Emergency Communications Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Copyrighted
April 22, 2026
City of Dubuque BUDGET PRESENTATIONS # 4.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Emergency Communications Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
Presentation
SUMMARY:
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 27 Policy Book Volume VII - Emergency Communications Updated
2. E911 - FY27 Budget Presentation Final
Page 1019 of 1207
Emergency
Communications
Center
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
% Change
From FY
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 2026
Budget Highlights Actual Budget Requested Budget
Expenses
Employee Expense $1,786,439 $2,135,130 $2,182,169 2.2 %
Supplies and Services $ 90,402 $ 134,788 $ 395,474 193.4 %
Machinery and Equipment $ 847 $ 3,200 $ 400 (87.5)%
Debt Service $ 14,670 $ 14,972 $ 14,587 (2.6)%
Total Expenses $1,892,358 $2,288,090 $2,592,630 13.3 %
Resources
Operating Revenue $ 852,075 $1,046,115 $1,225,678 17.2 %
Sales Tax 20% for Debt Abatement $ 14,670 $ 14,972 $ 14,587 (2.6)%
Greater powntown TIF Loan Repayment $ — $ — $ 200,982 — %
Total Resources $ 866,745 $1,061,087 $1,441,247 35.8 %
Property Tax Support $1,025,613 $1,227,003 $1,151,383 (75,620)
Percent Increase (Decrease) (6.2)%
Personnel -Authorized FTE 20.35 20.41 20.41
Background
Over 30 years ago, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque County 911 Service Board
entered into a 28E Agreement to form a county-wide centralized 911 Emergency Communication
Center. The 911 Service Board is established by the lowa Code 34A and is the governing group
overseeing 911 surcharge revenue and expenses and other duties. The share in the current agreement
that was signed in December of 2023 for operational costs is 50°/o Dubuque County and 50% City of
Dubuque.
Improvement Package Summary
1 of 6
This improvement package is for 911 shortfall of funds. 911 expenses at the state level are now more
than revenues and the state 911 fund has been depleted. To ensure that there is money to pay the
state bills for 911 delivery costs, the state is decreasing each of the counties surcharge allocations.
This decrease was enough to cause a shortfall for our local 911 Service Board budget. The dollar
amount that the 911 Service Board received from the 911 surcharge on both landline and wireless lines
has always covered the operational cost for the Dubuque County 911 System. Operational cost
includes PSAP phones, radio tower funding, network infrastructure, system maintenance, radio-mobile
maintenance, and some training.
Due to the changes at the state level, Denise Dolan Dubuque County 911 Service Board Budget
Director is anticipating that the 911 Service Board $390,000 short in FY27. The 911 Service Board has
no ability to levy taxes. The 28E - Dubuque County Public Safety Answering Point agreement signed
95 Page 1022 of 1207
December 29, 2023, states in Section 10.1 C Eligible Surcharge Costs Exceeding the Surcharge.
Eligible Surcharge Costs which exceed the amount of money available in the Surcharge fund will be
shared by the City and County in an even split where fifty percent (50%) is allocated to each. This
improvement package aligns with the City Council's goal of promoting Healthy and Safe Communities.
Related Cost: $ 195,000 GDTIF Loan Repay Non-Recurring Recommend -Yes
Net Cost: $ 195,000
Activity: Emergency Communications
2of6
This improvement package was submitted as recurring but is being recommended as non-recurring.
This improvement package request is for the Director and Lead 911 Public Safety Dispatchers to
become certified in the quality assurance (QA) program through Priority Dispatch for Emergency
Medical Dispatch ($3,275), Emergency Police Dispatch ($2,620) and Emergency Fire Dispatch
($2,620). The current Director is already certified in Police and Fire. This program will ensure consistent
call handling, improve service accuracy and accountability for our Dispatchers leading to better
outcomes for both community and responders. The QA program helps reduce liability and allows for
effective feedback, reinforces best practices and close performance gaps. Cost for this improvement is
web based classes, no out of town travel or other training cost. This improvement package supports the
City Council goal of Healthy and Safe Community.
