Planning Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation Copyrighted
April 8, 2025
City of Dubuque PUBLIC HEARINGS # 3.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Planning Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation
SUMMARY:
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 26 Policy Book Volume 3 - Planning
2. Planning - FY26 Budget Presentation_Uploaded 4.8.25
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Planning Services
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PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Budget Highlights
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Budget
FY 2026
Requested
% Change
From FY
2025
Budget
Expenses
Employee Expense $ 837,584 $ 913,525 $ 978,801 7.1 %
Supplies and Services $ 135,669 $ 133,543 $ 138,756 3.9 %
Machinery and Equipment $ 4,817 $ 3,100 $ 500 (83.9) %
Total $ 978,070 $ 1,050,168 $ 1,118,057 6.5 %
Resources
Administrative Overhead Recharges $ 514,971 $ 661,895 $ 676,802 2.3 %
CDBG Charges $ 8,711 $ 8,710 $ 8,710 — %
Operating Revenue $ 98,466 $ 85,331 $ 92,613 8.5 %
Total $ 622,148 $ 755,936 $ 778,125 2.9 %
Property Tax Support $ 355,922 $ 294,232 $ 339,932 45,700
Percent Increase (Decrease)
Percent Self Supporting 63.6 % 72.0 % 69.6 %
Personnel - Authorized FTE 8.38 8.38 8.38
Improvement Package Summary
1 of 7
This improvement package request is to increase fees for multiple Planning and Zoning Applications by
2% to accurately reflect the cost of service after deep analysis of current costs. These changes will
create an additional $1,533 in revenue each year. This improvement package furthers the City Council
goal of Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable, and
Effective Service Delivery.
Related Revenue:$ 1,533 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - Yes
Net Cost:$ (1,533)
Property Tax Impact:$ (0.0006) (0.01) %
Activity: Development Services
2 of 7
This improvement package request is for the Zoning Enforcement Officer to attend the Iowa Association
of Code Enforcement Officials (IowACE) Conference Annually. IowACE is a nonprofit association
comprised of code enforcement personnel throughout the State of Iowa. Attending IowACE conferences
offers significant benefits that enhance our zoning enforcement capabilities. Participation will provide
access to training sessions focused on the latest code enforcement practices, helping the officer stay
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updated on state regulations and best practices. This knowledge is crucial for effective enforcement,
ensuring compliance and promoting a high quality of life within our communities. Networking with peers
from across Iowa will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing our officer to learn from the
experiences of others in similar roles. This engagement can lead to innovative strategies for addressing
common challenges in zoning enforcement. Overall, sending the Zoning Enforcement Officer to
IowACE aligns with the City Council goal of a Financially Responsible, High-Performance City
Organization by ensuring sustainable and effective service delivery while promoting a vibrant and
equitable community.
Related Cost:$ 800 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue:$ 548 Administrative Overhead Recurring
Net Cost:$ 252
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0001 — %
Activity: Development Services
3 of 7
This improvement package request is for an additional planner to attend the National American
Planning Association Conference (APA). Sending an additional planner to the APA Conference offers
numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the city’s planning efforts. The conference provides
valuable opportunities for professional development, exposing attendees to the latest trends, best
practices, and innovative solutions in urban planning. Networking with other professionals fosters
collaboration and knowledge sharing, which can lead to beneficial partnerships for the city. Additionally,
access to valuable resources and research can improve planning processes and decision-making. The
insights gained can inspire new initiatives and enhance strategies for community engagement. This
request supports the City Council goal of Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization:
Sustainable, Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery. By learning about successful case studies and
best practices, the planner can implement effective approaches that enhance local planning efforts.
Ultimately, attending the APA Conference will not only strengthen the planner's skills but also contribute
to the city's long-term planning objectives and improve overall community outcomes.
Related Cost:$ 3,000 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue:$ 2,057 Administrative Overhead Recurring
Net Cost:$ 943
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0004 0.01 %
Activity: Development Services
4 of 7
This improvement package request is for the purchase of City of Dubuque shirts. The shirts consist of
polos and long sleeve shirts with an embroidered "City of Dubuque Masterpiece on the Mississippi"
logo and the text "Planning Services Department." This would include a polo for the Planning Secretary,
Planning Technician, Zoning Enforcement Officer, three Assistant Planners, Associate Planner and
Planning Services Director. In addition, it would include two long-sleeved shirts for the Zoning
Enforcement Officer. The Planning Services Staff quite frequently interact with the public outside of the
physical Planning Services Department office. This includes interaction with the public at board and
commission meetings, city council meetings, public workshops, open houses, presentations, and many
more events. The embroidered polo/shirts help clearly identify Planning Staff at these events. In
addition, the Zoning Enforcement Officer is out in the community inspecting properties. This request
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supports the City Council goal of Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization:
Sustainable, Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery. These shirts help clearly identify the Zoning
Enforcement Officer as a city official with inspecting property and interacting with the public.
