBI Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes against people based on gender identity are on the
rise. The 2019 data indicates that 2.7% of reported hate crimes were committed against people based
on gender identity. This compares to 2.2% of reported hate crimes in 2018, 1.6% in 2017, 2.0% in 2016,
1.7% in 2015, 1.8% in 2014, and .5% in 2013 (the first year that hate crimes based on gender identity
were reported). Note that not all jurisdictions report hate crime statistics to the FBI and jurisdictions like
Iowa would report zero based on gender identity because state law omits gender identity from the hate
crime statute.
As of September 2021, 22 states plus the District of Columbia and two territories have hate crime laws
that include gender identity. Iowa is one of 11 states whose hate crime law includes sexual orientation
but does not include gender identity.
http://www.Igbtmap.org/equality-maps/hate crime laws.
A 2016 murder in Burlington garnered national attention when local law enforcement officials could not
charge the homicide as a hate crime based on the lack of including of gender identity in the statute.
https://www.nvtimes.com/2017/10/26/us/transgender-iowa-murder-trial-kedarie-mohnson.html.
In addition, we continue to hear concerns from community members of color that they find themselves
in situations where someone is trying to instigate a fight using racial slurs. When the situation in fact
escalates to a fight, both parties are typically charged with disorderly conduct. Enhancing the disorderly
conduct penalty for a person who uses slurs or other indicia of bias to select their victim and instigate a
fight may deter the use of these "fighting words" which are tantamount to a breach of the peace and
enhance community safety and security for community members of color.
The American Psychological Association, which takes a public health approach to violence prevention,
notes that dehumanization of unfamiliar groups and targeted
aggression that is behind hate violence can result in more dramatic psychological effects on victims as
compared to crimes that are not motivated by bias. In addition, hate crimes tend to decrease feelings of
261Page
safety and security in the community for members who share the victim's group status.
http://www.apa.org/advocacy/interpersonal-violence/hate-crimes.aspx
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend hate crimes statute to include gender identity and to add disorderly conduct Iowa Code
723.4 as a crime subject to penalty enhancement.
271Page
10. LIBRARY SERVICES
a. ENRICH IOWA
Enrich Iowa is a state aid program for Iowa's libraries. Until recently, Iowa was one of eight states
without direct state aid to libraries. Current state funding is at $1 million statewide versus the
recommended $3 million for full funding. If Enrich Iowa were fully funded, the Carnegie -Stout Public
Library could realize a significant increase annually in state aid.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to increase funding for the Enrich Iowa program.
281Page
11. HUMAN RESOURCES
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA
Police and firefighter pensions are funded through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of
Iowa (MFPRSI). Employees contribute a fixed 9.4 percent of their salary, while their employers
contribute at a variable rate, with a statutory minimum of 17 percent.
The city contribution rate is set by the nine -member MFPRSI board to meet actuarial requirements. The
board includes four members representing police and firefighters, four members representing cities,
and one private citizen — all serving four-year terms.
The employer contribution rate was 17 percent from fiscal years 1997 through 2003. As a result of
market crashes after the September 11, 2001 attacks, it was gradually raised to 28.21 percent in Fiscal
Year 2006 before again dropping to the statutory minimum in Fiscal Year 2010. Since then, it increased
to 19.90 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, 24.76 in Fiscal Year 2012, 26.12 percent in Fiscal Year 2013, 30.12
percent in Fiscal Year 2014, 30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015, 27.77 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, 25.92
percent in Fiscal year 2017, 25.68 percent in Fiscal Year 2018, 26.02 percent in Fiscal Year 2019 and
24.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2020.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' IPERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the current
9.44 percent — a difference of 64 percent. With MFPRSI during the same period, however, the
difference between the statutory minimum and the maximum (30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015) is
almost 79 percent.
Another small but contributing factor is the state's decision to phase out payments to MFPRSI.
At one time, the state contributed 3.79 percent of payroll to the system — an amount that would be
more than $9 million now. Then the contribution level became a flat $2.7 million — and it's dwindled
since then. The state used to contribute $1.5 million a year and now they contribute zero.
In a larger context, the public -safety -pension issues relates to local control. Cities cannot bargain with
police and firefighter unions on pensions, yet they have to fund them at state -mandated levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
The State of Iowa shall fund their obligated percentage for their share (3.79%). Change
legislation to lift the cap for the employee contribution and consider reducing enhanced
benefits for new employees coming into the system.
b. 411 SUBROGATION
Currently in Chapter 411, cities are not allowed to seek reimbursement from Third Parties for costs
incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims. As such, a Police or Fire employee may collect
against the City for an injury or illness claim and collect a second time for the same incident against a
Third Party. If the employee is successful in getting payment from the Third Party, the City is currently
not able to obtain reimbursement (subrogate) from the Third -Party payment.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Chapter 411 to allow cities to seek reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred
for Police and Fire injury and illness claims.
291Page
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE
Iowa Code Section 509A.13 states:
"If a governing body, a County Board of Supervisors, or a City Council has procured for its employees
accident, health, or hospitalization insurance, or a medical service plan, or has contracted with a Health
Maintenance Organization authorized to do business in the state, the governing body, County Board of
Supervisors or City Council shall allow its employees who retired before obtaining sixty-five years of age
to continue participation in the group plan or under the group contract at the employee's own expense
until the employee obtains sixty-five years of age."
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued an Accounting Standard Statement
75, related to other post -employment benefits. This statement requires public employers sponsoring
and subsidizing retiree health care benefit plans to recognize the cost of such benefits on an accrual
basis. This post employment benefit is provided in the form of an implicit rate subsidy where pre -age 65
retirees receive health insurance coverage by paying a combined retiree/active rate for the self -insured
medical and prescription drug plan. This creates a liability that must be reflected on the year-end
financial statements. We are not required to fund this obligation; however, the total obligation appears
in our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
REQUESTED ACTION
Repeal Iowa Code 509A.13, Continuation of Group Insurance.
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12. IOWA CODE CHANGES
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS
Legislation related to mobile homes and mobile home communities was adopted at a time when mobile
homes were truly mobile. Today, mobile homes are more stationary than they have been historically.
However, Iowa laws have not been updated to reflect this important and highly consequential change.
Today, some companies are using current law to their financial benefit and to the detriment of mobile
home community residents. These predatory practices are putting vulnerable citizens in financially
precarious situations and sometimes in financial jeopardy. Mobile home communities can be a viable
choice in Iowa's efforts to create affordable housing opportunities across the state. Therefore, review
and reform of current law is vital. Specific recommendations include basic fairness considerations such
as justification and notice for lot rent increases and good cause for refusal to continue a lease, with
clarification that legitimate business reasons can satisfy these requirements. In addition, it is important
that the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division have the ability to enforce against predatory
practices.
REQUESTED ACTION
A comprehensive review and reform of the State code related to mobile home community
protections is necessary to protect Iowa citizens and to support the goal of affordable housing in
Iowa.
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDON DED LOTS
A gap has been identified in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A; while cities can petition for title to abandoned
residential, commercial, and industrial properties with buildings, cities have no authority under
657A.10A to petition for title to abandoned lots. Abandoned lots can be time consuming and expensive
for cities to maintain.
REQUESTED ACTION
Include abandoned lots in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A and allow cities to petition for title to
abandoned lots as well as abandoned residential, commercial, and industrial properties with
buildings.
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING
Current legislation provides for a penalty to be placed upon the establishment that serves minors.
However, only a simple misdemeanor penalty is placed upon the underage person attempting to
purchase alcoholic beverages. This does not discourage this problem, which is particularly prevalent in
college -age students. In an effort to combat underage consumption and "Binge Drinking" by our college
age population, we would ask legislative consideration to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty
found in Iowa Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in Iowa Code Chapter
321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
31 1 Page
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE
One of the criteria for the issuance of a State of Iowa liquor license is determined by "Person of Good
Moral Character" as defined in State of Iowa Code 123.3 (26)(d). The State fails to consider the local
municipality's interpretation of "Person of Good Moral Character" prior to issuing a liquor license.
REQUESTED ACTION
Urge legislators to eliminate "good moral character" language and replace it with objective
standards.
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
The City supports efforts by city attorneys to create legislation that would allow the city to regulate
adult entertainment. Draft legislation would provide that cities and counties would regulate
establishments that offer, allow or permit nude or semi-nude dancing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation drafted by city attorneys of Iowa giving the City authority to regulate adult
entertainment establishments.
321Page
13. PLANNING & ZONING
a. EXAPND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
Cities have extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for up to two miles from their corporate limits for
subdivision review and approval only if the County has zoning for the rural areas. Extending the cities'
ETJ to include review and approval of zoning changes would facilitate planned and managed growth.
