Emergency Communications Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation Copyrighted
April 10, 2025
City of Dubuque PUBLIC HEARINGS # 2.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Emergency Communications Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Presentation
SUMMARY:
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 26 Policy Book Volume 5 - Emergency Communications
2. E911 - FY26 Budget Presentation_Uploaded 4.10.25
Page 809 of 990
Emergency
Communications
Center
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Budget Highlights
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Budget
FY 2026
Requested
% Change
From FY
2025
Budget
Expenses
Employee Expense $ 1,613,870 $ 2,074,995 $ 2,135,130 2.9 %
Supplies and Services $ 86,653 $ 176,739 $ 134,788 (23.7) %
Machinery and Equipment $ — $ 650 $ 3,200 392.3 %
Debt Service $ 15,245 $ 14,670 $ 14,972 2.1 %
Total Expenses $ 1,715,768 $ 2,267,054 $ 2,288,090 0.9 %
Resources
Operating Revenue $ 549,643 $ 1,144,172 $ 1,046,115 (8.6) %
Sales Tax 20% for Debt Abatement $ 15,245 $ 14,670 $ 14,972 2.1 %
Total Resources $ 564,888 $ 1,158,842 $ 1,061,087 (8.4) %
Property Tax Support $ 1,150,880 $ 1,108,212 $ 1,227,003 118,791
Percent Increase (Decrease) 10.7 %
Personnel - Authorized FTE 20.35 20.35 20.41
Improvement Package Summary
1 of 3
This improvement package request is to remove two vacant part-time Dispatcher positions (0.47 FTE
each for a total of 0.94 FTE, OE-15) and replace them with one full-time Dispatcher position (1.00 FTE,
OE-15). Due to the restructuring of the schedules for dispatchers that was implemented in March 2023,
an additional person works Monday-Friday day shift to help with busier times. This allows the lead
dispatchers time to focus & assist with administrative tasks. With the new schedule, each dispatcher
works 7 out of 14 days, giving them every other weekend off. With doing this, if someone needs a
vacation or time off, the Center can go down to minimum staffing of 4 during the weekday and 3 on the
weekends without a large disruption of service.
There has been little interest and few applications for the part-time Dispatcher positions. Moving two
part-time positions into a full time position will draw more applicants for the position. There has been
great turnout for testing on our most recent positions that were filled. Adding a extra position during the
week on days will reduce stress of the job and make for a more positive work environment. Improved
staffing would provide opportunities to improve call handling time across all incident types which will
directly impact and improve all incident on scene times.
This improvement package supports the City Council goal of Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe.
Replacing part-time positions with a full-time position will increase the likelihood of reaching full staffing
levels, thus reducing and alleviating stress for all staff. By reaching full staffing levels and having
additional full-time personnel, staff will be better able to provide and maintain critical services that
directly contribute to the safety of the community, such as response time to emergency calls.
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Related Cost:$ 82,850 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - Yes
Cost Saving $ 66,708 Tax Funds Recurring
Related Revenue:$ 8,071 Dubuque County Recurring
Net Cost:$ 8,071
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0032 0.08%
Activity: Emergency Communications
2 of 3
This improvement package request is for the purchase of a software called Prepared Assist. The
Emergency Communication Center currently uses the free version of this program, which allows
dispatchers to have text and video (no audio) capabilities with callers. This request is to purchase a
paid version of the program (called Prepared Assist - Unlimited), which would include the following
features:
•Up to 30,000 calls per year (911 only)
•Audio translation in 19 languages and texting translation of over 140 languages
•Live transcriptions of every call which is viewable in real-time
•Two way text, allowing dispatchers to text with callers
•The ability to receive live video and pictures
•More security and privacy controls for administrators
The cost of the software is $25,350 each year, plus an additional one-time implementation cost of
$5,000.
This improvement package supports the City Council goal of Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe.