Related Cost:$ 480 Tax Funds Non-Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue:$ 329 Administrative Overhead Non-Recurring
Net Cost:$ 151
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0001 — %
Activity: Development Services
5 of 7
This improvement package request is for sending the Assistant Planner to Leadership Dubuque. The
Planning Services Department is a public-facing department that works with residents, property owners,
business owners, partners and many others. By participating in Leadership Dubuque, the Assistant
Planner will learn more about our community resources, government, businesses, and educational
opportunities along with the impact of economic development on the community, enhance leadership
skills, exchange ideas and experiences, both formally and informally, meet and build relationships with
other leaders from many different segments of our society, and develop new business contacts within
and through the group. Leadership Dubuque promotes civic responsibility by encouraging community
involvement and is designed to develop and connect existing and emerging professional leaders with
the goal of enhancing positive growth within our business community. This request supports the City
Council goals of Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable
and Effective Service Delivery and Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community that is
Viable, Livable, and Equitable.
Related Cost:$ 1,525 Tax Funds Non-Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue:$ 1,046 Administrative Overhead Non-Recurring
Net Cost:$ 479
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0002 — %
Activity: Planning/Historic Preservation
6 of 7
This improvement package request is for sending the Planning Technician to Dale Carnegie training.
Allowing the Planning Technician to participate in Dale Carnegie training will help develop and build on
confidence and personal leadership competence, strengthen skills in relating to others and build
inclusivity, enhance skills to communicate logically, clearly, and concisely, energize and engage
listeners, learn to listen with empathy, develop leadership skills to be more flexible and innovative,
inspire and motivate others to action, and empower them to control attitudes and reduce stress so they
can be at their optimum best. This request supports the City Council goal of Financially Responsible,
High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable and Effective Service Delivery.
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Related Cost:$ 2,350 Tax Funds Non-Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue:$ 1,611 Administrative Overhead Non-Recurring
Net Cost:$ 739
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0003 0.01 %
Activity: Development Services
7 of 7
This improvement package request is for the purchase of bike gear to be distributed to youth through
the Dubuque Safe Routes to School committee. This is a partnership between the City of Dubuque,
Dubuque Community School District, Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS), the
Bike Coop, and the Iowa Safe Routes to School program. The accessories to be purchased include 24
bike helmets and 20 bike locks to give to youth participants through Safe Routes to School programs
such as Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day and Bike Rodeos. This request helps meet the city council's
goal of Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology Infrastructure and Mobility. By
providing these accessories, biking can become a more feasible travel mode for the youth recipients.
Biking is a low-cost mode of travel that can increase mobility, reduce school absenteeism, and improve
education outcomes.
Related Cost:$ 563 Tax Funds Non-Recurring Recommend - Yes
Related Revenue:$ 386 Administrative Overhead Non-Recurring
Net Cost:$ 177
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0001 — %
Activity: Planning/Historic Preservation
Significant Line Items
Employee Expense
1.FY 2026 employee expense reflects a 3.00% wage package increase.
2.The Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) City contribution of 9.44% is unchanged
from FY 2025. The employee contribution of 6.29% is unchanged from FY 2025.
3.The City portion of health insurance expense is unchanged from $1,119 in FY 2025 to $1,119 in FY
2026 per month, per contract, which results in an annual cost unchanged of $0 or 0.00%.
4.Five-Year Retiree Sick leave payout decreased from $13,919 in FY 2025 to $6,992 in FY 2026. This
is based on current retiree payouts
5.50% Sick leave payout is unchanged from $0 in FY 2025 to $0 in FY 2026 based on retirements.
Effective July 1, 2019, employees over the sick leave cap can convert 50% of the sick leave over
the cap to vacation or be paid out.
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Supplies & Services
6.Technology Services increased from $19,949 in FY 2025 to $20,121 in FY 2026. This line item
covers Planning's share of Accela permitting software, Bluebeam review software, as well as
monthly phone and tablet data charges. This increase is due to an increase in the cost of data plans
for tablets in FY 2026.
7.Pay to Other Agency increased from $36,397 in FY 2025 to $37,590 in FY 2026. This line item
represents the annual dues payment for the East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA).
This expense increases slightly each year and is based on population. The FY 2026 budget
represents an increase of 3.3%.
8.Meetings & Conferences increased from $20,448 in FY 2025 to $20,865 in FY 2026. This line item
includes the following conferences: the National and the Iowa American Planning Association
Conferences, Iowa Floodplain & Stormwater Management Association Conference, Growing
Sustainable Communities Conference, Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference, the Iowa Housing
Conference, the Iowa Bicycle Summit, National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, and the
Preservation Iowa Summit. The cost of conferences is estimated each year and tends to increase
slightly due to travel and registration costs. Most notably, the registration cost of the Growing
Sustainable Communities Conference increased in FY 2026, causing this line item to increase.