Related Cost: $ 1,250 GDTIF Loan Repay Non-Recurring Recommend -Yes
Related Cost: $ 8,515 GDTIF Loan Repay Non-Recurring
Related Revenue: $ 625 Dubuque County Non-Recurring
Related Revenue: $ 4,258 Dubuque County Non-Recurring
Net Cost: $ 4,882
Activity: Emergency Communications
3of6
This improvement package request is to upgrade current testing software for 911 Public Safety
applicants. This new software allows to administer unlimited number of online tests to applicants at
home vs coming in to test. This test plays a key role in areas of scoring. Examples are multitasking,
typing skills, listening skills and many more areas. The current software is outdated. Cost is over a five-
year contract with pricing increases for years 1-5. Year 1 $2,368, Year 2 $3,421, Year 3 $4,474, Year 4
$4,474, and Year 5 $4,474. This improvement package supports the City Council goal of Healthy and
Safe Community.
Related Cost: $ 2,368 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend -Yes
Related Revenue: $ 1,184 Dubuque County Recurring
Net Cost: $ 1,184
Property Tax Impact: $ 0.0004 —%
Activity: Emergency Communications
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4of6
This improvement package request is for comprehensive software that would help our department
manage, track, and ensure compliance with training requirements for 911 Dispatch staff. CAD system
software did track this information, but the New CAD software will not allow tracking of training records.
This program will improve efficiency, reduce manual tracking errors, and support staff development and
readiness. This improvement package supports the City Council goal of Healthy and Safe Community.
Related Cost: $ 3,000 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend -Yes
Related Revenue: $ 1,500 Dubuque County Recurring
Net Cost: $ 1,500
Property Tax Impact: $ 0.0005 —%
Activity: Emergency Communications
5of6
This improvement package request is for a vehicle that will be used by Department Director and
Dispatch staff to attend local and out of town meetings, conferences, and trainings. When located
downtown staff were able to use police vehicles when available for out of town travel, since the move to
the new center Dispatch staff no longer have that availability. Estimation of mileage cost for the next 8
years $21,056 which includes traveling from the west end location to downtown a few times a week to
attend meetings, bimonthly out of town meetings for supervisor group, County Fire/EMS meetings, and
out of town conferences. This vehicle will be used daily. 75% of the vehicle use would be for city
purposes with the remaining 25% dedicated to the Emergency Communications Department. The costs
for operating the vehicle for Emergency Communications purposes would follow the 28E agreement
and be split between the City and the County while the costs for operating the vehicle for all other city
departments will be covered entirely by the City. This improvement package supports the City Council
goal of Healthy and Safe Community.
Related Cost: $ 40,000 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - No
Related Revenue: $ 5,000 Dubuque County Recurring
Net Cost: $ 35,000
Property Tax Impact: $ 0.0112 0.11%
Activity: Emergency Communications
6of6
This improvement package request would allow the 4 Lead Public Safety Dispatchers to attend online
or virtual Communications Training Officer program. The course provides a comprehensive training on
the roles and responsibilities of CTOs in running an agency's training program. The course focuses on
performance-based training and the need for standardized training with documentation. Leads are the
primary trainers in the Communication Center and it is important they learn the tools they need to
succeed. This improvement package supports the City Council goal of Healthy and Safe Community.
Related Cost: $ 2,200 GDTIF Loan Repay Non-Recurring Recommend -Yes
Related Revenue: $ 1,100 Dubuque County Non-Recurring
Net Cost: $ 1,100
Activity: Emergency Communications
97 Page 1024 of 1207
Significant Line Items
Employee Expense
1. FY 2027 employee expense reflects a 3% wage package increase for non-bargaining employees
and a 3.25% wage package increase for operating engineers as per the collective bargaining
agreement between the City of Dubuque and the International Union of Operating Engineers which
is in place from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029.
2. The lowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) City contribution of 9.44% is unchanged
from FY 2026. The employee contribution of 6.29% is unchanged from FY 2026.
3. The City portion of health insurance expense increased from $1,119 in FY 2026 to $1,175 in FY
2027 per month per contract which results in the annual cost increased of $12,749 or 5%. The
increase per contract is due to the city contribution increasing 5.00% because of increasing health
costs.
4. Overtime expense is decreased from $180,127 in FY 2026 to $127,622 in FY 2027. The FY 2025
actual was $93,782. FY 2024 actual was $119,715.
5. 50% Sick leave payout increased from $237 in FY 2026 to $928 in FY 2027 based on FY 2025
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 decreased from $80,844 in FY 2026 to $76,755 in FY 2027.