Equipping dispatchers with technology that allows drastically improved communication will contribute to
the health and safety of the community. This request helps break down language barriers during
emergency calls by allowing staff to use translation services and process calls from non-English
speakers faster than before.
Related Cost:$ 25,350 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - Yes
Related Cost $ 5,000 Tax Funds Non Recurring
Related Revenue:$ 12,675 Dubuque County Recurring
Related Revenue:$ 2,500 Dubuque County Non Recurring
Net Cost:$ 15,175
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.006 0.14%
Activity: Emergency Communications
3 of 3
This improvement package request is for a laptop for Public Safety Dispatchers. Emergency Medical
Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police Dispatch are now offered as online courses.
Dispatchers are not able to complete these classes in the center due to the business and ongoing
distractions. Having a laptop would allow them to go to a quiet room for the class outside of the
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communications center. Each Dispatcher needs to also complete a 40 hour course with-in the first year
of employment which is held at a variety of locations across the state of Iowa. Dispatchers no longer get
paper copies of the course material, so there is now a need to bring a laptop to classroom. Pricing for
this request includes the laptop with a Microsoft license, external mouse, and backpack.This
improvement package supports the City Council goal of Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe. This
request would equip dispatchers to successfully complete their training, which contributes to the safety
of the community.
Related Cost:$ 2,500 Tax Funds Non-Recurring Recommend - Yes
Related Revenue:$ 1,250 Dubuque County Non-Recurring
Net Cost:$ 1,250
Property Tax Impact:$ 0.0005 0.01%
Activity: Emergency Communications
Significant Line Items
Employee Expense
1.FY 2026 employee expense reflects a 3.00% wage package increase for non-represented
employees. The collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating
Engineers (IUOE) also includes a 3.50% wage package increase in FY 2026 for represented
employees.
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%.
4.Overtime expense is unchanged from $180,127 in FY 2025 to $180,127 in FY 2026. The FY 2024
actual was $119,715. Overtime expense have increased from past years due to the change from 10
hour to 12 hour shifts in FY 2024 and a more accurate calculation of overtime costs. This is offset
with a decrease in full-time wage and holiday pay costs. The department schedule builds in
overtime to each employee's schedule based on shift rotations. Overtime is also used for shift
coverage when employees utilize vacation and time away.
5.50% Sick leave payout decreased from $2,439 in FY 2025 to $237 in FY 2026 based on FY 2024
actual. 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.
6.Holiday Pay unchanged from $80,844 in FY 2025 to $80,844 in FY 2026.
Supplies & Services
7.Equipment Rental is unchanged from $15,240 in FY 2025 to $15,240 in FY 2026. This line item
represents the cost for the rental of the T-1 line provided by the State through the National Crime
Information Center/Iowa Computer (NCIC). The direct line provides the City with access to the
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computer system for law enforcement related items such as (but not limited to): wanted/missing
persons; vehicle registrations; driver's licenses; and other law enforcement information from Iowa
and nationally.
8.Technology Services increased from $19,532 in FY 2025 to $51,488 in FY 2026. This line item
includes the annual cost of various software, including Open Fox ($1,980), Priority Dispatch
($14,075), Criti-Call ($1,253), PageGate ($407), GoToMyPC ($108), Powertime - Plan It ($3,180),
and Fox Editor ($135). The cost of software increases slightly each year due to price increases from
vendors.
9.Education Reimbursement decreased from $12,475 in FY 2025 to $7,926 in FY 2026. This line item
represents the cost of required emergency response training, including the Iowa Law Enforcement
Academy, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, Emergency Police Dispatch,
and CPR training. This line item fluctuates annually and is dependent on the number of new hires
and existing employees that are due to complete recertification. It is anticipated that FY 2026 will
have fewer new hires than FY 2025.
