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Establishing Water Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2027 Copyrighted April 28, 2026 City of Dubuque ACTION # 1. City Council ITEM TITLE: Establishing Water Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2027 SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council adopt the ordinances establishing water utility rates for Fiscal Year 2027. ORDINANCE Establishing City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1 c-1(A) Fixing Water Rates for Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and All Other Uses ORDINANCE Establishing the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates Section 13-1 c-2 Fixing Water Rates for Fire Sprinkler Service SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Motion B; Motion A DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. Staff Memo Water Rates Comparison - FINAL 4.24.2026 2. Water Fire Sprinkler Rate Comparison FY 2026 to FY2027 - FINAL 4.24.2026 3. Water Utility Fiscal Year Rate Comparison FY2026 to FY2027- FINAL 4.24.2026 4. FY27 Ordinance Water Use and Service Rates - FINAL 4.24.2026 5. FY27 Sprinkler Service Ordinance - FINAL 4.24.2026 6. Online Public Input 7. Public Input - Rob McDonald Page 557 of 654 Dubuque THE CITY OF � All-America Cily D L � naixma<rvx iixzii; U ' I I�► I I Maste iece on the Mississi i Zoo��zoi2�zoi3 �P pp zoi�*zoi9 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Christopher Lester, Water Department Director SUBJECT: Establishing Water Rates under City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section Title 13 Public Utilities Chapter 1 Article C — Rates, Section 13-1 C-1(a) Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and other uses; and Section 13-1 C-2 Fire Sprinkler Service DATE: April 28, 2026 INRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to provide two ordinances for review and approval. These ordinances establish the FY27 City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities Chapter 1 Article C, Section 13-1 C-1(a) Fixing Water Rates for Residential and Industrial Use and all other uses; and Section 13-1 C Fixing Water Rates for Fire Sprinkler Service. DISCUSSION It is recommended in the Water DepartmenYs budget request for FY27 that a 3% rate increase be implemented. It is also recommended that the Minimum Monthly Water Charge be increased to $10.83, which also reflects a 3% rate increase. Proposed and approved rate structures of comparable lowa communities with lime softening treatment similar to Dubuque, are compared in the following table. The calculation is based on the average residential usage of 3,200 gallons per month. Proposed FY27 Water Rates Comparison (3,200 Gallons) $40.00 $35.00 $30.00 $25.00 $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 $- ��. \Jo,• o�a ^`,�� �5..• ey �5 aac �°� �`� � � �,� � P,�` �� Page 558 of 654 Rank, Proposed FY27 Lowest to City Water Cost for Highest 3,200 Gallons � Council � 21.59 Bluffs 2 Dubuque $ 23.17 3 lowa City $ 23.52 4 West Des $ 27.07 Moines 5 Des Moines $ 27.36 6 Ames $ 27.97 7 Cedar Rapids $ 34.05 The proposed rate increase of 3% would place Dubuque as having the second lowest water rate. The highest rate (Cedar Rapids) is 32.0% higher than Dubuque's rate. The average without Dubuque is 16.21% higher than Dubuque's proposed rate. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the attached proposed ordinances be submitted to the City Council for adoption during the FY27 Budget Hearings with an effective date of July 1, 2026. cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer File 2 Page 559 of 654 City of Dubuque Fire Sprinkler Rate Comparison FY2026 to FY2027 Actual Proposed FY26 FY27 8.00% 3.00% Up to 200 (minimum) $ 32.24 $ 33.21 200-299 $ 38.70 $ 39.86 300-399 $ 45.06 $ 46.41 400-599 $ 51.58 $ 53.13 600-799 $ 57.96 $ 59.70 800-999 $ 64.45 $ 66.38 1,000 - 1,199 $ 70.92 $ 73.05 1,200 - 1,399 $ 77.30 $ 79.62 1,400 - 1,599 $ 83.75 $ 86.26 1,600 - 1,799 $ 90.21 $ 92.92 1,800 - 1,999 $ 96.60 $ 99.50 2,000 -2,199 $ 103.08 $ 106.17 2,200 -2,399 $ 109.51 $ 112.80 2,400 -2,599 $ 115.98 $ 119.46 2,600 -2,799 $ 122.41 $ 126.08 2,800 -2,900 $ 129.03 $ 132.89 3,000 - 3,499 $ 135.28 $ 139.34 Over 3,500" $ 6.43 $ 6.62 *(for each additional 500 heads or fraction thereof) Page 560 of 654 City of Dubuque Water Utility Fiscal Year Rate Comparison FY2026 to FY2027 Rates based on units of one-hundred cubic feet(748 gallons) Actual Proposed Monthly FY26 FY27 Consumption (CCF) 8.00% 3.00% First 30 $ 5.30 $ 5.46 Next 120 $ 4.31 $ 4.44 Next 350 $ 4.01 $ 4.13 Next 500 $ 3.53 $ 3.64 Over 1,000 $ 3.13 $ 3.22 Monthly FY26 FY27 Consumption (Gals) 8.00% 3.00% First 22,440 $ 0.00703 $ 0.00724 Next 89,760 $ 0.00577 $ 0.00594 Next 261,800 $ 0.00537 $ 0.00553 Next 374,000 $ 0.00474 $ 0.00488 Over 748,000 $ 0.00415 $ 0.00427 Rates shall be subject to the following minimum monthly charge according to the size of the meter: Actual Proposed Meter Cubic FY26 FY27 Size Feet Gallons 8.00% 3.00% 5/8 2 1,496 $ 10.52 $ 10.83 3/4 5 3,740 $ 26.26 $ 27.08 1 8 5,984 $ 42.07 $ 43.32 1 1/2 26 19,448 $ 127.69 $ 131.52 2 46 34,408 $ 226.81 $ 233.56 3 106 79 2$$ $ 485.77 $ 500.14 4 168 125,664 $ 747.97 $ 770.10 6 368 275,264 $ 1,551.32 $ 1,597.38 8 625 467,500 $ 2524.72 $ 2,599.67 a) For users outside the city limits, an additional charge equal to 50% of the above rates will be made b)A$10.83 minimum monthly charge shall be assessed for meters not in service, this reflects the 3% rate increase. Page 561 of 654 ORDINANCE NO. 15-26 ESTABLISHING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES, CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES, SECTION 13-1C-1(A) FIXING WATER RATES FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND ALL OTHER USES NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Section 13-1C-1(A) of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, is hereby unchanged, and shall read as follows: Section 13-1C-1A: Residential, Commercial, Industrial and All Other Uses. A. Rates Established: The rates to be charged for water for residential, commercial, industrial and all other uses and purposes by any person, firm or corporation within the city shall be based on units of one hundred cubic feet (748 gallons) or per gallon as follows: Monthly Consumption (in Hundreds of Cubic Feet) First 30 Next 120 Next 350 Next 500 Over 1,000 Charge per Hundred Cubic Feet $5.46 $4.44 $4.13 $3.64 $3.22 Monthly Consumption Charge per (in Gallons) Gallon First 22,440 $0.00724 Next 89,760 $0.00594 Next 261,800 $0.00553 Next 374,000 $0.00488 Over 748,000 $0.00427 Rates shall be subject to the following minimum monthly charge according to the size of the meter: Meter Size Monthly Consumption Monthly Consumption Inches (In Hundreds of Cubic Feet) (In Gallons) Minimum Charge 5/8 2 1,496 $10.83 3/4 5 3,740 $27.08 1 8 5,984 $43.32 1 1 /2 26 19,448 $131.52 2 46 34,408 $233.56 3 106 79,288 $500.14 4 168 125,664 $770.10 6 368 275,264 $1,597.38 8 625 467,500 $2,599.67 A property owner shall pay a $50.00 disconnect fee for water service that is disconnected by the city for a meter not in service. When a tenant account is subject to disconnection due to delinquency, the tenant shall pay the $50.00 disconnect fee. A $50.00 service call fee shall be changed to property owners or tenant account for those service calls that are determined to be related to customer negligence. A $10.83 minimum monthly charge shall be assessed for meters not in service. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2026. Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2026. Attest: '=,,,,,. Trish Gleason, Assistant City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 16-26 ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES SECTION 13-1C-2 FIXING WATER RATES FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SERVICE NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Section 13-1 C-2 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby unchanged, and shall read as follows: Section 13-1 C-2: Fire Sprinkler Service. Customers who have fire sprinkler service shall be billed for this service on a monthly basis. The monthly charge shall be as follows: CURRENT MONTHLY NUMBER OF HEADS CHARGES Up to 200 (minimum) $33.21 200-299 $39.86 300-399 $46.41 400-599 $53.13 600-799 $59.70 800 -999 $66.38 1,000 - 1,199 $73.05 1,200 - 1,399 $79.62 1,400 - 1,599 $86.26 1,600 - 1,799 $92.92 1,800 - 1,999 $99.50 2,000 - 2,199 $106.17 2,200 - 2,399 $112.80 2,400 - 2,599 $119.46 2,600 - 2,799 $126.08 2,800 - 2,900 $132.89 3,000 - 3,499 $139.34 Over 3,500* $6.62 *(for each additional 500 heads or fraction thereof) Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2026. Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2026. Bra• M. Cox agh, Mayor Attest: Trish Gleason, Assistant City Clerk Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 6:14 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Beautification of South Grandview Avenue. A once historic for the City's FY2027 Avenue now in disrepair. South Grandview Avenue is one of Budget beginning on the highest traveled walk ways in the City of Dubuque and July 1, 2026? should be treated with the level of attention it draws from citizens and out of town visitors as it is the main throufair from Highway 151 to Senior High School (among many other uses for out of town visitors). While "private funds" may or may not be available to assist in the continued maintenance of this Avenue, it seems requests by citizens of Dubuque for improvements do not make it to the top the City's list. Additionally, when asked if residents along this Avenue can take care of it themselves, they are denied. Therefore, it is my request that funds be allocated for beautification of this once great Avenue. Specific improvements include but are not limited to grass maintenance, including watering, seeding, fertilizing, and edging, flower bed repairs, trimming of trees within the median area, completion of the new light/flag poles, and a switch from LED lights to a lower lumen warmer glowing bulb. It would be preferred that the contractors hired for this maintenance live in lowa. On 1 Page ��6 of H�� numerous occasions the contractors hired have disregard to lowa law as it relates to blowing grass into the street and onto the cars driving by. Thank you for your time in considering this request. First Name Carolyn Last Name Davis Street Address 980 S Grandview Ave City Dubuque State IA Zip 52003 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. 