Legislation should provide incentives for governments to voluntarily plan together and identify
recommended land use impact to be considered during the planning process. Support legislation that
expands land management practices such as ETJ of cities to include review and approval of zoning
changes.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation enabling cooperative planning and effective land management practices
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES
State agencies, local governments, and other public entities shall consider and may apply the following
principles during deliberation of all appropriate planning, zoning, development and resource
management decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support comprehensive planning and the Smart Planning Principles outlined in Iowa Code, and
opposes any legislation to remove or weaken the practice of sound planning in Iowa's
communities.
c. LIVABLE COMMUIJTIES
A livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and
transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Supports state policies that seek to improve quality of life by promoting development of
safe, accessible, and vibrant environments. Policies could address sustainable land use,
mixed use developments, multigenerational and affordable housing, alternative
transportation, and efforts to help residents age in place.
• Support legislation to enable land banking and similar community -based programs to
address blight and disinvestment.
• Supports increased investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low and moderate income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG)
The State of Iowa needs to restore funding to the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG). This
program was the only "brick & mortar" fund to encourage cultural growth and development throughout
the state of Iowa. The Historic Site Preservation Grant provided funds to acquire, repair, rehabilitate,
331Page
and develop historic sites that preserve, interpret, or promote Iowa's cultural heritage. Projects funded
by this program had to promote an understanding of the record of human experience within Iowa.
All HSPG projects were limited to work on "vertical infrastructure," which is defined in Iowa Code
Chapter 8.57 as "land acquisition for construction, major rehabilitation of buildings, all appurtenant
structures, utilities, and site developments."
The maximum allowable grant request was $100,000. The minimum allowable grant request was
$40,000. Projects required dollar -for -dollar cash match.
REQUESTED ACTION
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG).
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code requires that "At least one resident of each designated area of
historical significance shall be appointed to the commission." This requirement is problematic for the
City of Dubuque's Old Main Historic District, which is primarily commercial. It would be beneficial for
the City in the recruitment and retention of commissioners to be able to appoint property owners to
represent historic districts. Furthermore, since historic preservation regulations apply to the
rehabilitation, renovation, and restoration of property, allowing property owners to serve on the
commission would be appropriate.
Furthermore, some Iowa cities are experiencing burgeoning commissions as historic districts are
designated and representatives of each district are appointed. To avoid "over -populating" a
commission, allowing a majority of the districts to be represented on a historic preservation commission
would be appropriate.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation allowing property owners to represent a majority of the historic districts on the
Historic Preservation Commission.
APPEAL OF ACTIONS BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code states that an aggrieved party may appeal the action of a historic
preservation commission to the City Council, and then to district court. The City Council, like the court,
has to consider whether the commission exercised its powers and followed the guidelines established by
law and ordinance, and whether the commission's action was "patently arbitrary and capricious." This
process places the City Council in the difficult and uncomfortable position of interpreting technical
guidelines and determining their appointees "arbitrary and capricious." The City Council would support
an alternative process.
Also, there is no procedure specified in Section 303.34 for appeals to district court. The procedure for
appeals should be spelled out in that section.
REQUESTED ACTION
Consider legislation providing an alternative appeal process regarding an action of the historic
preservation commission. Also, clarify the procedure for appeals to the district court.
341Page
g. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF
With pending approval for federal dollars for infrastructure and other projects, there will be greater
demand for Section 106 Reviews as part of environment review compliance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase SHPO staff to review Section 106 reviews in a timely manner.
351Page
14. PARKS & RECREATION
a. PARKS TO PEOPLE INITIATIVE
The Iowa Parks Foundation has been working tirelessly to create economic and recreational facilities
opportunities to grow all regions across the State of Iowa. The Jones, Jackson and Dubuque County
region was selected for the Iowa Parks Foundation's pilot project. The pilot project - Parks to People -
aims to better connect state, county and city regional park systems to local communities. The initiative
beautifies and improves state, county and city parks to ensure Iowa will become a premier parks region
in the Midwest. Parks to People is also a quality -of -life program for the citizens of the State of Iowa and
an economic development and tourism enhancement initiative.
As a part of the first pilot region (Dubuque, Jones and Jackson counties), parks in the region received
$1.9 million in state appropriation and has been assisting in raising an additional 5:1 match which will
include financial contributions and volunteer donations of time, talent and resources. Currently the
region which is now called Grant Wood Loop has projects totaling over $50 million to build upon the
state's $1.9 million appropriation far, far greater than the 5:1 match required of the state provided
funding. More than 80 projects across the three counties (both rural and urban) were completed prior
to the December 2018 pilot project deadline.
The regional Grant Wood Loop initiative continues today with very strong public -private, government,
and nonprofit partnerships. The City of Dubuque supports the regional Parks to People efforts and
promotes the goals of regional collaboration: economic development, quality of life, wellness,
education, arts and culture and outdoor recreation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Create $2 million -dollar dedicated funding for regional planning, redevelopment, enhancement
and development planning and implementation that leverages strong public -private partnership
with state resources leveraged at 5:1 match at the State Department of Natural Resources.
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
The ability of 1,400-acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque to remain a focal point for
environmental and cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri-state area of
Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin is seriously threatened by tenuous State funding.
Local Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain is a regional destination where visitors and residents can reconnect with the natural,
cultural and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and comprehensive outdoor and indoor
learning opportunities.
The Mines of Spain and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center currently serves over 250,000 visitors annually
and provides hundreds of programs for school aged children, college students, youth groups and
families.
When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS)
planned and coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the original space for
educational purposes, raised $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal funds.
36 1 Page
The award -winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center welcomes visitors to one of the region's best -
conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the
park.
Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation raised over $1.98 million to acquire and developed a 52-acre addition adjacent to the
Interpretive Center.
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes woodlands, prairie, and bluff lands that overlook the
Mississippi River along a 3-mile shoreline. This state park is a National Historic Landmark and a state
preserve. Trails connect visitors to a farm site, forests, prairies, archeological sites, and wetlands.
It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological habitats ranging from bluff lands that overlook the
river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands and wetland.
This National Historic Landmark also contains thousands of years of human history dating from the early
Mississippian period through the early 20`" century. Mounds, village sites, rock shelters, trading post
sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area was designated in 2005 as a
Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
State Support for Investment and Operation
The IDNR, the City, and the Friend of the Mines of Spain have an excellent track record as partners. This
partnership success can continue with the increased and stable funding for the operation, maintenance,
and staffing of the Mines of Spain. Success, we believe, will be reached with asset management funding
from secure State funding sources to enable us to fully use the expanded Interpretive Center and park
area. With stable State funding, Park staff can maintain the Mines of Spain as the local, regional, state
and national treasure it is and should remain. The outcome is a place for expanded education, increased
experiences for the visitor and heritage tourism to attract more visitors to the state. Without this
increased/stable funding the ability to use and appreciate these newly built and acquired
facilities/land are seriously threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
COVID-19 brought thousands of new park users to the Mines of Spain Recreation Area and that usage
has remained very high. This use increases the health, both physical and brain health of Iowans. The
increased usage creates additional need for maintenance staffing and support thus state help is needed
for increased funding for the operations and staffing of Mines of Spain Recreation Area.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the parks as well as park staffing for
the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area especially because there are active local partners in
the Friends of Mines of Spain and the City of Dubuque.
c. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP)
REAP stands for Resource Enhancement and Protection. It is a program in the State of Iowa that invests
in, as its name implies, the enhancement and protection of the state's natural and cultural resources.
371Page
REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (Iowa gaming receipts) and from the sale of the
natural resource license plate. The state legislature sets the amount of REAP funding every year.
Interest from the REAP account and receipts from the sale of natural resource license plates add about
$500,000 to this appropriation.
Last year REAP received an appropriation of $12 million although the REAP program is authorized to
receive $20 million per year.
REAP has been used extensively in Dubuque for land acquisition and trails. Most recently it was used to
acquire an adjoining property to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and extension of the
Northwest Arterial Trail which directly connects to the Heritage Trail as well as environmental
restoration of Eagle Point Park. Both benefit tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active
recreation. Since 1998 Dubuque County has received over $6.95 million in REAP allocations for 220
projects for city parks and open space grants, conservation education, county conservation grants and
allocations, historic resource development grants, land management, roadside vegetation, and soil and
water enhancement.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request that the Iowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of $20 million and
create more permanent year after year funding.
d. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND
The Iowa Legislature has a great opportunity to fulfill its promise to Iowans to protect Iowa's land and
water by passing a measure that funds the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also
called Iowa's Water and Land Legacy.
In 2010, over 60% of Iowa voters supported creation of the Fund to provide reliable and dedicated
funding for the protection of water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and improvement of
natural areas such as fish and wildlife habitat. However, no money will go into it unless the Legislature
raises the sales tax. If raised, the first three -eighths of the tax will go toward the Trust Fund. It was
reported that this would generate about $150 million a year. Once funded, the Trust Fund guarantees
that money in the Trust be allocated as shown in the graph.
REAP Our most productive soil is
being lost at an alarming
Soil & Water Conservation rate, threating the economic
' Local Conservation Partnerships engine that is Iowa's family
farms. Funding the Trust
Fund will provide protection
of these resources for future
bitat, Parks & Preserves generations by:
Watershed Protection1l
Trails Lake Restoration
38 1 Page
Providing significant funding for investments in voluntary soil conservation practices and
technology that can improve yields and profits on Iowa farms.