Supplies & Services
7. Equipment Rental decreased from $15,240 in FY 2026 to $14,204 in FY 2027. This line item
represents the cost for the rental of the T-1 line provided by the State through the National Crime
Information Center/lowa Computer (NCIC). The direct line provides the City with access to the
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 lowa
and nationally.
8. Technology Services increased from $51,488 in FY 2026 to $52,076 in FY 2027. This line item
includes the annual cost of various software, including Criminal Justice Information System
($2,200), Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems ($25,350) Emergency Dispatch Software ($14,075),
Pre-employment Testing Software ($1,253), Paging Software ($407), Remote Access Software
($108), Employee Scheduling Software ($3,180), and PDF Editor ($135). This decrease is due to
initial set up fees for Prepared Assist software were included in the FY 2026 budget.
9. Education Reimbursement increased from $7,926 in FY 2026 to $23,455 in FY 2027. This line item
represents the cost of required emergency response training, including the lowa 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. This increase is due to more staff
needing training in FY 2027 than FY 2026.
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10. Meetings & Conferences decreased from $13,660 in FY 2026 to $12,035 in FY 2027. 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) ($5,500); Central Square Conference ($1,340); National APCO/NENA
($3,150); lowa Women's Leadership Conference ($820), and lowa League of Cities Conference
($1,225). Conference registration costs usually increase slightly each year. For FY 2027, the
registration costs for the State APCO/NENA are increasing. FY 2026 also included additional one-
time funding of$600 to allow staff to attend the lowa Women's Police Conference.
11. Telecommunications increased from $7,303 in FY 2026 to $8,412 in FY 2027 based on FY 2025
actual of$7,912. This line item represents expenses for department cell phones, 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 increased from $9,500 in FY 2026 to $9,690 in FY
2027. This line item represents the contract for the RAVE Panic Button safety application for all City
buildings.
13. Liability Insurance decreased from $16,143 in FY 2026 to $15,555 in FY 2027. This includes a
decrease of (4)% based on information received from lowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP).
The FY 2025 actual was $14,277.
14. Other Professional Services increased from $2,500 in FY 2026 to $3,100 in FY 2027. This line item
represents the salary of the EMS Medical Director ($2,500).
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 ($400):
Emergency Communications Equipment
Smart Phone $ 400
Total Equipment $ 400
Debt Service
17. FY 2027 annual debt service is as follows ($14,587):
Final Call
Amount Debt Series Payment Source Purpose Payment Date
$ 14,587 2019C G.O. Sales Tax 20% Tower Relocation 2027 2027
$ 14,587 Total Emergency Communications Annual Debt Service
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Revenue
18. County Contribution revenue represents payments from Dubuque County for support of the 911
center as established in a 28E agreement. In FY 2027, the County's payment represents 50% of the
total operating expenses of the 911 center. The County's share in FY 2027 is estimated to be
$1,219,430 (FY 2026 was $1,035,675). 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.
City Manager's
Office
Emergency
Communications
SUCCESS IS ABOUT PLANNING, PARTNERSHIPS AND PEOPLE
LEADING TO OUTCOMES
People
The Emergency Communications Center Planning
works with citizens and emergency The Communications Center works with
responders to ensure the needs of the different agencies in the Dubuque area to
community are met. ensure that all emergency needs are
provided when requested by citizens and
visitors of Dubuque.
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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.
101 Page 1028 of 1207
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY FY FY
2025 2026 2027
Full-Time Equivalent 20.35 20.41 20.41
Debt and Resources
$1,600,000
$1,400,000 $1,225,678 $1,227,003
$1,200,000 $1,046,115 $1,151,383
$1,025,613
$1,000,000 $852,075
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
Operating Revenue Property Tax Support
� FY 2025 Actual FY 2026 Budget FY 2027 Recomm'd
The Emergency Communication Department is supported by 20.41 full-time equivalent employees,
which accounts for 84.17% of the department expense as seen below. Overall, the department's
expenses are expected to increase by 13.31% in FY 2027 compared to FY 2026.