10.Meetings & Conferences increased from $12,250 in FY 2025 to $13,660 in FY 2026. This line item
is for the following conferences for staff: Growing Sustainable Communities Conference ($1,525);
State Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials National Emergency Number
Association (APCO/NENA) ($5,000); Central Square Conference ($1,340); National APCO/NENA
($3,150); Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference ($820), and Iowa League of Cities Conference
($1,225). Conference registration costs usually increase slightly each year. For FY 2026, the
registration costs for the Growing Sustainable Communities Conference and National APCO/NENA
are increasing, thus causing an increase to this line item. FY 2026 also includes additional one time
funding of $600 to allow staff to attend the Iowa Women's Police Conference, which will be held in
Dubuque during FY 2026.
11.Telecommunications increased from $6,253 in FY 2025 to $7,303 in FY 2026 based on FY 2024
actual of $7,303. This line item represents expenses for department cells phone, as well as Century
Link internet service. Most of this line item is reimbursed by the Public Safety Committee, which is
funded by 911 surcharge funds.
12.Technology Equipment Maintenance Contracts is unchanged from $9,500 in FY 2025 to $9,500 in
FY 2026. This line item represents the contract for the RAVE Panic Button safety application for all
City buildings.
13.Liability Insurance decreased from $16,754 in FY 2025 to $16,143 in FY 2026. This includes a
decrease of (4)% based on information received from Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP).
The FY 2024 actual was $13,072. The FY 2023 actual was $11,481.
14.Other Professional Services decreased from $71,356 in FY 2025 to $2,500 in FY 2026. This line
item represents the salary of the EMS Medical Director ($2,500). The decrease from FY 2025 is due
to the removal of $68,865 that was budgeted for a quality assurance company to review 911 calls,
which was approved as a recurring improvement package in the FY 2023 budget. There is currently
no active plan to secure and implement a quality assurance program due to the ongoing
implementation of a new Computer Aided Dispatching system. Therefore, the funds previously
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approved for quality assurance have been removed from the budget. A new request for quality
assurance will be submitted in future fiscal years if needed.
Machinery & Equipment
15.Dispatcher computers are replaced through 911 surcharge funds. It is important to note that most of
the equipment for the 911 center comes from the 911 Board, which is a County-wide Board. The list
of devices that are replaced through the City's general fund in the city-wide computer replacement
capital improvement project include a tablet, traffic monitoring computers, a siren computer, and a
television.
16.Equipment replacement items at the maintenance level include ($3,200):
Emergency Communications Equipment
Floor Mats (2)$ 300
Smart Phone & Laptop $ 2,900
Total Equipment $ 3,200
Debt Service
17.FY 2026 annual debt service is as follows ($14,972):
Amount Debt Series Payment Source Purpose
Final
Payment
Call
Date
$ 14,972 2019C G.O.Sales Tax 20%Tower Relocation 2027 2027
$ 14,972 Total Emergency Communications Annual Debt Service
Revenue
18.County Contribution revenue represents payments from Dubuque County for support of the 911
center as established in a 28E agreement. In FY 2026, the County's payment represents 50% of the
total operating expenses of the 911 center. The County's share in FY 2026 is estimated to be
$1,035,675 (FY 2025 was $1,136,985). As the expenses of the 911 center increase or decrease, so
does the County’s contribution to the City. In FY 2024 and prior, the County's contribution
represented 33% of the total operating expenses of the 911 center. A new agreement was
negotiated for FY 2025, which raised the County's contribution from 33% to 50% of total operating
expenses for the 911 center. The new agreement also includes the billing of direct administrative
support costs from the City to the County.
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Ensure the appropriate response is dispatched that meets or exceeds the expectations and needs of
the public that is requesting service through effective and efficient dispatching of emergency personnel
to the scene.
SUCCESS IS ABOUT PLANNING, PARTNERSHIPS AND PEOPLE
LEADING TO OUTCOMES
People
The Emergency Communications Center
works with citizens and emergency
responders to ensure the needs of the
community are met.