9.General Liability Insurance decreased from $8,044 in FY 2025 to $7,544 in FY 2026 based on
information received from the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP). FY 2026 represents a
(6)% decrease. The FY 2024 actual was $6,264. The FY 2023 actuals was $6,466.
10.Services Other Departments is unchanged from $8,710 in FY 2025 to $8,710 in FY 2026. This line
accounts for services performed for the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support
under Community Development and Block Grants (CDBG).
11.Education Reimbursement is unchanged from $3,250 in FY 2025 to $3,250 in FY 2026. This line
item represents expenses for various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Workshops for
Development Services staff, as well as workshops for members of the Historic Preservation
Commission.
12.IT Recharges increased from $12,132 in FY 2025 to $12,858 in FY 2026. Departments receive
recharges for maintenance agreement costs on City-wide software based on the number of users in
their department.
13.Advertising increased from $2,469 in FY 2025 to $4,707 in FY 2026 based on FY 2024 actuals of
$4,707. This line item represents expense for advertising the time and place of monthly public
meetings in the newspaper, as required by law. This includes meetings for the Zoning Board of
Adjustments, Zoning Advisory Committee, Long Range Planning Advisory Committee, and the
Historic Preservation Commission.
Machinery and Equipment
14.The total equipment requested is as follows ($500):
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Planning Machinery and Equipment
City Planning/Historic Preservation
Chairs/Desks $ 500
Total Equipment $ 500
Revenue
15.Zoning Administrative Fees increased from $53,451 in FY 2025 to $56,421 in FY 2026 based on FY
2024 actuals and FY 2025 estimates. Revenue is based on the number of applications received
from development projects in the community.
16.Sub Plat Review Fees increased from $6,072 in FY 2025 to $6,774 in FY 2026 based on a two year
average of FY 2023 and FY 2024 actuals.
17.Billboard Inspection Fees increased from $10,236 in FY 2025 to $11,228 in FY 2026 based on a two
year average of FY 2023 and FY 2024 actuals.
18.Revenue received from Enterprise Funds for administrative overhead charges increased from
$661,895 in FY 2025 to $676,802 in FY 2026.
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PLANNING SERVICES
The mission of the Planning Services Department is to provide friendly, knowledgeable and
professional City Planning, Historic Preservation and Development Services to city residents to ensure
a Viable, Livable and Equitable Dubuque. Planning Services staff works in partnership with volunteer
city residents on the Zoning Advisory Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation
Commission, and Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to accomplish this mission.
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PLANNING SERVICES
SUCCESS IS ABOUT PEOPLE, PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIPS
LEADING TO OUTCOMES
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PLANNING SERVICES
FY
2024
FY
2025
FY
2026
Full-Time
Equivalent 8.38 8.38 8.38
Resources and Property Tax Support
$514,971
$98,466
$355,922
$661,895
$85,331
$294,232
$676,802
$92,613
$339,932
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
Administrative OH Recharges Operating Revenue Property Tax Support
$0
$250,000
$500,000
$750,000
$1,000,000
The Planning Services Department is supported by 8.38 full-time equivalent employees, which
accounts for 87.54% of the department expense as seen below. Overall, the department's expenses
are expected to increase by 6.46% in FY 2026 compared to FY 2025.
Expenditures by Category by Fiscal Year
$837,584
$135,669
$4,817
$913,525
$133,543
$3,100
$978,801
$138,756
$500
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
$0 $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 $800,000 $1,000,000
Employee Expense
Supplies and Services
Machinery and Equipment
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PLANNING SERVICES
Development Services
Mission & Services
Development Services focuses on fostering and building partnerships with residents, business owners,
entrepreneurs and developers through the efficient, knowledgeable and professional facilitation and
coordination of public and private development activities in the city. This is achieved by providing
accurate information concerning City plans, policies and ordinances to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment, Zoning Advisory Commission and the City Council, and to other City staff, developers,
applicants, and residents. Staff is continually working to build relationships with the community at large
by encouraging voluntary compliance with the City’s zoning code to improve the quality of life in our
neighborhoods and business districts..
Development Service Funding Summary
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Budget
FY 2026
Requested
Expenditures $505,800 $540,374 $577,700
Resources $94,916 $82,731 $89,613
Development Service Position Summary
FY 2026
Associate Planner 1.00
Assistant Planner 2.00
Zoning Enforcement Officer 1.00
Administrative Assistant 0.40
Total Full-Time Equivalent Employees 4.40
Performance Measures
City Council Goal: Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs and Economic
Prosperity
Performance Measure (KPI)Target FY 2023
Actual
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Estimated
Performance
Indicator
1
Activity Objective: Provide effective customer service, knowledge of development
regulations, and department efficiency to encourage voluntary compliance and effectively
serve the community.
# of square feet of approved
development (combined commercial,
industrial, and institutional)
200,000 505,911 258,166 200,000 Goal Met
% average score (out of 100) awarded
by customers via ongoing Planning
Department customer service survey.