Expenditures by Category by Fiscal Year
$1,786,439
Employee Expense $2,135,130
$2,182,169
$90,402
Supplies and Services $134,788
$395,474
$847
Machinery and Equipment $3,200
$400
$0 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000
� FY 2025 Actual FY 2026 Budget FY 2027 Recomm'd
102 Page 1029 of 1207
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 2027
Emergency Communications Manager 1.00
Lead Public Safety Dispatcher 4.00
Public Safety Dispatcher 14.41
Records Clerk - FT 1.00
Total Full-Time Equivalent Employees 20.41
Performance Measures
City Council Goal: Financially Responsible, High Performance City Organization: Sustainable
and Effective Service Delivery
1 Activity Objective: Provide expedient and effective handling of emergency calls.
Performance Measure (KPI) Target FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 Performance
Actual Actual Estimated Indicator
°/o of 911 phone calls answered in 10
seconds or less (National Average is 91% 95% 97.7% 91% Goal Met
90%)
°/o of all phone calls answered in 10 g0% 96% 97.7% 92% Goal Met
seconds orless
# of total phone calls handled by the �110,000 118,000 116,542 110,000 Goal Met
Dubuque Communications Center
**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 25 25 26 26 Goal Met
City/County
# of students reached through 1,100 1,100 1,201 1,000 Goal Met
classroom presentations
103 Page 1030 of 1207
Recommended Operating Revenue Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY26 FY27
FY24 Actual FY25 Actual Adopted Recomm'd
Fund/Account/Account Title Revenue Revenue Budget Budget
100 - General
4A - Charges for Services
45000 - Charges/Fees for Service (2,174) (1,759) (2,174) —
47100 - Reimbursements (8,266) (6,248) (8,266) (6,248)
4A - Charges for Services Total (10,440) (8,007) (10,440) (6,248)
4B - Grants/Contrib
44650 - County Contributions (539,202) (844,068) (1,035,675) (1,219,430)
4B - Grants/Contrib Total (539,202) (844,068) (1,035,675) (1,219,430)
4N -Transfers
49304 - Transfer in Sales Tax 20% (15,245) (14,670) (14,972) (14,587)
4N - Transfers Total (15,245) (14,670) (14,972) (14,587)
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS -
TOTAL (564,887) (866,745) (1,061,087) (1,240,265)
104 Page 1031 of 1207
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
Fund/Account/Account Title Actual Actual Budget Recomm'd
6A - Salaries &Wages
100 - General
60100 - Salaries-Regular Full Time 960,642 1,118,637 1,251,022 1,330,522
60200 - Salaries - Regular Part Time 29,352 19,773 77,681 85,600
60400 - Overtime 119,715 93,782 180,127 127,622
60410 - Overtime - Holiday 11,304 68,470 - -
60620 - Special Pay - Holiday 31,707 - 80,844 76,755
60630 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout Ret 9,554 13,588 13,722 12,207
60635 - Special Pay Sick Lv Payout 50% 230 901 237 928
60640 - Special Pay - Vacation Payout 7,753 4,993 - -
6A - Salaries &Wages Total 1,170,257 1,320,144 1,603,633 1,633,634
6B - Employee Benefits
100 - General
61100 - FICA- City Contribution 85,565 96,803 122,678 124,972
61300 - IPERS - City Contribution 109,007 122,829 150,066 153,065
61410 - Pension - MFPRSI 85 - - -
61510 - Health Insurance 246,000 243,112 255,037 267,786
61540 - Life Insurance 708 824 874 874
61600 - Workers' Compensation 2,248 2,728 2,842 1,838
6B - Employee Benefits Total 443,613 466,296 531,497 548,535
6C - Staff Development
100 - General
62325 - Mileage 417 386 494 1,200
62400 - Meetings & Conferences 4,310 5,107 13,660 12,035
62500 - Education Reimbursement 10,685 12,359 7,926 23,455
6C - Staff Development Total 15,412 17,852 22,080 36,690
6D - Repair/Maint/Util
100 - General
63710 - Electricity - - - 27,960
63730 - Telecommunications 7,303 7,912 7,303 8,412
63740 - Water - - - 2,160
6D - Repair/Maint/Util Total 7,303 7,912 7,303 38,532
6E - Contractual Svcs
100 - General
64020 -Advertising 971 - 800 -
64081 - Insurance - Liability 13,072 14,277 16,143 15,555
64130 - Payments to Other Agencies - - - 195,000
105 Page 1032 of 1207
Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
Fund/Account/Account Title Actual Actual Budget Recomm'd
64140 - Printing 37 - 370 -
64145 - Copying 1,223 1,383 1,500 1,383
64150 - Rental - Equipment 14,964 11,460 15,240 14,204
64160 - Rental - Land/Bldgs/Parking - 3,420 4,135 -
64190 - Technology Services 27,595 19,392 51,488 52,076
64191 - IT Recharges 3,370 4,296 3,413 13,692
64900 - Other Professional Service 2,500 2,500 2,500 3,100