Fostering and leveraging partnerships between agriculture, the non-profit and private sectors
and government for implementation of water quality and soil conservation practices.
Allocating 33% of the funding to voluntary soil and water conservation and local conservation
partnerships.
The Trust Fund will also allow for investment in natural approaches to flood prevention that can
improve water quality while protecting our farms, cities and neighborhoods from future flooding.
Outdoor recreation provides real economic benefits to Iowa's communities, particularly rural ones by
contributing millions in local and state tax revenues, providing jobs and generating billions of dollars in
Iowa's economy.
• Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching generate $1.54 billion per year in Iowa. This includes $974
million in local retail sales, creating and supporting more than 17,800 jobs.
• Hunters alone support over 7,000 jobs in Iowa and spend over $449 million annually on their
sport, which in turn generates over $47.8 million in state tax revenue.
• Visits to state parks, county parks, lakes and trails are estimated at 50 million visits per year,
representing $2.63 billion in spending levels.
• River recreation supports more than 6,350 jobs with $824 million in sales and $139 million of
personal income.
Recreational amenities and quality of life opportunities are critical to recruiting and retaining a highly
educated and motivated workforce.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 6 and 3/8 percent with the 3/8
of one percent to be deposited in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
that the voters of Iowa already supported with a significant majority.
e. STATE RFCRFATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
The state recreational trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout
Iowa for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public. The program is restricted to the acquisition,
construction or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated
public use upon completion.
The citizens of Dubuque have benefitted from this grant program to establish trails in our community
connecting recreational resources as well as providing trail transportation corridors for bikes and
pedestrians. Trails continue to grow in popularity and are an economic engine for the state.
In the last six years the Iowa Department of Transportation program has had funding of $3.4, $2.5, 1.2,
$1, $1.5, and $1 million to award with requests each year ranging from $23.4 million to $10.5 million in
the lowest year. The need far outweighs the funding available which keeps decreasing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Authorize additional funding each year at a stable level appropriate to the needs for the State.
The fund typically had a $2 million funding but in recent years that has seen a 25 to 50% decline.
391Page
15. ARTS & CULTURE
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING
Vibrant and livable communities in Iowa are those that support and invest in arts, culture, and
humanities initiatives and programs as tools for economic and community development. Equitable
access to and representation in arts and cultural programs improves the quality of life for all Iowans and
stimulates economic activity, helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce which is essential to
Iowa's economic vitality and competitive edge. Arts and culture as a stand-alone industry is a bustling
sector, supporting a wide variety of education, entertainment, recreational, and skilled -trades jobs while
providing essential revenue streams for local travel and hospitality businesses and generating significant
contributes to federal, state, and local governments. Iowa's arts and culture sector is a necessary
element of the state's overall COVID-19 recovery strategy and a long-term asset for the state's overall
growth and vitality in the 21st century.
Community -created
Solidarity Mural at
Dubuque's Five Flags Civic
Center. Designed by local
artist Shelby Fry. Painted
by 75+volunteers, June
2020. Photograph by Bob
Felderman.
Nationally, the arts culture sector and creative economy is a $804.2 billion industry, representing $26
billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. This equates to 4.3% of the nation's GDP — a larger share
of the economy than construction (4.0%) or education services (1.1%). In Iowa, the arts and culture
sector contributes an estimated $4 billion to the state's economy, representing 2.2% of the state's GDP
and representing 42,373 jobs in 5,000+ for -profit and non-profit businesses.
Artists and nonprofit organizations, particularly those dependent on revenue from contract work and
earned income, have been especially hard-hit by COVID-19 cancellations, closures, and lost
opportunities.
According to a recent survey of Iowa cultural organizations:
• Iowa arts and cultural organizations incurred financial losses of at least $31.2 million as of
August 26, 2020.
• 95% have reported cancelling events, impacting more than 1.2 M Iowans.
• Organizations have lost about 2.7 million attendees since March.
• More than 1,400 arts and creative workers have been furloughed or laid off in Iowa.
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A survey of Dubuque nonprofit arts and culture organizations in April 2021 point to at least $3.9 million
in unrealized operating and program revenue in 2020 versus 2019 for the sector locally. CARES Act and
American Rescue Plan Funds, along with Shutter Venue Operator Grants and Payroll Protection Program
funding has helped these organizations to weather the height of the storm. Continued appropriations to
State arts and culture agencies will be key to the sector's resiliency and role in helping communities
rebuild and recover.
According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Iowa ranked 41st in per capita spending of
46 cents for arts and culture through its state arts agency in FY2021. The National average is $1.21.
Neighboring states are rank higher than Iowa: Minnesota ranks 1st at $6.37, Illinois 19th at $1.05, and
Nebraska 26th at 79 cents. These noted FY2021 appropriations include line -item funds designated by
the legislature to pass through the state arts agency to other entities.
In 2012, Dubuque participated in one of the most comprehensive economic impact studies of the
nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The Arts & Economic Prosperity
IV study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for
advancing the arts and arts education. The results showed that Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture
sector generates $47.2 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs
and generating $5 million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household
income to local residents. Dubuque has elected to participate in the upcoming Arts & Economic
Prosperity VI study to assess the current economic and update impact figures of our nonprofit arts and
culture organizations.
The Dubuque City Council prioritized arts and culture investment to foster equitable access and
representation in a thriving arts and culture community. 'Diverse arts, culture, parks, and recreation
experiences and activities' is one of eight City of Dubuque 2036 Goals.
Since 2004, the Dubuque's City Council has taken actions such as establishing an Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Committee, dedicating $35,000 annually in special project grants, and establishing a Downtown
Cultural Corridor managed by Dubuque Main Street. Additional investments include an operating
support grant program for local arts and culture non -profits which has grown from $200,000 in FY06 to
$250,000 in FY21.
We enjoy an annual rotating public sculpture program, seeded as a ten-year $300,000 CIP in FY06 and
now funding through the City's general fund at $37,500 annually. A part-time, now full-time staff
position, of Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator was added in FY09 and continues as a key member of the
City's Economic Development Department team. To date, the City of Dubuque has provided $3.96
million in direct funding for arts and culture since the establishment of the City's Arts and Cultural
Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. City funding alone is insufficient for local arts and culture sectors
and creative economies to flourish, especially in rural communities where municipal funding for the arts
rarely exists and even in communities like Dubuque where the arts are invested in as a key tool for
community success.
In 2014, the City recognized the need for master arts planning to advance its' reputation as a regional
creative and cultural hub. The resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan was adopted by City Council in
2016 and serves as a guide to assist the City in strategic resource management, to sustain arts and
culture as an integral part of the community's social and cultural vibrancy. The plan engages the
community in the implementation of the plan, reflecting the community's vision to utilize arts and
411 Page
culture to enhance our sense of place, contribute to Dubuque's economic vitality, create and support an
environment where art and culture thrive, and enrich Dubuque culturally, aesthetically, educationally,
and economically.
The support of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), its various divisions, and their
subsequent grant programs, is vital to the arts and culture organizations and creative workers in
Dubuque. Dubuque does not currently offer grant programs for individual artists or for -profit culture
entities; the Iowa Arts Council (IAC) Project Grants and Iowa Artist Fellowship Program provide critical
opportunities for creative culture bearers to create their work and engage their communities. IAC's
other grant programs including School Arts Experience, Cultural Heritage Project Grants, Cultural
Leadership Partner Operating Support Grants, Arts Build Communities Grant, and others provide
essential support for educational opportunities, community enrichment, and economic development
arts -based projects that would not take place without sustained or increased funding from Iowa's
legislative appropriation to its state arts agency.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank IDCA for serving as a key resource for local arts
agencies, organizations, and artists across the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have
provided prompt and thoughtful support of the sector, efficiently creating one-time grant programs to
put CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds to work on the ground in local communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to regard and fund the arts and culture sector as an essential Iowa industry
attracting and retaining Iowa's workforce, inspiring business development, supporting
economically viable jobs, generating state and local government revenue, and as a
cornerstone of the state's tourism economy.
• Continue to support and fund programs at or above FY21 levels through the Iowa
Department of Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa, Produce
Iowa, and Humanities Iowa) to continue recognizing and promoting Iowa's cultural heritage
as key in COVID-19 recovery strategy for all Iowa communities.
• Provide funding for appropriate staffing levels at the Department of Cultural Affairs to
increase service and support of the arts and culture community throughout all parts of the
state.
• Explore and implement funding mechanisms to raise the ranking of Iowa from 41st in the
nation per capita through the state's arts agency as reported by the National Assembly of
State Arts Agencies Legislative appropriations including line items for Iowa are projected to
be reduced to 32 cents per capita representing a 30.7% decrease in funding, dropping
Iowa's ranking to 46th in the nation.