100%97.9%97.9%100%Goal Met
# of inspections conducted to bring
properties into compliance 1,300 1,714 1,647 1,400 Goal Met
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City Council Goal: Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable,
Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery
2
Activity Objective: Provide seamless communication to ensure the City Council, City
Manager, Boards, Commissions, and residents remain informed about development
activities within the City.
# Avg. days of review and approval
from application deadline by Zoning
Board of Adjustment
23.5 23.5 25 23.5 Goal Met
# Avg. days from application deadline
to City Council for Zoning Advisory
Commission
55 55 46.1 55 Goal Met
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PLANNING SERVICES
City Planning & Historic Preservation
Mission & Services
The primary function of City Planning is to engage the community in developing and updating a long-
term vision and Comprehensive Plan for future growth and development, led by the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. Historic Preservation works to promote, protect and enhance the city’s
historic, cultural, aesthetic and environmental resources. Staff support the Historic Preservation
Commission with exterior design review; evaluation, nomination, and registration of historic properties;
and public outreach. Staff helps ensure projects comply with Federal requirements, such as Section
106 reviews.
City Planning & Historic Preservation Funding
Summary
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Budget
FY 2026
Requested
Expenditures $472,270 $509,794 $540,920
Resources $518,521 $664,495 $679,802
City Planning & Historic Preservation Position Summary
FY 2026
Planning Services Manager 1.00
Assistant Planner 1.00
Planning Technician 1.00
Administrative Assistant 0.60
Planning Intern 0.38
Total Full-Time Equivalent Employees 3.98
Performance Measures: City Planning
City Council Goal: Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community that is Viable,
Livable, and Equitable
Performance Measure (KPI)Target FY 2023
Actual
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Estimated
Performance
Indicator
1 Activity Objective: Implementation of the Imagine Dubuque 2037 Plan underway.
% Imagine Dubuque
recommendations underway,
completed, or ongoing
100%90%85%90%Goal in
Progress
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Performance Measures: Historic Preservation
City Council Goal: Vibrant Community: Healthy & Safe
1 Activity Objective: Promote, enhance, and preserve the community's historic & cultural
resources
Performance Measure (KPI)Target FY 2023
Actual
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Estimated
Performance
Indicator
# Avg. days Historic Preservation
review and approval time from the
application deadline
18 17.6 17.9 18 Goal Met
$ of projects reviewed in historic and
downtown neighborhoods
$5.0
million
$9.1
million
$10.4
million
$7.0
million Goal Met
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Recommended Operating Revenue Budget - Department Total
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23 Actual
Revenue
FY24 Actual
Revenue
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
100 - General
4A - Charges for Services
41830 - Design Review Fee (2,850) (3,550) (2,600) (3,000)
41833 - Billboard Inspect (10,640) (11,059) (10,236) (11,228)
41834 - Temporary Use Fee (1,652) (4,900) (2,374) (3,344)
41835 - Sub Plat Review Fee (6,072) (7,430) (6,072) (6,774)
41840 - Zoning Admin Fees (32,144) (57,267) (53,451) (56,421)
45000 - Charges/Fees for Service (377) (425) (302) (370)
45440 - Events 0 0 0 0
45500 - Miscellaneous Chg for
Svcs 0 0 0 0
47100 - Reimbursements 0 0 0 0
47150 - Refunds 0 0 0 0
47700 - District Court Fines (2,476) (5,124) (1,586) (2,765)
47820 - Specialized Services (8,710) (8,711) (8,710) (8,711)
4A - Charges for Services Total (64,921) (98,466) (85,331) (92,613)
4B - Grants/Contrib
44000 - Federal Grants 0 0 0 0
44400 - State Grants 0 0 0 0
47050 - Contrib - Private Sources 0 0 0 0
4B - Grants/Contrib Total 0 0 0 0
4M - Gain on Disposal
48100 - Sale of Personal Property 0 0 0 0
4M - Gain on Disposal Total 0 0 0 0
4N - Transfers
49600 - Transfer in Water Op (25,847) (102,674) (156,252) (159,940)
49610 - Transfer In Sanitary Op (161,545) (151,876) (161,037) (164,124)
49620 - Transfer in Storm Op (48,464) (86,637) (154,218) (157,857)
49650 - Transfer in Parking Op (21,001) (21,908) (30,995) (31,727)
49670 - Transfer in Refuse Op (150,237) (151,876) (159,393) (163,154)
4N - Transfers Total (407,094) (514,971) (661,895) (676,802)
PLANNING SERVICES - Total (472,015) (613,437) (747,226) (769,415)
53 Page 881 of 1094
6A - Salaries & Wages
100 - General
60100 - Salaries-Regular Full Time 529,349 595,065 662,261 722,414
60300 - Hourly Wages - Temp/Seasonal 3,368 7,983 12,047 13,932
60400 - Overtime 0 0 0 0
60620 - Special Pay - Holiday 0 0 0 0
60630 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout Ret 22,603 22,184 13,919 6,992