Planning
The Communications Center works with
different agencies in the Dubuque area to
ensure that all emergency needs are
provided when requested by citizens and
visitors of Dubuque.
Partnerships
The Emergency Communications Department partners with many City, County, and State departments
as well as 11 non-profits and organizations throughout the City and County to provide quality services
that are consistent with the City Council goals and priorities.
20 Page 817 of 990
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY
2024
FY
2025
FY
2026
Full-Time
Equivalent 20.35 20.35 20.41
Debt and Resources
$549,643
$1,150,880$1,144,172 $1,108,212$1,046,115
$1,227,003
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
Operating Revenue Property Tax Support
$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
The Emergency Communication Department is supported by 20.41 full-time equivalent employees,
which accounts for 93.31% of the department expense as seen below. Overall, the department's
expenses are expected to increase by 0.93% in FY 2026 compared to FY 2025.
Expenditures by Category by Fiscal Year
$1,613,870
$86,653
$—
$2,074,995
$176,739
$650
$2,135,130
$134,788
$3,200
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
$0 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000
Employee Expense
Supplies and Services
Machinery and Equipment
21 Page 818 of 990
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Mission & Services
The Emergency Communications Center employees are the first of the first responders. We are
committed to answering all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls with professionalism, integrity and
compassion while efficiently dispatching police, fire and emergency medical services. Customer service
is essential to our success, so we treat each caller with empathy and respect. Dedicated and highly
trained professionals routinely offer life-saving medical instructions in addition to providing accurate
public safety information. The Emergency Communications Center is also the after hours answering
point for most city services. The Communications Center is responsible for all the 911 phone and radio
equipment used in Dubuque County. Service is provided 24/7.
Emergency Communications Position Summary
FY 2026
Emergency Communications Manager 1.00
Lead Public Safety Dispatcher 4.00
Public Safety Dispatcher - FT 13.00
Public Safety Dispatcher - PT 1.41
Records Clerk - FT 1.00
Total Full-Time Equivalent Employees 20.41
22 Page 819 of 990
Performance Measures
Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable, and
Effective Service Delivery
Performance Measure (KPI)Target FY 2023
Actual
FY 2024
Actual
FY 2025
Estimated
Performance
Indicator
1 Activity Objective: Provide expedient and effective handling of emergency calls.
% of 911 phone calls answered in 10
seconds or less (National Average is
90%)
91%96%97%95%Goal Met
% of all phone calls answered in 10
seconds or less 90%96%96.5%96%Goal Met
# of total phone calls handled by the
Dubuque Communications Center >110,000 118,307 115,178 118,000 Goal Met
**In May of 2024 (towards the end of FY 2024), a call tree was implemented that has lead to some
calls being directed to places other than the Communications Center. Prior to the call tree, those
calls would have been answered by the Communications Center**
2 Activity Objective: Provide education and outreach to the public to ensure appropriate use
of 911.