421Page
16. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY
a. ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Every year, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranks states on their energy efficiency
policy and program efforts. Iowa's rank continues to slide nationally for its efforts to promote energy
efficiency. Businesses, residents and local governments have taken advantage of existing incentive
programs, but still have much work to do in order to make their new and existing buildings more energy
efficient. As energy efficiency is achieved, private and public organizations as well as individuals have
begun to explore a variety of alternative and renewable energy options to increase their energy
independence, reduce dependence on coal and oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the
competitiveness of local business and improve public health.
In 2016, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation initiated a
statewide process to develop the Iowa Energy Plan. The plan, which the City of Dubuque has been
engaged in developing, focuses on energy as an economic development opportunity, Iowa's energy
resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and transportation and infrastructure.
However, in 2018, legislation imposed a spending cap on utility demand -side investment and now allows
customers to opt out of paying for programs that fail to pass the Ratepayer Impact Measure test. Early
indications from utility filings forecast a drop -in savings of 25-50% for electric programs and 75-80% for
gas programs (Source: American Council for an Energy -Efficient Economy). The impact of these cuts is
already being felt in Dubuque, with decreased funding for the Green Iowa AmeriCorps program. The
decreased funding for rebates and other efficiency programs continues to be felt by our residents and
businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
• The City strongly advocates for implementation of the recommendations of the Iowa Energy
Plan, specifically as they relate to energy efficiency and opportunities to support the
development of renewable energy resources in the state. The City is represented in the
Dubuque County Energy District and will work collaboratively with energy districts across
the state to provide leadership and technical assistance to advance efficiency and
renewable work.
Successful energy efficiency incentive programs should be continued and increased, and
Iowa should explore opportunities to remain competitive with other states in offering
incentives for the installation and utilization of renewable and alternative energy.
Specifically, the state should consider a progressive energy policy that works with local
governments and utilities to 1) provide energy efficiency assistance, especially to low-
income families, 2) remove barriers to widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 3)
stabilize renewable energy incentives, and 4) protect net metering and third -party power
purchase agreements and support other opportunities to make renewable energy more
cost-effective and accessible.
• The City supports removal of code language that prevents cities from adopting a stricter
energy code and encourages the state to adopt the 2018 IECC energy code as well as the
International Green Construction Code (IGCC). In addition, the City supports adopting all
431Page
building codes one year after issued by the ICC, which impacts water usage, EV charging
infrastructure, HVAC and other resources.
• The City supports state legislation to permit Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, in
Iowa. PACE financing offers an innovative way for property owners to pay for energy
efficiency upgrades with strong ROls that create jobs for Iowans. PACE programs can now
be used in over 37 states and has provided millions of dollars to improve buildings according
to the US Green Building Council. Long-term financing linked to properties incent
investment in energy -efficiency and renewable energy projects with long-term ROls and
promote equitable sharing of costs and savings among current and future owners and
tenants. In addition, the state should offer tax credits from building above the adopted
energy code (such as PHIUS, DOE Net Zero, etc.) and offer tax credits for efficiency upgrades
to low-income occupied homes and rental units.
• The City recognizes that buildings make up the majority of our resource usage and supports
making all buildings be Watersense-certified and proposes an energy -use disclosure at sale
or lease of all structures.
• Additionally, the City supports the Iowa Clean Cities Coalition and is interested in partnering
with the State in any way possible to advance the development of alternative fuel fleets and
the infrastructure needed to make those fleets possible in the public and private sector.
Support policies that incentivize electric vehicles (EVs) and allow for development of electric
vehicle charging infrastructure.
Iowa is one of the national leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused
on wind energy, the solar industry has been growing. From 2015 to 2019, solar -related jobs
in Iowa grew from 350 to 900. Iowa's renewable energy record is a selling point in business
recruiting and the tax credit spurred a lot of investment in communities across the state.
Additionally, the state needs to reinstate the Iowa Solar Tax Credit and increase the
allotment to $10 million annually.
b. REPEAL OF THE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS CONTROL PROGRAM
The Beverage Containers Control Program, also known as the "Bottle Bill," is an effective way to revive
spoiled waterways, tackle waste management issues and address climate change. Recent years have
seen the introduction of legislation that would repeal the beverage containers control program and
create a recycling enhancement program. While this legislation has been characterized as moving in the
direction of a more comprehensive statewide solution making recycling easier and more strategically
addressing litter, the real consequences of such legislation would be to shift collection and cost burden
from redemption centers to local government. This increased cost of recycling services would fall
squarely on the taxpayers of Dubuque and other Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose bottle bill legislation that would shift the burden of recycling cans and bottles to local
taxpayers. Modernize the state's policy to increase the handlers fee.
441Page
17. PUBLIC HEALTH
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
IARPA and CARES money is one-time and specifically for COVID relief. Local public health agencies
(LPHAs) need dedicated, reliable, and flexible funding to deliver on their CHNA/HIPS and address the
knock -on "social morbidities" of COVID that will be seen for years if not generations to come.
For the past 20 years, local public health agencies have been creating, refining, updating and adding
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Plans (PHEPRP.) Before and soon after the 9/11
attacks, local public health followed the national initiative of preparing for biological, chemical,
radiological, weather and other public health related disasters and emergencies. Simultaneously, we
experienced more and more newly emerging infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, resistant TB,
MRSA, West Nile, Ebola, Zika, cyclospora, E.Coli 0157:H7, SARS, MERS, H1N1 influenza, Toxic Shock
Syndrome and others. These along with re-emerging outbreaks of diseases we thought we'd conquered
such as mumps, measles and whooping cough continue to persist along with outbreaks from new
sources or ways of spread from pathogens such as cryptosporidia, giardia, salmonella, shigella, and
Hantavirus. Congress responded to most of these with limited term, disease specific and preparedness
planning funding to states, who in turn funded local health departments and public health agencies
through grant processes. As the outbreaks subsided and healthcare learned to treat the infectious
diseases the funding was reallocated to other priorities or cut entirely. This reactionary, short term
public health funding does not create a system or public health agencies are ready to respond to
epidemics and pandemics, climate and weather related emergencies etc in a timely and effective
manner.
Public health requires ongoing funding, education and resources to prepare for and respond to public
health emergencies, including those that happen at the state, local, federal and world levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase and protect funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen the
nation's public health infrastructure.
b. BRAIN HEALTH
The 2017 Iowa Acts, Chapter 109, Section 17 directed the Department of Human Services (Department)
to convene a stakeholder workgroup to: "...make recommendations relating to the delivery of, access to,
and coordination and continuity of brain health, disability, and substance abuse disorder needs,
particularly for individuals with complex brain health, disability, and substance use disorder needs."
The Complex Service Needs Workgroup recommends expanding and improving Iowa's brain health and
substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for individuals with the most complex service needs by
developing and implementing in strategic locations throughout Iowa.
City of Dubuque Public Health and Safety officials recognize the positive aspects of the
recommendations that align with City Council priorities. The recommendations are very comprehensive
and address the continuum of care for behavioral and brain health issues, from mild to serious
diagnoses. The recommendations also provide the opportunity for the regions to collaborate certain
types of facilities and treatments. The recommendations address law enforcement issues and provides
tools for law -enforcement and other entities working in community health.
451Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the recommendations from the report of the Complex Service Needs Workgroup to
expand and improve Iowa's brain health and substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for
individuals with the most complex service needs by developing and implementing the following
facilities and services in strategic locations throughout Iowa and supports the following
legislative action:
• Require brain health and disability services (MHDS) regions to establish, implement, and
maintain services in partnership with managed care organizations (MCOs) in strategic
locations throughout Iowa.
• Direct the Department to establish a single set of provider qualifications and access
standards that are used for Chapter 24 accreditation, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise for Medicaid
enrollment, MHDS Region standards, and MCO utilization review standards.
• Direct the Department to establish access standards that allow and encourage multiple
MHDS Regions to strategically locate and share intensive, specialized services among and
between MHDS Regions to best serve Iowans in the most efficient manner possible.
• Eliminate the Iowa code that limits the number of sub -acute care facility beds.
• Establish brain health specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with
standing appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections.
The City also supports the Workgroup's recommendation that the Department of Human Services and
Public Health (Departments) review the interim report with the Courts and seek their agreement and
support.
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES
Citizen input describing the experience of navigating the brain health resources for children in Iowa
describe a system that is fraught with challenges. These challenges frequently preclude successful
outcomes.
Children's' brain health protocols need to be tailored and age appropriate and not modeled after adult
systems. Barriers to care, lack of services, scarcity of providers, and lack of professional services in
schools and day care all mitigate against good brain health solutions.
The Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board identified the following priorities:
• Ensure stable and adequate funding of the children's system.
• Continue service growth to all areas of the state including but not limited to core and core plus
services.
• Address challenges impacting the behavioral health workforce, including implementing
strategies to enhance the current behavioral health workforce.
• Implement universal behavioral health screenings with informed consent by children's parent or
guardian.