60635 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout
50% 0 0 0 0
60640 - Special Pay - Vacation Payout 3,994 175 0 0
60710 - Special Pay - Parental Leave 4,695 0 0 0
60720 - Spec Pay - Meals No Overnight 0 0 0 0
6A - Salaries & Wages Total 564,008 625,407 688,227 743,338
6B - Employee Benefits
100 - General
61100 - FICA - City Contribution 39,543 44,396 52,650 56,866
61300 - IPERS - City Contribution 50,238 56,054 63,654 69,511
61510 - Health Insurance 107,384 110,242 107,384 107,384
61540 - Life Insurance 353 372 366 366
61600 - Workers' Compensation 1,079 1,113 1,244 1,336
61992 - Physicals 0 0 0 0
6B - Employee Benefits Total 198,597 212,177 225,298 235,463
6C - Staff Development
100 - General
62100 - Association Dues 937 801 1,900 2,032
62200 - Subscriptions 57 574 350 1,012
62325 - Mileage 909 648 2,228 2,387
62400 - Meetings & Conferences 10,794 11,127 20,448 20,865
62500 - Education Reimbursement 5,250 3,486 3,250 3,250
6C - Staff Development Total 17,947 16,636 28,176 29,546
6D - Repair/Maint/Util
100 - General
63312 - Vehicle Ops - Gasoline 1,168 1,162 1,920 1,200
63320 - Vehicle Repair - Internal 878 249 896 249
63400 - Equipment Maint/Repair 9 0 9 0
63730 - Telecommunications 1,663 1,319 1,645 1,525
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23
Actual
Expense
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
54 Page 882 of 1094
6D - Repair/Maint/Util Total 3,719 2,730 4,470 2,974
6E - Contractual Svcs
100 - General
64004 - Internal Service Charge 0 0 0 0
64020 - Advertising 2,507 4,707 2,469 4,707
64030 - Outsourced Labor 0 0 0 0
64050 - Recording Fees 2,355 3,055 2,355 3,055
64062 - Refunds 746 0 0 0
64080 - Insurance - Property 1,305 1,452 2,122 2,187
64081 - Insurance - Liability 6,466 6,264 8,044 7,544
64110 - Legal 40,693 19,282 0 0
64115 - Special Events 0 0 500 500
64130 - Payments to Other Agencies 34,010 35,204 36,397 37,590
64140 - Printing 263 584 441 756
64145 - Copying 1,699 927 1,698 928
64160 - Rental - Land/Bldgs/Parking 2,310 2,520 2,016 2,520
64190 - Technology Services 16,801 17,922 19,949 20,121
64191 - IT Recharges 10,698 11,531 12,132 12,858
64900 - Other Professional Service 18,686 0 500 500
64980 - Technology Equip Maint Cont 0 0 0 0
180 - Community Development
64005 - Services Other Depts 8,710 8,711 8,710 8,710
6E - Contractual Svcs Total 134,979 77,203 221,251 102,751
6F - Commodities
100 - General
65030 - Merchandise for Resale 0 0 0 0
65045 - Technology Equipment 720 1,198 3,100 0
65060 - Office Supplies 1,076 1,535 1,300 1,535
65080 - Postage/Shipping 1,232 2,183 1,352 2,293
65925 - Uniform Purchase 0 427 912 432
65935 - Employee Recognition 0 0 0 0
65990 - Other Supplies 0 0 0 563
180 - Community Development
65080 - Postage/Shipping 0 0 0 0
6F - Commodities Total 3,028 5,343 6,664 4,823
6G - Capital Outlay
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23
Actual
Expense
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
55 Page 883 of 1094
100 - General
67100 - Vehicles 0 0 0 0
67210 - Furniture/Fixtures 0 3,619 0 500
6G - Capital Outlay Total 0 3,619 0 500
PLANNING SERVICES - Total 934,547 978,070 1,050,168 1,118,620
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23
Actual
Expense
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
56 Page 884 of 1094
6201 - Administration
100 - General
6A - Salaries & Wages 30,415 32,105 34,875
6B - Employee Benefits 8,399 8,912 9,391
6C - Staff Development 2,359 6,781 6,183
6D - Repair/Maint/Util 455 624 624
6E - Contractual Svcs 22,530 4,710 4,738
6F - Commodities 163 219 137
6G - Capital Outlay ———
180 - Community Development
6E - Contractual Svcs 8,711 8,710 8,710
6201 - Administration Total 73,031 62,061 64,658
6202 - Development Services
100 - General
6A - Salaries & Wages 336,213 364,807 397,487