64980 - Technology Equip Maint Cont - 7,700 9,500 9,690
6E - Contractual Svcs Total 63,732 64,428 105,089 304,700
6F - Commodities
100 - General
65045 - Technology Equipment - 657 2,900 400
65060 - Office Supplies 207 210 316 316
65965 - Janitorial - - - 15,236
6F - Commodities Total 207 867 3,216 15,952
6G - Capital Outlay
100 - General
67210 - Furniture/Fixtures - 190 300 -
6G - Capital Outlay Total - 190 300 -
6H - Debt Service
200 - Debt Service
68010 - Principal Payment 12,347 12,178 12,845 12,845
68020 - Interest Payments 2,897 2,492 2,127 1,742
6H - Debt Service Total 15,244 14,670 14,972 14,587
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS -
TOTAL 1,715,768 1,892,359 2,288,090 2,592,630
106 Page 1033 of 1207
Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
12 - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
Fund/Activity Actual Budget Recomm'd
1201 - Emergency Communications
100 - General
6A- Salaries &Wages 1,320,142 1,603,633 1,633,634
6B - Employee Benefits 466,297 531,497 548,535
6C - Staff Development 17,852 22,080 36,690
6D - Repair/Maint/Util 7,912 7,303 38,532
6E - Contractual Svcs 64,428 105,089 109,700
6F - Commodities 866 3,216 15,952
6G - Capital Outlay 190 300 —
1201 - Emergency Communications Total 1,877,687 2,273,118 2,383,043
1202 - E911 Non-County Eligible Expense
100 - General
6E - Contractual Svcs — — 195,000
1202 - E911 Non-County Eligible Expense Total — — 195,000
1280 - Debt Service
200 - Debt Service
6H - Debt Service 14,670 14,972 14,587
1280 - Debt Service Total 14,670 14,972 14,587
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS -TOTAL 1,892,357 2,288,090 2,592,630
107 Page 1034 of 1207
CITY OF DUBUQUE , IOWA
DEPARTMENT DETAIL - PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
12 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DIVISION
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
FD JC WP-GR JOB CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
60100 Full Time Employee Expense
EMERGENCY
100 4305 NB-17 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 1.00 $ 106,603 1.00 $ 116,654 1.00 $ 130,514
LEAD PUBLIC SAFETY
100 8320 NB-10 DISPATCHER 4.00 $ 306,294 4.00 $ 287,104 4.00 $ 316,277
100 8310 0E-15 PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 12.00 $ 727,379 13.00 $ 847,264 13.00 $ 831,375
100 5310 NB-06 RECORDS CLERK 1.00 $ 46,632 1.00 $ 48,332 1.00 $ 52,356
TOTAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 18.00 $1,186,908 19.00 $1,299,354 19.00 $1,330,522
60200 Part Time Employee Expense
100 8310 0E-15 PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 2.35 $ 137,007 1.41 $ 77,681 1.41 $ 85,600
TOTAL PART TIME EMPLOYEES 2.35 $ 137,007 1.41 $ 77,681 1.41 $ 85,600
TOTAL EMERG. COMM. DIVISION 20.35 $1,323,915 20.41 $1,377,035 20.41 $1,416,122
108 Page 1035 of 1207
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ACTIVITY PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT SUMMARY
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
WP-
ACCT FD JC GR POSITION CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
Emergency Comm.Center-FT
EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
1201 60100 100 4305 NB-17 DIRECTOR 1.00 $ 106,603 1.00 $ 116,654 1.00 $ 130,514
LEAD PUBLIC SAFETY
1201 60100 100 8320 NB-10 DISPATCHER 4.00 $ 306,294 4.00 $ 287,104 4.00 $ 316,277
PUBLIC SAFETY
1201 60100 100 8310 0E-15 DISPATCHER 12.00 $ 727,379 13.00 $ 847,264 13.00 $ 831,375
1201 60100 100 5310 NB-06 RECORDS CLERK 1.00 $ 46,632 1.00 $ 48,332 1.00 $ 52,356
Total 18.00 $1,186,908 19.00 $1,299,354 19.00 $1,330,522
Emergency Comm.Center-PT
PUBLIC SAFETY
1201 60200 100 8310 0E-15 DISPATCHER 2.35 $ 137,007 1.41 $ 77,681 1.41 $ 85,600
Total 2.35 $ 137,007 1.41 $ 77,681 1.41 $ 85,600
TOTAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
DEPARTMENT 20.35 $1,323,915 20.41 $1,377,035 20.41 $1,416,122
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tmergency c�ommunications uepartment
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 1039 of 1207
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Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Keeley Zamora Jodi Cowan Kelsey Butler
joined the team joined the team joined the team
October 2025 as a October 2025 as a October 2025 as a
Full Time Full Time Full Time
Public Safety Dispatcher Public Safety Dispatcher Public Safety Dispatcher
Page 1040 of 1207
• � . • � • . . � � � � • .