46 1 Page
• Continue to develop and implement statewide data collection pertaining to children with a
serious emotional disturbance.
• Provide funding to eliminate the children's mental health waiver waitlist.
• Conduct statewide resource mapping for children's services.
• Explore and correct gaps in services.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the legislative priorities of the Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board.
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Iowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 69,000 Medicaid patients, which is
16% of the state's total Medicaid population. As unique primary health care providers that conveniently
offer medical, oral health and behavioral health services under one roof, CHCs frequently see patients
who have scheduled appointments for more than one type of visit on the same day (for example, a
patient will schedule a yearly medical exam and a dental cleaning on the same day). Unfortunately,
current Iowa Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow CHCs to be reimbursed for more than one
visit if they occur on the same day.
Allowing reimbursement for same day medical and dental visits will also facilitate the implementation of
an integrated primary healthcare model at CHCs. This model, which is clinically effective and cost
effective, utilizes close collaboration between a CHC's medical and oral health staff to provide a
seamless continuum of care for patients. Visits ideally occur to both on the same day, reducing the high
failure rate of referrals to behavioral health and allow for better coordination of medical and oral health
problems.
Although these issues should be resolved under managed care, there remain issues connected to
Managed Care Organization (MCO) same -day billing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Allow Medicaid reimbursement for same -day medical, oral health and behavioral health
services.
e. ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
With continuing issues related to the sustainability of the Health Insurance Marketplace in Iowa and the
proposals to replace or improve the Affordable Care Act, any changes need to ensure vulnerable and
low-income Iowans can access high quality, affordable health insurance, including Iowa's Medicaid
expansion program and other safeguards to maintain our historically low insurance rates.
REQUESTED ACTION
• It is imperative that any changes to Medicaid rates and coverage, or increased flexibility at
the state or federal level, include adequate services, providers, rates, and other safeguards.
• Maintain the integrity of the 340B pharmacy program with complimentary legislation to the
Federal legislation
471Page
• Establish an annual fund for capital expenditures to expand services, improve technology
and expand physical locations (last year's request was for $5 million.)
• Audio only telehealth is temporarily allowed under Public Health Emergency- a more
permanent solution is necessary because patients still cannot afford or can't always access
broadband, or they do not have the devices or ability for full video. Medical commercial
parity for telehealth for behavioral health services under commercial insurance was passed
last year.
f. REDUCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS
Require non -emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to be covered for all Medicaid patients who
have a demonstrated mobility issue. Studies have concluded that one of the largest barriers to care is
inadequate transportation to acute and prevention -focused appointments, resulting in a delay of lower -
cost medical services and increases in the use of costly emergency department visits. Including coverage
of NEMT will reduce missed appointments and decrease preventable healthcare costs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Iowa Code Chapter 249N to include non -emergency transportation services as a
reimbursable service for enrolled persons who have a demonstrated mobility issue.
g. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
One of the largest factors limiting a community health center's ability to provide patients quality care is
recruiting and retaining quality providers.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support and continue investment in the National Health Service Corp, and teaching health
centers to assist and promote health and dental providers to serve in rural areas, specialty
areas, and community health centers.
h. OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based
responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality represents a major and preventable
threat to public health. Deaths from unintentional drug poisoning have reached crisis levels in the
United States and in Iowa. Last year in Dubuque, we had nine opioid-related overdose deaths, and three
have occurred already this year. Other communities in Iowa are also experiencing the devastating
effects of illicit opioids.
A growing body of evidence and experience supports innovating community -level approaches to
preventing opioid overdose deaths in the broader context of efforts to reduce the risk of overdose
through primary prevention of opioid misuse. Numerous pilot programs and evaluations have
demonstrated the feasibility and viability of providing opioid education to the community, to health care
providers, including Nalaxone administration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring
Program, and harm reduction strategies.
The Dubuque community has been monitoring the increasing opioid crisis and we are very concerned
about the growing impact on our community. A local, community -based opioid response team has
assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 566 community and health
481Page
professionals, along with 187 law enforcement personnel, on Nalaxone administration and promoted
community -based organizations to educate the community on the opioid misuse problem. Much of the
task force work has become a model for the state and country.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with standing
appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections;
• Maintain coverage for vulnerable populations and ensure immediate health benefit
coverage to Medicaid and insurance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addicted offenders;
• Create a new public long-term treatment facility for dual diagnosis patients;
• Direct the Department of Human Services and Iowa Insurance Division to assemble a
comprehensive report containing the following elements:
• Coverage and payment policies for diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders by
insurance companies,
• Management care organizations and third -party administrators on behalf of self -funded
plans;
• Aggregate utilization data by county on the number of people treated, services provided,
costs incurred, and payments made;
• Prospects/research on the success of abuse -deterrent opioid pharmaceuticals.
• Explore and pilot the use of research -based harm -reduction strategies such as needle
exchange programs while providing education to law enforcement, the community, and
healthcare providers.
• Peer to Peer support. Recognize and support the importance of informal, peer supports
such as narcotics anonymous, I Hate Heroine, CRUSH etc. This includes expanding
education, increasing inclusivity and financial supports needed to expand reach and efforts.
i. NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Currently, a notice of code violation must be sent via certified mail to a property owner if the City
performs the required mitigation of the problem and assesses the cost to the property owner. We
suggest that a notice be sent via regular mail to the property owner. Oftentimes, it is difficult for people
to collect or pickup certified mail, particularly if they are not home at time of delivery. Certified also
adds a significant cost ($2.87) to the mailing of each notice.
REQUESTED ACTION
Change Iowa Code Section 364.12 (h) to allow mailing via regular mail.
j. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to Iowa. Of Iowa children born in 2004, 97.7% were tested at least
once before the age of six years, and 3.7% of these children were lead -poisoned (in eight counties, more
491Page
than 9% of the children were lead -poisoned). At the national level, the rate of lead poisoning among
children under the age of six years is so low that it is no longer reported. Homes built prior to 1978 are
likely to contain lead -based paint, and lead -based paint hazards are the leading cause of childhood lead
poisoning. In 2009, the Iowa General Assembly passed a law requiring all children to have proof of a
blood lead test prior to entering kindergarten.
Further complicating Iowan's ability to help their children, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
eliminated a $594,000.00 grant which the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has historically
received annually. This resulted in a 25% reduction in funds going to local health departments for lead
poisoning surveillance activities, and, more importantly, essentially eliminated the technical capacity of
the state level especially for data compilation and analysis. As IDPH keeps less than 5.0% of state funds
allocated to the lead poisoning preventing program, staff time will now be used for enforcement
activities related to contractors and inspectors, rather than the tracking and treatment of poisoned
children and maintaining accurate data.
REQUESTED ACTION
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the Iowa Department of Public health to continue its
crucial role as a technical advisor and data manager to local childhood lead poisoning
prevention programs (CLPPP) and increase funding levels for local CLPPP programs.
k. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
A decade ago, the Legislature charged the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture with preparing a
local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations for supporting and expanding
local food systems and for assessing and overcoming obstacles necessary to increase locally grown food
production. The Healthy Local Foods principle of Dubuque's sustainability model aims to provide
benefits of wholesome food from local producers, distributors, farms, gardens and hunters to all. The
City and its partners engaged in the Healthy Local Foods initiative have participated in the forming of the
Local Food & Farm Plan. In order for local institutions and consumers to increase their purchase and
consumption of local foods, barriers must be overcome that enable more produce and meat to be
produced, processed, and sold locally. Various studies have shown the value of a strong local food
system as an economic development tool.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support and help facilitate food donation and food rescue programs.
• Promote and facilitate grocery store investment in food deserts.
• Facilitate and fund Farm to School and Farm to Institution health food initiatives.
• Incentivize regenerative soil management practices for agriculture, school and community
gardens to protect Iowa's major industry and environmentally sensitive areas.
501Page
Fees Summary (Master Copy)
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Utility Billing
Human Rights
Human Rights
Health Services
Health Services
Health Services
Health Services
Health Services
Health Services
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
Fire Dept.
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk's Office
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Housing & Comm
Housing & Comm
Housing & Comm
# of Distinct Accounts Chareed
of the fine/fee
Penalties - FY18
Penalties - FY19
I
I
Are there exceptions that take into account
Description)Name
Y - if payment plan exists no penalties assessed
Y - if payment plan exists no penalties assessed
If
please
describe Late
the
accounting
for ability
to pay.
Fees)
YES
YES
What percentage of
revenue is collected by
Consequences
fine or fee?
Not able to determine
Not able to determine
of unpaid fine?