6B - Employee Benefits 115,378 121,214 127,267
6C - Staff Development 5,407 5,188 5,393
6D - Repair/Maint/Util 2,030 3,481 2,105
6E - Contractual Svcs 38,340 39,887 41,702
6F - Commodities 4,812 5,797 3,746
6G - Capital Outlay 3,619 ——
6202 - Development Services Total 505,800 540,374 577,700
6203 - Planning/Historic Preservation
100 - General
6A - Salaries & Wages 258,779 291,315 310,976
6B - Employee Benefits 88,401 95,172 98,805
6C - Staff Development 8,870 16,207 17,970
6D - Repair/Maint/Util 245 365 245
6E - Contractual Svcs 42,577 44,026 46,826
6F - Commodities 367 648 940
6G - Capital Outlay ——500
180 - Community Development
6E - Contractual Svcs ———
6F - Commodities ———
6203 - Planning/Historic Preservation Total 399,239 447,733 476,262
Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Activity
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
57 Page 885 of 1094
6299 - Pcard Clearing
100 - General
6F - Commodities ———
6299 - Pcard Clearing Total ———
PLANNING SERVICES TOTAL 978,070 1,050,168 1,118,620
Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
62 - PLANNING SERVICES
Fund/Activity
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
58 Page 886 of 1094
C I T Y O F D U B U Q U E , I O W A
DEPARTMENT DETAIL - PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
62 PLANNING SERVICES DEPT.
FY 2026
FD JC WP-GR JOB CLASS FTE BUDGET
60100 Full Time Employee Expense
100 2015 GE-18
PLANNING SERVICES
DIRECTOR 1.00 $ 139,501
100 2165 GE-14 ASSOCIATE PLANNER 1.00 $ 100,671
100 6365 GE-12 ASSISTANT PLANNER 3.00 $ 274,124
100 6205 GE-11
ZONING ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER 1.00 $ 83,969
100 2155 GE-09 PLANNING TECHNICIAN 1.00 $ 71,406
100 5010 GE-07 ADMIN SUPPORT PROF 1.00 $ 52,743
TOTAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 8.00 $ 722,414
60200 Seasonal Employee Expense
100 6355 GE-02 PLANNING INTERN 0.38 $ 13,932
TOTAL SEASONAL EMPLOYEES 0.38 $ 13,932
TOTAL PLANNING SERVICES DEPT 8.38 $ 736,346
59 Page 887 of 1094
Planning Administration-FT General Fund
6201 60100 100 2015 GE-18
PLANNING
SERVICES
DIRECTOR 0.25 $ 34,875
Total 0.25 $ 34,875
Development Services-FT General Fund
6202 60100 100 5010 GE-07
ADMIN SUPPORT
PROF 0.40 $ 21,098
6202 60100 100 GE-11
ZONING
ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER 1.00 $ 83,969
6202 60100 100 6365 GE-12
ASSISTANT
PLANNER 2.00 $ 185,094
6202 60100 100 2165 GE-14
ASSOCIATE
PLANNER 1.00 $ 100,671
Total 4.40 $ 390,832
City Planning/Historic Pres.-FT General
Fund
6203 60100 100 5010 GE-07
ADMIN SUPPORT
PROF 0.60 $ 31,645
6203 60100 100 2015 GE-18
PLANNING
SERVICES
DIRECTOR 0.75 $ 104,626
6203 60100 100 6365 GE-12
ASSISTANT
PLANNER 1.00 $ 89,030
6203 60100 100 2155 GE-09
PLANNING
TECHNICIAN 1.00 $ 71,406
Total 3.35 $ 296,707
City Planning/Historic Pres.-Seasonal
General Fund
6203 60300 100 6355 GE-02 PLANNING INTERN 0.38 $ 13,932
Total 0.38 $ 13,932
TOTAL PLANNING SERVICES DEPT.8.38 $ 736,346
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ACTIVITY PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT SUMMARY
FY 2026
ACCT FD JC WP-GR POSITION CLASS FTE BUDGET
60 Page 888 of 1094
PRGRM/
DEPT PROJECT DESCRIPTION FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 TOTAL PAGE
PLANNING SERVICES
Community and Economic Development
Historic Preservation Technical
Assistance Program $ — $ 30,000 $ 10,000 $ 30,000 $ 10,000 $ 80,000 280
TOTAL $ — $ 30,000 $ 10,000 $ 30,000 $ 10,000 $ 80,000
61 Page 889 of 1094
FISCAL YEAR 2026
BUDGET PRESENTATION
1
PLANNING
SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Page 890 of 1094
MISSION STATEMENT
2
The mission of the Planning Services Department is to provide
friendly, knowledgeable, and professional City Planning,
Historic Preservation, and Development Services to ensure a
Viable, Livable, and Equitable Dubuque.