# of schools presented to in Dubuque
City/County 25 25 25 20 Goal in
Progress
# of students reached through
classroom presentations 1,100 1217 1159 1100 Goal Met
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Recommended Operating Revenue Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23 Actual
Revenue
FY24 Actual
Revenue
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
100 - General
4A - Charges for Services
45000 - Charges/Fees for Service 0 (2,174) 0 (2,174)
47100 - Reimbursements (7,187) (8,266) (7,187) (8,266)
4A - Charges for Services Total (7,187) (10,441) (7,187) (10,440)
4B - Grants/Contrib
44650 - County Contributions (573,272) (539,202) (1,136,985) (1,035,675)
4B - Grants/Contrib Total (573,272) (539,202) (1,136,985) (1,035,675)
200 - Debt Service
4N - Transfers
49304 - Transfer in Sales Tax 20% (14,714) (15,245) (14,670) (14,972)
4N - Transfers Total (14,714) (15,245) (14,670) (14,972)
4O - Eliminated for GW
48200 - Proceeds from GO Debt 0 0 0 0
48205 - Bond Discount/Premium 0 0 0 0
4O - Eliminated for GW Total 0 0 0 0
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION -
Total (595,173) (564,888) (1,158,842) (1,061,087)
24 Page 821 of 990
6A - Salaries & Wages
100 - General
60100 - Salaries-Regular Full Time 856,719 960,642 1,286,449 1,251,022
60200 - Salaries - Regular Part Time 61,695 29,352 27,840 77,681
60300 - Hourly Wages - Temp/Seasonal 166 0 0 0
60400 - Overtime 113,306 119,715 180,127 180,127
60410 - Overtime - Holiday 986 11,304 0 0
60620 - Special Pay - Holiday 31,900 31,707 80,844 80,844
60630 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout Ret 5,783 9,554 10,487 13,722
60635 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout 50% 2,323 230 2,439 237
60640 - Special Pay - Vacation Payout 8,735 7,753 0 0
60710 - Special Pay - Parental Leave 5,835 0 0 0
60720 - Spec Pay - Meals No Overnight 0 0 0 0
6A - Salaries & Wages Total 1,087,449 1,170,257 1,588,186 1,603,633
6B - Employee Benefits
100 - General
61100 - FICA - City Contribution 78,224 85,565 108,736 122,678
61300 - IPERS - City Contribution 100,688 109,007 132,953 150,066
61410 - Pension - MFPRSI 60 85 0 0
61510 - Health Insurance 214,773 246,000 241,614 255,037
61540 - Life Insurance 634 708 828 874
61600 - Workers' Compensation 2,296 2,248 2,678 2,842
61992 - Physicals 0 0 0 0
6B - Employee Benefits Total 396,674 443,613 486,809 531,497
6C - Staff Development
100 - General
62325 - Mileage 0 417 494 494
62400 - Meetings & Conferences 2,721 4,310 12,250 13,660
62500 - Education Reimbursement 7,767 10,685 12,475 7,926
6C - Staff Development Total 10,488 15,413 25,219 22,080
6D - Repair/Maint/Util
100 - General
63100 - Building Maintenance 0 0 0 0
63730 - Telecommunications 6,254 7,303 6,253 7,303
6D - Repair/Maint/Util Total 6,254 7,303 6,253 7,303
6E - Contractual Svcs
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23
Actual
Expense
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
25 Page 822 of 990
100 - General
64020 - Advertising 800 971 800 800
64081 - Insurance - Liability 11,482 13,072 16,754 16,143
64140 - Printing 367 37 374 370
64145 - Copying 2,964 1,223 2,964 1,500
64150 - Rental - Equipment 14,865 14,964 15,240 15,240
64160 - Rental - Land/Bldgs/Parking 0 0 4,135 4,135
64190 - Technology Services 27,558 27,595 19,532 51,488
64191 - IT Recharges 3,454 3,370 4,296 3,413
64900 - Other Professional Service 2,500 2,500 71,356 2,500
64980 - Technology Equip Maint Cont 0 0 9,500 9,500
200 - Debt Service
64110 - Legal 0 0 0 0
64900 - Other Professional Service 0 0 0 0
6E - Contractual Svcs Total 63,989 63,731 144,951 105,089
6F - Commodities
100 - General
65045 - Technology Equipment 0 0 350 2,900
65060 - Office Supplies 838 207 316 316
65080 - Postage/Shipping 0 0 0 0
6F - Commodities Total 838 207 666 3,216
6G - Capital Outlay
100 - General
67210 - Furniture/Fixtures 398 0 300 300