Other
Other
FY
FY r r
Fine/Fee
Fees
$273,771.63
$322,383.98
r
r r r
Issued
218,426
221,034
12,615
12,055
r r
$260,369
$256,517
r
$275,196.36
$295,734.81
Shut-off fee for non-payment of bill N YES Not able to determine Other $16,450 329 250 Included with Shut -Off Fee
Included with Shut -Off Fee
Shut-off fee for non-payment of bill
N
YES
Not able to determine
Other
$17,150
343
285 Included with Shut -Off Fee
Included with Shut -Off Fee
Shut off fee total, includes non-payment -
FY18
N
YES
Not able to determine
Other
$23,500
482
413
$22,923
$18,659.93
Shut off fee total, includes non-payment -
FY19
N
YES
Not able to determine
Other
$19,400
402
363
$23,721
$19,368.14
Meter Tampering - FY18
N
YES
Not able to determine
Other
$1,600
32
31
$1,789
$1,006.24
Meter Tampering - FY19
N
NO
Not able to determine
Other
$500
16
12
$1,319
$628.11
Civil Penalty for Fair Housing Violations
No
NO
100%- Only used once i
Sent to Collections
0
0
0
0
0
Attorneys Fees for Fair Housing Civil Action
No
NO
0%- Have not used in 21
Sent to Collections
0
0
0
0
0
Food Service/Food Establishment licsense
no
NA State Lai
YES
94%
Other
See Environmental
515
300
$213,000.00
$130,201.00
Pet license
no
None
YES
84%
Other
See Animal Control
10544
6923
$161,023.00
$174.554.00
Pool/spa inspection fee
no
NA State Lai
YES
97%
Other
See Environmental
29
29
$8,500.00
$9,123.00
Refuse Hauling Permit
no
None
NO
100%
Other
See Environmental
4
4
$650.00
$375.00
Pet impoundment fee
no
None
NO
100
Other
See Animal Control
215
215
$6,600.00
$8,040.00
Tattoo Licenses
no
NA State Lai
NO
84%
Other
See Environmental
6
6
$4,221.00
$3,993.00
IFire Report
Yes, no charge to owner/occupant
Not based o
NO
100%
Other
$10
21
21
0
225
Service Station License
No
YES
95%
Other
$25
65
65
$1,890
1625
Bulk Tank License
No
NO
100%
Other
Varies $80-$100
2
2
180
180
Blasting Permit
No
NO
100%
Other
$100
2
2
0
200
Fireworks Permit
No
NO
100%
Other
$100
3
3
0
300
Pyrotechnic Permit
No
NO
100%
$100
0
0
0
0
Burn Permit
No
NO
100%
Other
$25-$50
5
5
0
250
Basement Pump Out
No
NO
????
Other
$50 per hour
0
0
0
0
Unlock Door
No
NO
?????
Other
$15
0
0
0
0
Haz Mat Response Fee
No
NO
Sent to Collections
based on actual co!
5
5
$6,000
$8,992
Confined Space Fee
No
NO
75%
Other
$500
12
12
$6,000
$6,000
Ambulance Standby
No
NO
100%
Other
$80 per hour
22
22
$11,156
$14,010
Ambulance Fee
Yes CM may adjust fee
Must show I
NO
Sent to Collections
varies as per fee schedule
$1,300,858
$1,104,932
I Liquor License Applications
N
Governor's I
NO
100%
Other
$114,765.27
304
221
$111,793.00
$114,765.27
*ABD collects $51570
Tobacco Permits
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$8,150.00
79
79
$8,225.00
$8,150.00
Bike Licenses
Y
License regt
NO
100%- Full $5.00 id colk
Other
$90.00
18
18
$310.00
$90.00
Pawn Broker/Secondhand/Junk/Salvage Sales
Licenses
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$2,775.00
37
37
$6,275.00
**$7,260
** This amount includes
all business licenses
(lines 8-14). Line 15 N/A.
Solicitor License
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$2,200.00
14
14
Taxi Business License
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$835.00
5
5
Taxi Driver Permit
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$550.00
55
56
Adult Entertainment License
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$100.00
1
1
Controlled Livestock License
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$600.00
2
2
Mobile Vendor Business License
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$200.00
2
2
Farmers' Market Permit
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$0.00 - application
0
0
0
0
Special Event Permit
N
None
NO
100%
Other
$7,500.00
150
150
$7,650.00
$7,500.00
I Drive off Fee
No
NO
Other
$10.00
15
15
0
150
Account late charge
No
NO
Other
571
101
0
6012.7
Uncovered Load Commecial
No
NO
100
Other
$25
22
13
0
550
Uncovered Load Residential
No
NO
100
Other
$10
170
170
0
1700
Insufficient Funds Fee
No
NO
varies
Other
$5 per day $15 ma)
37
14
0
419
ROW violation fee - Solid Waste
Municipal Infraction
Rental Licensing Fee
No, standard business licensing fee
YES
=80%
Other
$30/building; $25/c =3600
=1500
$585,000.00
$444,000.00
Rental re -inspection fee
No, standard business fee
NO
=90% (this is higher noon
Other
$85/unit (this is our current fee, the fee schedule was different in fy
$152,000.00
$94,000.00
Complaint inspection fee
No, this is a business charge and there are ample opportunities
NO
=50%
Other
$85
$4,800.00
$2,600.00
7.87
Housing & Comml
MI - Non -licensed rental
NO
Unknown, collected by 4
Other
$375+$95CC if violation admitted otherwise $750+CC $38,000.00 $39,000.00 Collective MI Revenues for all MI types
Housing & COmmi
MI - Nuisance (rubbish, grass, etc.) Yes, option for community service
Community NO
Unknown, collected by i
Other
$100+$95CC if violation admitted otherwise $750+CC
Housing & Comml
MI - IPMC Violations
NO
Unknown, collected by 4
Other
$250+$95CC if violation admitted otherwise $750+CC
Housing & COmmi
Vacant/Abandoned Building Licensing Fee
NO
Unknown, collected by i
Other
$350
Housing & Comml
MI - Vacant/Abandoned Building Licensing
NO
TBD, in transitional year
Other
$100+$95CC if violation admitted otherwise $750+CC was not in housing in fy18-19
Housing & Comml
Rental Licensing Fee No, standard business licensing fee
YES
=80%
Other
$30/building; $25/c =3600 =1500 $252,100.00 $181,700.00
Engineering
I Sidewalk Permits
N
NO
Estimated 50%
Assessment
Engineering
Work in ROW Permit
N
NO
Estimated 80%
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Dumpster Permits
N
NO
Estimated 90%
Other
Engineering
Sidewalk Cafe
N
NO
Estimated 100%
Other
Engineering
Erosion/Sedimentation Permit
N
NO
Estimated 90%
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Traffic Camera CD Fee
N
NO
100%
Other
Engineering
Stormwater Utility Fee
Y - adjusted based on income. See Deron.
Household <. NO
Based on utility billing 91
Sent to Collections
Engineering
Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee
N
NO
100%
Other
Engineering
Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Fee
N
YES
100%
Other
Engineering
Demo Permit
N
NO
100%
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Illicit Discharge (Stormwater)
N
NO
unsure
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Erosion Sediment Control Violation
N
NO
unsure
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Illicit Discharge (Sanitary, Le I&I)
N
NO
unsure
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Snow Removal Admin Fee
N
NO
50%
Assessment
Engineering
Sidewalk Inspection
Y -graduated scale based on HUD guidelines.
Household < NO
80%
Other
Engineering
Driveway Permits
N
NO
80%
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Site Plan Enforcement (Ordinance)
N
NO
Unsure
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Revocable Permit
N
NO
100%
Other
Engineering
Irrevocable Permit
N
NO
100%
Other
Engineering
Sandwich Boards
N
NO
other
Engineering
Projecting Sign
N
NO
100%
Municipal Infraction
Engineering
Special Assessments
Y -graduated scale based on HUD guidelines.
Household <. NO
Property owner can pay
Assessment
Engineering
GIS Mapping
N
NO
100%
Other
THE CITY OF
DUBB�QTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
Mayor's Office
50 W 13`h St
All -America Eiq
Dubuque IA 52001
Office (563) 589.4110
®�
www.cityofdubuque.org
2007-2012-2013
2017*2019
May 20, 2022
To: Selection Committee
Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice
1438 Webster Street, Ste. 303
Oakland, CA 94609
On behalf of the City Council, City staff, and our partners in creating a more equitable and
community and organization of choice, I am pleased to offer this letter of support for the City of
Dubuque's application to join Cities & Counties for Fine & Fee Justice.
The City Council have made it a priority to become a more equitable community with
compassion as one of the values through which we achieve that goal. In 2020, we identified
Equitable Fine & Fee Reform as a Top Policy Priority. Since then, City staff have been
working to collect data, identify opportunities for reform, pilot changes, and measure results.
We are proud of our progress, and have much work left to do.
We have learned from our early work that we need to continue to improve our data collection
efforts to be able to identify where disparate impact is happening, and will continue this
systemic work while also prioritizing storytelling, community engagement, and legislative
advocacy to influence decisions that we do not control at the municipal level. City Council will
review policy reform changes as recommended by City staff, and look forward to the
opportunity to learn from and collaborate with other communities involved in this work through
this cohort.