Planning Services
Department
Page 891 of 1094
Planning Services Department (8.38 Full-Time Equivalents)
3
Planning Services
Department
Organizational
Chart
Page 892 of 1094
Planning Services Staff
•Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Director
•Shena Moon, Associate Planner
•Travis Schrobilgen, Assistant Planner
•Jason Duba,Assistant Planner
•Chris Happ Olson,Assistant Planner
•Charlie Miller, Zoning Enforcement Officer
•Matt O’Brien, Planning Technician
•Renee Blosch, Administrative Assistant
Page 893 of 1094
Four Boards and Commissions -28 Appointed Volunteers
5
Zoning Board of Adjustment
•Jonathan McCoy, Chairperson
•Keith Ahlvin, Vice Chairperson
•Gwen Kosel
•Matt Mauss
•Rena Stierman
Zoning Advisory Commission
•Matt Mulligan, Chairperson
•Rich Russell, Vice Chairperson
•Martha Christ
•Patrick Norton
•Teri Zuccaro
•Carrie Lohrmann
•Troy Froistad
Page 894 of 1094
Four Boards and Commissions -28 Appointed Volunteers
6
Historic Preservation Commission
•Janice Esser, Chairperson
•Tim Gau, Vice Chairperson
•Bill Doyle
•Christina Monk
•Heidi Pettitt
•Adam Schwendinger
•Rick Stuter
•Chad Witthoeft
Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission
•Michael Rabagia, Chairperson
•Beth McGrath, Vice Chairperson
•Cliff Conrad
•Jason Davis
•Aaron Miller
•Julietta Scott
•Mark Ward
THANK YOU
BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
Your time, care, and dedication make a world of difference.
We couldn’t do it without you!
Page 895 of 1094
Boards and Commissions -Volunteer Years Served
7
Historic Preservation
Commission
•Melissa Daykin-Cassill -6 years
•Thea Dement -2 years
Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission
•Tyler Stoffel -5 years
•Rick Merfeld -1 1/2 years
Page 896 of 1094
8
Port of Dubuque Design
Review Committee
Chaplain Schmitt Island
Design Review Committee
Design Review Committees
Page 897 of 1094
CITY PLANNING
•Provide staff support to Long-
Range Planning Advisory
Commission
•Engage the community, develop
partnerships, and implement
Imagine Dubuque
•Annexation Study
◦40,000 acres in potential growth
◦171 pre-annexation agreements
(4,089 acres)
9
Page 898 of 1094
LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
10
Development,Implementation and
Amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan (Imagine Dubuque)
Review and provide recommendations
to the City Council on:
▪New Urban Revitalization Districts
(Tax Abatement)
▪New Urban Renewal Districts
(Tax Increment Financing)
Undertake specific long range planning
projects
▪Update Existing and Future Land Use Maps
▪Vacant and Developable Land Inventory
Page 899 of 1094
IMAGINE DUBUQUE IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation:
•Collective Impact Model
•Organization Building
•Plan Activation
•Progress Reporting in
AchieveIt
http://cityofdubuque.org/imaginedubuque
11 Page 900 of 1094
IMAGINE DUBUQUE IMPLEMENTATION: ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES
12
Page 901 of 1094
IMAGINE DUBUQUE IMPLEMENTATION: ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES
13
Page 902 of 1094
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
•Foster partnerships and
provide efficient,
knowledgeable coordination of
sustainable development.
•Staff support to the Zoning
Board of Adjustment and the
Zoning Advisory Commission.
•Facilitate and Coordinate the
Development Review Team.
14
Page 903 of 1094
43 DRT Meetings in FY24
15
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
Page 904 of 1094
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
16
Includes new or
expanded
commercial,
industrial, and
institutional
(non-residential)
construction.
Page 905 of 1094
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
17
Residential Approvals FY24
Emri Apartments
48 Apartments
Lake Ridge
Drive Apartments
42 Apartments
The Stacks
187 Apartments Page 906 of 1094
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
18
Housing Creation
Page 907 of 1094
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE UPATE
19
The City is conducting a thorough evaluation of the Unified Development Code (Zoning,
Subdivision and Historic Preservation Regulations)
Public Survey: 264 Responses
▪Designed for those who are new to zoning and included broad questions about development in the
city.
Technical Survey: 46 Responses
▪Tailored to development professionals or who have a good understanding of the UDC and land use
regulations and includes more detailed questions about the City’s Unified Development Code and
how it is currently working.
Stakeholder Interviews: 52 Invitations
▪Developers, Realtors, Business Community, Contractors, Sign Contractors, Neighborhood
Associations, City Staff, etc.
Developer’s Roundtable Stakeholders Meeting: January 28, 2025
▪Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and other design professionals.
Upcoming: Technical Report Presentation to Zoning Advisory Commission and City Council
Page 908 of 1094
ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION
20
Page 909 of 1094
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
21
Page 910 of 1094
ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
22
Page 911 of 1094
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
•Staff support for the Historic
Preservation Commission.
•Conduct research on planning
and preservation projects,
grants, policies, and
ordinances.
•Facilitate Section 106 process
with State of Iowa for housing
rehab projects citywide.