Communication Center Director
Jessica George-Rethwisch
Lead Dispatche ead Dispatcher
Martin Benda Jason Cox
Lead Dispatche Lead Dispatcher
Katelyn McDad Michelle Gensrick
-..- �� . �
Emergency Communications Department Staff (20.41 Full-Time Equivalents)
Full �me
Lisa Lugrain Kelsey Butler
Jennifer Snyder 1 Open FT
Amy Leibold
Vanessa Stonebraker
•
Demi Husemann �� � � � � � i � � � � � � - � � � �
Maggie Lorence Andrea Miller
Wincie D offing
Crystal C ampbell
Brianna Bronell
Keeley Zamora Reanna Charley
Jodi Cowan
Page 1042 of 1207
Emergency Communications Department Staff
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FISCAL YEAR 2026
HIGHLIGHTS
• Moved to the New 911 Emergency Communications Center
• Increased use of RapidSOS and What 3 Words
• Prepared 911 - Text Conversations, Live video from callers,
Translates several languages both voice and text.
Used 3,043 times & collected 258 Media Files
Page 1044 of 1207
,.
� 1Nent frorn approx. 580sq ft ta over 5,000 sq ft area,
Cornm Center rnain floor �s 2,373 sq ft.
New
911Com mu n i�ation 'Old center had 6 workin CAD ositions
Center g p
New center has 8 with space far 8 additional
Cost Shared between R __, � _ ,
CIty�COUl1ty - Breakroom, full IockFrs, relaxat�on/lactation room,
� conference roam, lead's office, and director's office.
Backup center with old consoles is Iocated r�ght off
the main �oor. This is a hardened area for dispatchers to
move to during severe weather. (396 sq ft area)
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Page 1046 of 1207
-
Dubuque County 911 Center Transistion Exploratory
. . �
Committee
■ ■ Committee to investigate the feasibility of
transferring operations of the Dubuque County
� , ! � 911 Center from the City to the County and how
• ' �, it best serves the citizens of Dubuque County
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Page 1047 of 1207
FUTURE
I N ITIATIVES New CAD Com puter System
■ ■ — Ongoing meetings
— Staff input & involvement
New CAD
— Go Live - End of 2026
— 3 Million Cost Shared between City/County
Prepared �
911
P re p a re d 911
- TranslationAudio Calls
- Transcripts of phone calls
- QualityAssurance on calls
Page 1048 of 1207
Emergency Communications Department
FY2027 REQU ESTED PROPERTY TAX SU PPORT
17 . 87
1 151 383 1 136 985
' ' Average homeowner's* ' '
Net Property County Share
property tax cost for 911 .
Tax Support . (1 /2 of Operating Budget)
Serv�ces
(*Avg, home value of $213,211)
Page 1049 of 1207
911 SURCHARGE FUNDING
$I,400,000 -
7 903
$I,200,000 9
� , 7 716
$I,000,000 447
550
2,I 95
$800,000
$600,000 � , � � ��� � """,' " -�27,058 $3 t 6,485
�
$400,000 $302,550
$32A�b24 $287,464 $32���9 $292,I 95
$200,000 ' � $260,b58 ----_
205,962 � $I 80,000 $I 50,000
$0 -
FY I 9 FY20 FY2 I FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 EST FY27 EST
Wirelines Wireless Total
Page 1050 of 1207
TOTAL PHON E CALLS HAN DLED BY
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER - FY25
I I 6,542 Calls
25,488 91 I Calls 91 ,054 Non-Emergency
�91 I Calls '� Non Emergency Calls
12000
- _ _ - 10000
_ _ _ _ _ = 8000
co
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.o v� � .o 0
�''� v'1 p N M — — � N O
N N N N N OC C� � O O N N O
Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Page 1051 of 1207
CALLS FOR SERVICE
.