0 :;'. 2 Page ��� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 1:16 PM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have The city needs to prioritize safety of all citizens. That means for the City's FY2026 making sure that the police and fire departments are fully Budget beginning on staffed at a safe level. This should be a top priority over any July 1, 2025? additional housing development subsidies. The city should NOT spend another penny on the airport subsidizing flights that obviously Dubuquers do not use. Giving a national corporation with no ties to our community guaranteed money for half-empty flights is short-sighted at best when that money could be used to offer safety to all citizens. Put the people first instead of a corporation that is just looking for a profit. That is true for all other decisions the city needs to make. First Name Kelly Last Name Fagan StreetAddress 3189 Kaufmann Avenue City Dubuque State lowa 1 Page ��� of H�� Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 2 Page ��9 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 6:36 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Finish fixing alleys in the north end for the City's FY2027 Budget beginning on July 1, 2026? First Name Alley Last Name Fixer Street Address 50 W 13th st City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page �68 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 3:12 PM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have Posted this on FB but didn't get a response. Can you please for the City's FY2026 share with us ahead of the meeting a few things to ensure we Budget beginning on can bring productive ideas? It would be helpful to know how July 1, 2025? much of the budget is "discretionary" (meaning how much money do you actually have to make decisions with, beyond the fixed parts of the budget like staff expenses and other things that aren't flexible). Then I would like to see the framework and set of criteria you use to make budget decisions. How does the City prioritize and make tradeoffs between potential projects given a limited amount of money? How do you use the goals and priorities to inform decision- making and how do you make tradeoffs across those? Please post here or or the City's website more guidance so that we are not wasting our time showing up with a random list of ideas that aren't aligned to how the City will make decisions. Thanks! First Name Alison Last Name Fuller Street Address 1145 S Grandview Ave 1 Page ��� of H�� City Dubuque State IA Zip 52003 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 ,, 2 Page ��� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2026 9:57 AM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have No! No to climate Action Coordinator! Leave our blue skies for the City's FY2027 alone! Budget beginning on July 1, 2026? First Name Amy Last Name Gaul Street Address 22851 Wulfekuhle rd City Holy Cross State IA Zip 52053 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page ��� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 5:48 AM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have I would really like the City to continue and finish The Alleys on for the City's FY2027 the West End. The Alley between Asbury and Cherry st , green Budget beginning on st, Finely st are in dire need of repair.. Thank you ! July 1, 2026? First Name Kathy Last Name Ginter Street Address 1735 Asbury rd City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page ���of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 9:31 PM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have Fare free city busses, lower income and people who can't drive for the City's FY2026 can get around town easier, I lived in iowa city the last 3 years Budget beginning on and they tried this during covid with great success and itjust July 1, 2025? stuck because ridership has gone up First Name Zach Last Name Gloss Street Address 2289 Chaney road apt 12 City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page ���of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 6:10 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Allow Murals to be painted on the 7 doors at Fire Headquarters for the City's FY2027 incorporated with community themes for the Downtown District Budget beginning on July 1, 2026? Additionally allow murals to be painted on the 2 doors at Fire Station #4 on University Ave. Partner with the Community Outreach Department to source local artists to Dubuqu Reason: The brown doors at Fire