In 2021, the City Council approved the creation of the Office of Shared Prosperity &
Neighborhood Support, the key department responsible for the implementation of our
Equitable Poverty Prevention & Reduction Plan. Additionally, Council approved the City
Manager's recommendation to create a Division of Community Impact as part of the Fiscal
Year 2023 budget process which will be responsible for working directly with non-profit
partners and others to create opportunities for diversion and alternatives to fines and fees.
We understand that this important work with take both policy change and the commitment of
resources to make meaningful change, and look forward to our continued work on this topic.
;ReZspectfullyC.�
Mayor
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Fountain
P R O G
of Youth
R A M
Selection Committee Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice
1438 Webster Street, Ste. 303
Oakland, CA 94609
I, along with my staff, write on behalf of myself and other board members/volunteers connected to the
City's involvement in the Second Cohort for Cities & Counties of Fines and Fee Justice. I want to voice my
commitment and support for the City of Dubuque. We collaborate with the City of Dubuque to support
efforts to provide a "hand -up" to individuals within the community. 50% of our participants are either
incarcerated or recently incarcerated individuals who have or already have obtained fines and fees, and
would benefit from an initiative such as this.
This reform initiative would be a great stepping stone towards assisting those in poverty and in minority
communities with building more manageable and equitable futures. Through this initiative we will see a
decline in criminal charges due to fees, the building of debt that is difficult to maintain, and an increased
commitment to the community.
Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's application for the funding request. Thank
you very much.
Sincerely,
Caprice Jones Executive Director
Sarah Coble Operations Manager
Emily Gruszczynski Marketing & Development Manager
Grant Grudzina Program Associate
220 W. 7t' Street Dubuque Iowa 1 (563) 587-8316 1 www.thefountainofyouthprogram.ora
The Fountain of Youth is a Public Charity 509 (a)(2) Organization exempt under IRC Section 501 (c)(3)
LIVE UNITED
i
`11 i
WE BELIEVE
We relieve every child
deserves a good education.
Every citizen deserves to
feel financially stable. Our
community deserves to be
healthy and strong.
OUR MISSION
To connect people and
resources to advance the
health, education and
income of those in need in
our community.
United Way of Dubuque
Area Tri-States
215 W. 6th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
tel 563.588.1415
DBQLlnitedWay.org
May 19, 2022
Selection Committee Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice
1438 Webster Street, Ste 303
Oakland, CA 94069
Dear Selection Committee:
I am writing to share United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-State's support of the City of
Dubuque's application to be a part of the Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice
cohort. As a community leader who has invested over 25 years in working in the
nonprofit field in this area, I am beyond thrilled, yet not surprised, to learn of the
City of Dubuque's interest in working to offer supports to close the gap that people
in poverty experience here locally. The City of Dubuque is a leader in working to
create collaborative and innovative ways to support our residents and this is only
one example of their dedication to our community.
Our residents who are living in poverty have added barriers they face with meeting
numerous fines and fees requirements that only set them further behind
financially, not to mention the emotional toll it takes on them and their families.
There have also been increased pandemic -related barriers impacting families that
are critical to address to assist some of our most vulnerable residents. The City of
Dubuque is in a position to engage collaborative support to inform their work and
to ultimately impact the residents in poverty who have experienced complicated,
systemic barriers to achieving success.
The City of Dubuque's interest in addressing systemic change around the impact of
fines/fees on our residents who are facing poverty is not only admirable but also
necessary for moving our community forward. I fully support their involvement in
this cohort opportunity and hope you will do the same.
rely,
Danielle Leibfried,
President/CEO
GIVE. ADVOCATE_ VOLUNTEER.
���
Community Foundation
of Greater Dubuque
May 10, 2022
Selection Committee Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice
1438 Webster Street, Ste. 303
Oakland, CA 94609
Dear Selection Committee,
700 Locust St., Suite 195, Dubuque, IA 52001
563.588.2700 1 dbgfoundation.org
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque fully supports of the City of Dubuque's involvement in the
Second Cohort for Cities & Counties of Fines and Fee Justice. The City has already made significant
progress addressing inequities in the fine and fee system, but participation in this cohort is a critical
resource to respond with urgency to produce immediate impact and establish lasting systemic change.
Through our Project HOPE initiative, we have been a key partner in the City's equitable poverty reduction
and prevention work. We know how much hard work has been done to understand the impact fines and
fees have on people struggling with poverty, so it is critical that we continue to assess the ability to pay,
leverage established and emerging community partnerships, and explore transformative models of
community service to minimize potential barriers to success.
We are encouraged by recent efforts by the City to address these inequities, including hiring three new
full-time staff to expand capacity and redirecting an existing leadership position to helm this division. The
City's work is centered on the implementation of pilots around the fines and fees in the areas of parking,
utility billing, ambulance fees, sidewalk snow removal assessments, and pet licenses. Three internal
workgroups are exploring the use of an administrative law judge -type process to avoid processing some
matters in the court system with the associated fees/costs, crisis intervention coordination to avoid criminal
charges resulting in court appearances, fines, and fees, as well as advocacy through story mapping.
This cohort as an opportunity for the City to present its work for peer review, collaborate, and explore
and share innovative strategies to reach residents through accessible forms of communication. We
appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this application.
Sincerely
Nancy Van Milligen
President & CEO
Our Mission: Strengthen communities and inspire giving.
Informed Consent Information Sheet
Project Title: Cultural Snapshots Project— Fines and Fees
Principal Investigator: Jake Kurczek
Research Assistants: Ciera Hansen, Rachael Hanson, Molly Monson, Erin Rieckens, Faith
Vincent, Maegen Zappia
PURPOSE OF STUDY:
We invite you to participate in a focus group research study. This study is a collaboration with
the City of Dubuque, in particular the Department of Human Rights. The purpose of the study is
to understand the experience of various cultural sub -groups within the city of Dubuque. In order
to better understand the experience within the city and in connection with various resources (or
the lack of experience and connection with various resources), we will conduct focus groups
with targeted cultural subgroups. The purpose of Cultural Snapshots is to introduce a particular
cultural/subcultural community to the broader community in Dubuque, to identify quality of life
issues directly affecting the community, and to begin to take steps to address disparities. The
report will be used to invite community organizations to create bridges of understanding and
reciprocal relationships with the members and leaders in the cultural/sub-cultural community in
order to effectively address disparities. This study is taking place in collaboration with the
Human Rights Department within the City of Dubuque government. We are inviting you to be in
this study because you are a citizen of the city of Dubuque, Iowa. Approximately 100
participants will take part in this study. The research will be conducted in Steeple Square and
other community centers.
STUDY PROCEDURE:
If you agree to participate, we would like you to participate in a focus group about your
experiences in the city of Dubuque. In total this focus group study will take about 1-2 hours of
time.
RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS:
At any time during the study, you may choose to stop participating without having to explain
your decision. There is minimal physical risk to you from any of the tests, although you may find
them boring and/or tiring. Participation in this study does not pose any foreseeable risks. The
only foreseeable risk in the study is loss of confidentiality, however, we have taken every
conceivable precaution to avoid collecting any identifiable information including not collecting
written informed consent. We also provide contact information for various social services in the
city to help connect you with help for a variety of experiences that we will be discussing.
BENEFITS:
Although we do not anticipate that you will benefit personally, we hope that others may benefit
in the future from what we learn as a result of this study. In the Cultural Snapshots project we are
hoping to better understand the various experiences of different subcommunities within the city.
We hope that this information can be used by the city to match initiatives and efforts to meet the
needs and desires of communities.
STUDY PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWL:
Taking part in this research study is completely voluntary. If you decide not to be in this study,
or if you stop participating at any time, you won't be penalized or lose any benefits for which
you otherwise qualify. Should you decide not to participate in the study, your relationship with
the researcher and/or Loras College or the City of Dubuque will not be in jeopardy.
COST/PAYMENT:
You will not have any costs for being in this research study. You will not be paid for being in
this research study.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
We will keep the information you provide confidential, however federal regulatory agencies and
the Loras College Institutional Review Board (a committee that reviews and approves research
studies) may inspect and copy records pertaining to this research. We will collect information
that you provide, but no link between your identity and your answers will ever be made. Your
answers are totally anonymous. If we write a report about this study, we will do so in such a way
that you cannot be identified. All information kept as part of this study will be kept indefinitely
under an anonymous ID in electronic form that is password protected at multiple levels (both
electronically and physically). We will use the information from the study here to develop a
follow-up instrument to further explore the issues raised in this focus group. We will be sharing
data from this study with the City of Dubuque including the Human Rights Department, Mayor's
office and City Council. Only individuals associated with this project will have access to your
raw, de -identified data. If we write a report about this study, we will not be able to identify you
by your data that you provide.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESEARCH?
If you have any questions about the research study itself, please contact Jake Kurczek
(jake.kurczek(cijoras.edu). If you experience a research -related injury, please contact: Kristen
Thompson, Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Kristen. Thompsongloras.edu.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ETHICS?
This research has been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Human Subject
Research at Loras College who look to protect the safety of students and personnel involved in
research.