23
Page 912 of 1094
EVALUATION & PROTECTION
OF HISTORIC RESOURCES
•Survey and evaluation of archeological
resources
•Over 6,000 historic properties
surveyed, protecting over 2,000
•$10.4 million investment in historic and
downtown neighborhoods (FY24)
24
https://www.cityofdubuque.org/historicpreservation
Page 913 of 1094
HISTORIC REVIEW BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION &STAFF
25
Page 914 of 1094
26
••
•Neighborhoods
documented to
understand
development and
history
•Three outreach
events gathered
input and helped
educate neighbors
and public
Page 915 of 1094
27
Page 916 of 1094
CUSTOMER SERVICE
SATISFACTION SURVEY FY24
28*Based on 39 survey responses
Page 917 of 1094
CUSTOMER COMMENTS FY24
29
“Staff was extremely helpful and very easy to work with!
“Staff is very friendly. Shena has been great at communicating
efficiently throughout the process.”
“Jason is wonderful to work with and is prompt and kind with all
inquiries. He also has provided us with great direction
throughout the entire process. I look forward to working with him
on future projects.”
“Excellent and attentive and helpful. Great experience.”
“The staff people I worked with were a great help in helping me
understand what I needed to do at the meeting. And they were a
great help explaining to the board my situation and how it could
be fixed.”
“The staff has been extremely helpful throughout the process.
Information is communicated efficiently and accurately. It has
been great to work with the Planning staff.”
“I was so impressed with the level of communication from Shena
after I filed for the variance. Additionally, Wally and Travis were
incredibly helpful with the direction for my needs. I can’t say
enough good things about the work they performed.”
“Very pleased with the process.”
“Jason and Shena were outstanding.”
“Excellent customer service and informative to help in a timely and
professional manner.”
“Jason helped me with the necessary paperwork and explained the
whole process. At the board meeting Jason and Shena had all of my
information ready for the board members. Jason and Shena were
outstanding. The city has two excellent employees in them two. Again,
thank you Jason and Shena.”
“I was extremely pleased with the communication and ease of
application and follow up. Travis was timely and helpful in his responses
which was especially important as this was my first time going through
this process.”
“Actually worked with me and wanted to help me achieve my plan by
coming to a mutual understanding & agreements. She was extremely
thorough and went through a lot of work and information gathering -
something I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do -I am very
appreciative! I am very pleased with the City of Dubuque’s services.”
“No issues as the City was very helpful through the process. Excellent
staff to work with.”
Page 918 of 1094
30 Page 919 of 1094
FISCAL YEAR 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
•Historic Structure Report
Eagle Point Park
31
•Certified Local Government Grant -Voelker Highlands & Deereville
Neighborhood Surveys
•Increased Housing Units -New Construction & Rehabilitation
•State Historic Preservation Office Programmatic Agreement
•Chaplain Schmitt Island Development Plan
Page 920 of 1094
32
FUTURE INITIATIVES
•Downtown Intensive Land
Use Analysis
•Historic Millwork District
Public Open Space
•Continue to Implement
Imagine Dubuque
Comprehensive Plan
•Increase Housing Units
•Implementation of Citizen
Serve Plan Review Software
•Evaluation of Downtown
Master Plan
Page 921 of 1094
$340,495
Planning Services Department
FY 2026 REQUESTED PROPERTY TAX SUPPORT
$5.33
Net Property Tax
Support
Average homeowner’s*
property tax cost for Planning
Services Department
(*Avg. home value of $196,508)
33
Page 922 of 1094
34
■Zoning Regulations
■Building Design Standards
■Bike & Pedestrian Planning
■Floodplain Management
■Zoning Enforcement
■Development Review and Coordination
PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 923 of 1094
FY 2026
RECOMMENDED
IMPROVEMENT
REQUESTS
35
Non-Recurring | $563
Net Property Tax Cost: $177
Recurring | ($1,533)
Net Property Tax Cost: ($1,533)
Dubuque Safe Routes to School
Bike Gear
Planning Fee Increase
Page 924 of 1094
36
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: FY 26 FEE INCREASE
•Additional Recurring Revenue
$1,533/year
•Fees last raised in FY2025
•Fees calculated based on cost
of service
•Equitable Fines & Fees
Special Exception
36Page 925 of 1094
Goals on Track:
23.5 average days of review and approval from
application deadline by Zoning Board of
Adjustment
55 average days from application deadline to City
Council for Zoning Advisory Commission
1,714 inspections conducted to bring properties
into compliance
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Planning Services Department -Development Services
37
Page 926 of 1094
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Planning Services Department -City Planning
38
Goals Improving:
90% Imagine Dubuque
recommendations ON TRACK,
ACHIEVED
www.imaginedubuque.com/progress
Page 927 of 1094
Goals on Track:
17.9 average days Historic Preservation review
and approval time from application deadline
10.4 million investment in historic and
downtowneighborhoods
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Planning Services Department -Historic Preservation
39
Page 928 of 1094
THANK YOU
40
Page 929 of 1094