67500 - Buildings 0 0 0 0
6G - Capital Outlay Total 398 0 300 300
6H - Debt Service
200 - Debt Service
68010 - Principal Payment 11,511 12,347 12,178 12,845
68020 - Interest Payments 3,203 2,897 2,492 2,127
68990 - Paying Agent Fees 0 0 0 0
6H - Debt Service Total 14,714 15,245 14,670 14,972
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION -
Total 1,580,804 1,715,768 2,267,054 2,288,090
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Fund/Account/Account Title
FY23
Actual
Expense
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
26 Page 823 of 990
Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
Fund/Activity
FY24
Actual
Expense
FY25
Adopted
Budget
FY26
Recomm'd
Budget
1201 - Emergency Communications
100 - General
6A - Salaries & Wages 1,170,257 1,588,186 1,603,633
6B - Employee Benefits 443,613 486,809 531,497
6C - Staff Development 15,413 25,219 22,080
6D - Repair/Maint/Util 7,303 6,253 7,303
6E - Contractual Svcs 63,731 144,951 105,089
6F - Commodities 207 666 3,216
6G - Capital Outlay —300 300
1201 - Emergency Communications Total 1,700,523 2,252,384 2,273,118
1280 - Debt Service
200 - Debt Service
6E - Contractual Svcs ———
6H - Debt Service 15,245 14,670 14,972
1280 - Debt Service Total 15,245 14,670 14,972
1299 - Pcard Clearing
100 - General
6F - Commodities ———
1299 - Pcard Clearing Total 0 0 0
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION TOTAL 1,715,768 2,267,054 2,288,090
27 Page 824 of 990
C I T Y O F D U B U Q U E , I O W A
DEPARTMENT DETAIL - PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
12
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
DIVISION
FY 2026
FD JC WP-GR JOB CLASS FTE BUDGET
60100 Full Time Employee Expense
100 4305 GE-17
EMERGENCY COMM
DIRECTOR 1.00 $ 116,654
100 8320 GE-10
LEAD PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHER 4.00 $ 287,104
100 8310 OE-09 PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 13.00 $ 847,264
100 GE-06 RECORDS CLERK 1.00 $ 48,332
TOTAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 19.00 $ 1,299,354
60200 Part Time Employee Expense
100 8305 OE-09 PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 1.41 $ 77,681
TOTAL PART TIME EMPLOYEES 1.41 $ 77,681
TOTAL EMERG. COMM. DIVISION 20.41 $ 1,377,035
28 Page 825 of 990
Emergency Comm. Center-FT
1201 60100 100 4305 GE-17
EMERGENCY COMM
DIRECTOR 1.00 $ 116,654
1201 60100 100 8320 GE-10
LEAD PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHER 4.00 $ 287,104
1201 60100 100 8310 OE-09
PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHER 13.00 $ 847,264
1201 60100 100 5305 GE-06 RECORDS CLERK 1.00 $ 48,332
Total 19.00 $ 1,299,354
Emergency Comm. Center-PT
1201 60200 100 8305 OE-09
PUBLIC SAFETY
DISPATCHER 1.41 $ 77,681
Total 1.41 $ 77,681
TOTAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
DEPARTMENT 20.41 $ 1,377,035
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ACTIVITY PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT SUMMARY
FY 2026
ACCT FD JC
WP-
GR POSITION CLASS FTE BUDGET
29 Page 826 of 990
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30 Page 827 of 990
EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2026
BUDGET PRESENTATION
Page 828 of 990
MISSION STATEMENT
Emergency Communications Department
Ensure the appropriate response is dispatched
that meets or exceeds the expectations and
needs of the public that is requesting service
through effective and efficient dispatching of
emergency personnel to the scene.
Page 829 of 990
New Faces
Welcome Back!
Crystal Campbell
joined the team April
2024 as a Full Time
Public Safety
Dispatcher.
Insert Image Here Insert
Image
Here
Welcome!
Wincie Doffing
joined the team May
2024 as a Full Time
Public Safety
Dispatcher.
Welcome!
Reanna
McCallister
joined the team
June 2024 as
Full Time Clerk
Page 830 of 990
New Faces
Insert Image Here Insert
Image
Here
Welcome!