If you have questions about the rights of research subjects, please contact Kristen Thompson,
Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Human Subject Research, 1450 Alta
Vista Street, Loras College, Dubuque, IA, 52001, Kristen.Thompsonkloras.edu. To offer input
about your experiences as a research subject or to speak to someone other than the research staff,
e-mail the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Human Subject Research at the address above.
WAIVER OF SIGNED INFORMED CONSENT:
I have received a copy of the informed consent information sheet, read it, and had the
opportunity to discuss this study with the experimenter to my satisfaction.
I understand that there are no anticipated risks with this study. I may become tired
during the testing session, but I will be able to take breaks between tasks. I
understand that the study will not benefit me directly but it is designed to improve
understanding of the experience in the city.
I understand that all information obtained during the study will be held in strict
confidence. No names or identifying information (e.g., address, phone number) will
be recorded on any response forms and will not be used in any publications or
presentations.
My participation in this study is voluntary. I understand that I can choose not to
participate and may withdraw at any time. I voluntarily consent to take part in the
study.
Participant:
This Informed Consent Information Document is not a contract. It is a written explanation of
what will happen during the study if you decide to participate. You are not waiving any legal
rights by participating. We are not requesting your signature for informed consent because of the
potential risks that collecting your identity could carry. Therefore, we are providing this
information sheet as a replacement for signed informed consent. You have the right to receive a
copy of this form.
City Fines and Fees Questionnaire
This questionnaire is completely anonymous. The City would like to find out more about how our fines and fees
affect our residents financially. We do not want experiences with the City to hurt our residents financially. Your
answers to these questions will help City staff understand how we can make decisions about fines and fees that
will most help our residents. Thank you for your participation.
Please rank monthly bills in the order that you pay them with available funds (1 being the most
important, 11 being the least important). If you don't pay a certain bill, place N/A:
— Rent/Mortgage
— Water
— Car Payment
— Car Insurance
— Electric
— Gas
— Cell Phone
— Cable/Internet
— Child Care
— Credit Card
— Student Loan
— Medical Bills
— Other:
Do you currently or have you ever had a fine or fee from the City of Dubuque?
❑ Yes (if Yes continue below)
❑ No (if No continue at Fee Questions Continued Section)
Fee Questions 1
1. What was the fine or fee?
2. How much was the fine or fee?
3. Was this fine or fee difficult to pay (for example, you needed to borrow money or forgo other
payments)?
4. Is there anything you would like to share with us about the experience (for example, your
ability to pay the fine — what you had to sacrifice, or the ease of finding the money to pay)?
Fee Questions 2
1. What was the fine or fee?
2. How much was the fine or fee?
3. Was this fine or fee difficult to pay?
4. Is there anything you would like to share with us about the experience?
Fee Questions 3
1. What was the fine or fee?
2. How much was the fine or fee?
3. Was this fine or fee difficult to pay?
4. Is there anything you would like to share with us about the experience?
5. Are there any other fines/fees that were difficult to pay that you would like to tell us about?
Fee Questions Continued
What do you think the City could do to make fines and fees more affordable for residents?
Is there anything else you would like to share about the City's fines and fees (for examples were fines or
fees difficult to understand)?
Criminal Justice Fines and Fees Questionnaire
Many fees and costs associated with the Criminal Justice System are mandated by the State of Iowa. The
information submitted below for Criminal Justice Fines and Fees is for data collection purposes in an effort for
the City to advocate for future fines and fees reform.
Have you ever had to pay court fines, fees, or costs for yourself or a loved one?
❑ Yes
❑ No (if No skip to Household Information Section)
Were the fines, fees or costs assessed for civil charges, criminal charges, or both?
❑ Civil
❑ Criminal
on. -Term
If you have had to pay for someone other than yourself, who have you made payments for?
❑ Family member
❑ Friends
❑ Other:
In what ways have you or your loved one received information about court fines, fees and costs? Please
check all that apply:
❑ Receive information from probation/parole officer
❑ Receive letters in the mail
❑ Receive calls from the court
❑ Receive calls from debt collectors
❑ Receive payment information from a hearing or judge
❑ Other:
Do you or a loved one owe any of the following to the courts? Check all that apply:
❑ Fines (ex. Burglary fine)
❑ Supervision fees
❑ Civil Violations
❑ Court costs
❑ Restitution
❑ Unsure
❑ Other:
How much have you had to pay in prison fines, fees, and costs? $
Have you or a loved one ever been on a payment plan for court fines or fees that you owe?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Unsure
If you answered "yes", how much is your payment plan per month? $
Are you paying on a regular basis?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to say
Has a judge or someone from the courts assessed you or your loved one's ability to pay fine, fees, and
costs? (For example, have you ever been asked about your income ?)
❑ Yes
Follow-up: By whom?
❑
Judge
❑
Court administrator
❑
Unsure
Have you or your loved one ever experienced any consequences for nonpayment?
❑ Lowered credit score
❑ Trouble meeting daily expenses such as childcare costs, groceries, transportation, etc.
❑ Missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payments, etc.
❑ Missed child support
❑ Stress over meeting court -ordered payments related to your case
❑ Other:
If yes, which of the following have you or a loved one experienced as a result of nonpayment? Please
check all that apply:
❑ Calls from courts, collectors, or probation officers
❑ Bench warrant
❑ Arrest warrant
❑ Reincarceration
❑ Garnished wages
❑ Late fees
❑ Difficulty with record clearing
❑ Difficulty completing a diversion program
❑ Problem with tax return
❑ Payment sent to collections
❑ Loss of Driver's License
❑ Other:
Have you or a loved one ever had to rely on someone else or another form of payment to pay court
fines, fees, and costs?
❑ Yes
❑ No
If yes, have you ever relied on the following:
❑ Financial help from a friend or family member
❑ Financial help from a spouse or partner
❑ Payday loan
❑ Other:
Do you consider court fines, fees and costs a financial burden for you and your family?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Have you or a loved one ever experienced the following as a result of court fines, fees, and costs? Please
check all that apply:
❑ Lowered credit score
❑ Trouble meeting daily expenses such as childcare costs, groceries, transportation, etc.
❑ Missed monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payments, etc.
❑ Missed child support
❑ Stress over meeting court -ordered payments related to your case
❑ Other:
Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience with fines, costs, and fees?
Household Information
We are collecting household information to ensure that our results are representative of all people who have
had to pay these fines and fees, and to understand how fines and fees present a financial burden. Thank you in
advance for providing this information.
Please estimate your current annual household income: $
Please describe your current housing situation:
❑ Rent
❑ Own
❑ Staying with friend or family
❑ Homeless/shelter
❑ Housing Choice Vouch (Section 8)
❑ Temporary Rental Assistance
❑ Other (Please Explain):
❑ Prefer not to answer
Do you have a bank account currently?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident are you in making important financial decisions (1 being not
confident, 5 being very confident)?
❑ 1
❑ 2
❑ 3
❑ 4
❑ 5
❑ Prefer not to answer
Over the last 3 months, have you followed a personal budget or spending plan?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
Over the past 3 months, would you say your expenses were higher than your income?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
In the past 3 months, have you contributed to your savings (money put away in any form for future
use)?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
In the past 3 months, have you missed a bill payment?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
In the past 3 months, have you borrowed money or used a credit card to pay a bill?
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ Prefer not to answer
Were you experiencing any financial issues prior to the onset of COVID-19?
❑ Yes
miff \•
❑ Prefer not to answer
Demographic Questions
We are collecting demographic data to ensure that our results are representative of all people who have had to
pay these fines and fees. In this section, select only one response per question. Thank you in advance for
providing this information.
What is your age?
❑
18-29
❑
30-39
❑
40-49
❑
50-59
❑
60-69
❑
70-79
❑
80+
How do you identify your gender identity?
❑ Female
❑ Male
❑ Non -binary
❑ Would rather self -identify:
Do you identify as transgender?
❑ Yes
❑ No
How do you identify your race/ethnicity? Check all that apply.
❑ Black/African-American
❑ White/Caucasian
❑ Hispanic/Latino(a)(x)
❑ Native American
❑ Asian
❑ Pacific Islander
❑ Would rather self -identify:
What is your marital status?
❑ Single
❑ Married
❑ Divorced/separated
❑ Widowed
❑ Domestic Partnership
❑ Other:
How many children under 18 live in your household?
What is your education level?
❑ Did not graduate high school
❑ Completed high school or GED
❑ Some college or other postsecondary
❑ Completed college degree or beyond
What is your employment status?
❑ Employed part-time
❑ Employed full-time
❑ Supplemental Disability Income
❑ Unemployed (looking for work)
❑ Not in the labor force (not looking for work, student, full-time caregiver, retired, etc.)
❑ Other (Please Explain):
How long have you lived in the City of Dubuque?
❑ <1 year
❑ 1— 3 years
❑ 3 — 5 years
❑ 5 — 10 years
❑ 10 + years
❑ I no longer live in the City of Dubuque
What is your zip code?
❑ 52001
❑ 52002
❑ 52003
❑ Other:
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this questionnaire and have a wonderful day!