Dubuque Police 52,339 49,873 47,404
Dubuque Co. Sheriff 26,202 24,156 25,277
Dubuque Fire 8,221 8,528 8,936
County Fire/EMS 3,455 3,667 3,443
County Law 16,606 17,668 16,414
No Agency Events 5,524 6,240 7,079
Total 112,347 110,132 108,553
Page 1052 of 1207
911 Answer Time - FY25
Range of Answer Time for Emergency 911 Calls
Total Number of 911 Calls 25,488
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■ 10-14 Seconds
15-19 Seconds
20-60 Seconds
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Page 1053 of 1207
Answer Time All Calls 911 & Non -Emergency - FY25
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10-14 Seconds
15-19 Seconds
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20-120 Seconds
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Page 1054 of 1207
Cal Is For Service by Hou r of Day - FY25
9000
8005
8000 7577 7649
7289 7079 7096 7183
6925
��� 6468 6452
6000 5691
� 5332
u
4936
y 5000 4503
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N4000 3810 3981
u 2983
3000 2469 2519
2136
2000 1749 1817
1446 1502
1000
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hour of the Day
Page 1055 of 1207
1 . Improvement package is for 911 shortfall of funds. 911 expenses at the state
� level are now more than revenues and the state 911 fund has been depleted. To
ensure that there is money to pay the state bills for 911 delivery costs, the state is
� � � � decreasing each of the counties surcharge allocations. This decrease was enough
to cause a shortfall for our local 911 Service Board Budget. This is Non-Recurring.
. . •
2. Improvement package request is for the Director and Lead 911 Public Safety
• � Dispatchers to become certified in the quality assurance (QA) program through Priority
Dispatch for Emergency Medical, Police & Fire Dispatch. This is Non-Recurring
3. Improvement package request is to upgrade current testing software for 911
Public Safety Dispatcher applicants. This test plays a key role in areas of scoring.
Examples are multitasking, typing skills, listening skills and many more areas. The
current software is outdated and updates are no longer available. This is Recurring
4. Improvement package request is for a software that would help our department
manage, track and ensure compliance with training requirements for 911 Dispatch
staff. Our current CAD software tracks this information for us, but the new CAD
software will no longer allow tracking of training records. This is Recurring.
5. Improvement package request would allow the 4 Lead 911 Public Safety
Dispatchers to attend online or virtual Communications Training Officer (CTO)
program. The course focuses on perFormance-based training and the need for
standardized training with documentation. Leads are the primary trainers in the
Communication Center, and it is important they learn the tools they need to succeed.
This is Non-Recurring.
Page 1056 of 1207
City Council Goal: Financially Responsible, High Performance City Organization: Sustainable and Effective Service
Delivery
1 Activity Objective: Provide expedient and effective handling of emergency calls.
Performance Measure (KPI) Target FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 Performance
Actual Actual Estimated Indicator
% of 911 phone calls answeoed in 10 seconds or g1 % 95% 97.7% 91% Goal Met
less (National Average is 90 /o)
% of all phone calls answered in 10 seconds or g0% 96% 97.7% 92% Goal Met
less
# of total phone calls handled by the Dubuque >110,000 118,000 116,542 110,000 Goal Met
Communications Center
**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 25 25 26 26 Goal Met
c�tyicounty
# of students reached through classroom 1 ,100 1 ,100 1 ,201 1 ,000 Goal Met
presentations
�
Page 1057 of 1207
Emergency Communications Center
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
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Page 1058 of 1207
2025 Completed Tasks
■ ■
2�25 6, 040 VALIDATIONS
Completed
1, 811 WARRANTS
Tas ks
1, 634 NO CONTACT ORDERS
118 MISSING PERSONS REPORTS
760 TAPE REQUEST
Page 1059 of 1207
www. cityofd u buq ue .org/911
Page 1060 of 1207