Brianna Bronell
joined the team Oct 2024
as a Full Time Public
Safety Dispatcher.
Welcome!
Laura Borgerding
joined the team Nov 2024
as a Full Time Public
Safety Dispatcher.
Page 831 of 990
Communication Center Director
Jessica George-Rethwisch
Emergency Communications Department Leadership (20.41 Full-Time Equivalents)
Lead Dispatcher
Martin Benda
Lead Dispatcher
Katelyn McDade
Lead Dispatcher
Jason Cox
Lead Dispatcher
Open
Page 832 of 990
Emergency Communications Department Staff (20.41 Full-Time Equivalents)
Full Time
Amy Amberg
Lisa Lugrain
Amy Leibold
Michelle Gensrick
Vanessa Hornung
Demi Prichard
Jennifer Snyder
Coral Dannatt
Maggie Lorence
Wincie Doffing
Crystal Campbell
Brianna Bronell
Laura Borgerding
Part Time
Andrea Miller - PRN
3 vacant spots
Records Clerk
Reanna McCallister
Page 833 of 990
FISCAL YEAR 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
•New Procedure for Staff learning
Tyler Time & Attendance
•State provided a new online
training portal -variety of training
•Continue to assist with cameras
•Prepared Live -used 3211 time
collecting 285 media (March 2024)
Page 834 of 990
New Communication Center
–Walls are up!
–Each visit is showing progress
–Hopefully we are moved in by
the end of 2025.
New CAD Computer System
–Ongoing meetings
–Staff input & involvement
–Go Live -End of 2026
FUTURE
INITIATIVES
New 911
Center
New CAD
Page 835 of 990
Emergency Communications Department
FY2026 REQUESTED PROPERTY TAX SUPPORT
$1,227,003 $19.20
Net Property
Tax Support
Average homeowner’s*
property tax cost for 911
Services
(*Avg. home value of $196,508)
$1,136,985
County Share
(1/2 of Operating Budget)
Page 836 of 990
How Does 911 Impact Public Safety:
Dispatch quickly gathers information from the callers to assess what is happening and what units
are needed (EMS, Fire & Police)
Dispatchers can facilitate communications across multiple different responding agencies, making
sure everyone has access to important details of the incident. These include but not limited to Iowa
State Patrol, DNR, Dubuque County Sheriff, Dubuque County Conservation, Iowa DOT, County
DOT, etc.
Dispatchers have the ability to use advanced forms of technology to pinpoint exact location of
emergency callers. Ensuring that responders get to the correct location.
Dispatchers utilize City Cameras –to provide live, up-to-date information to the responding units, as
well as play back footage to assist for a multitude of calls for service
Dispatchers are trained to stay on the line with caller during emergency event until responders
arrive. We want the caller to feel safe and protected with us on the line talking, listening and offering
whatever help we can until responders arrive.
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911 SURCHARGE FUNDING
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TOTAL PHONE CALLS HANDLED BY
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER -FY24
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CALLS FOR SERVICE
FY22 FY23 FY24
Dubuque Police 52,241 52,339 49873
Dubuque Co. Sheriff 24,603 26,202 24,156
Dubuque Fire 8,371 8,221 8,528
County Fire 3,219 3,455 3,667
County Law 14,546 16,606 17,668
No Agency Events 5,632 5,524 6,240
Total 108,612 112,347 110,132
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911 Answer Time -FY24
Range of Answer Time for Emergency 911 Calls
Total Number of 911 Calls 25,735
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Answer Time All Calls
911 & Non-Emergency -FY24
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Calls For Service by Hour of Day -FY24
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FY2026
RECOMMENDED
IMPROVEMENT
REQUEST
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FY2026
RECOMMENDED
IMPROVEMENT
REQUEST
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PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Emergency Communications Center
911 In the Schools
•25 Schools
•61 Classes
•1159 Students
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THANK YOU
www.cityofdubuque.org/911
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