HQ and Fire Station #4 are so bland and need to be updated to better reflect the vibrant Community that Dubuque is! First Name Jonnathan "Jonn" Last Name Johnson Street Address 11 Mt Vernon CT City Madison State Wi i Page ��6 of H�� Zip 53719 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 2 Page ��� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 8:49 AM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have Finish the irrigation system at Bunker Hill Golf course. IYs sad for the City's FY2026 that this project has gotten put on the back burner. The Budget beginning on irrigation project (that is drastically needed) started in 2013 with July 1, 2025? the installation of new controllers and pump station. The following 2 years a section of the course was completed with new Toro heads, HDPP laterals and PVC mains. The designer gave the City a two option plan in which the City decided to only put in half the design. Now this system (if completed)will be an already aging system with the "new" heads becoming obsolete. The full project would have cost the City fractions of the 2026 numbers. This in my opinion was a folly by City personel. The problem actually lies with the misconception that Bunker Hill is and should remain "self-supportive". This policy should be changed to ensure the quality that area golfers expect and deserve. Thanks. First Name Gerald Last Name Lange Street Address 260 Angela Jean Cir 1 Page ��� of H�� City Peosta State la Zip 52068 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 ,, 2 Page ��9 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 12:48 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have We need a new fire station on the West End. The population for the City's FY2027 density has increased here and that impacts the response time Budget beginning on for fire and emergencies. July 1, 2026? First Name Mary Jo Last Name Mai Street Address 2168 Northstar Drive City Dubuque State iA Zip 52002 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page ��8 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Friday, March 27, 2026 9:35 AM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have 1.)Would it be possible to leave a crushed limestone trail on for the City's FY2027 top of the new sewer line being installed up the catfish creek Budget beginning on water shed? July 1, 2026? 2.) Reduce mowing requirements by installing prairie on city owed land. 3.) examined the utilities payment process to reduced friction in the system. From the bill date to receiving the bill via email is about a week with the audit. This leaves approximately 14-18 calendar days to pay the bill. Since the US postal system turn around time has increased would it be possible to expand the time frame to pay the utilities. Autopay and other forms of payment where the city saves payment info is not ideal. First Name Matt Last Name Mohr Street Address 560 Sunset Ridge City Dubuque State IA 1 Page �6� of H�� Zip 52003 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 2 Page �6� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 6:37 PM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have We should use part of our budget to increase school safety. for the City's FY2026 We as parents are tired of multiple gun threats in our schools Budget beginning on yearly with out any repercussions to the parties responsible for July 1, 2025? said gun threats, and additionally no plans, or reassurance on how we can protect the children going forward. We play phone tag with the school district to end in no results, or to be told it doesn't fit in the budgets. LeYs use our tax dollars to increase security or install metal detectors to protect the future generations of Dubuque we are raising! First Name Brianna Last Name Murphy Street Address 2840 Burlington St City Dubuque State IA Zip 52001 1 Page �6� of H�� Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. � ., 2 Page �6�of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 11:16 AM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have Repair/replace "donar wall" at the Port of Dubuque. Estimate is for the City's FY2026 $40,000. Passangers getting off Viking and ACL ships ask Budget beginning on about it. July 1, 2025? First Name Nelson Last Name Klavitter Street Address 865 Kirkwood St City Dubuque1 State IA Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Port2.ipa Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page �6�of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 7:46 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Make Main Street, white st, and central Ave tree lined. Increase for the City's FY2027 small business incentives for downtown store fronts, both new Budget beginning on and existing. Fund community gardening projects or gardening July 1, 2026? supplies for new gardeners, canning equipment, and general food preservation. It would be great if there was a place that people could take their fresh produce to have it canned or preserved, with the "cosY' being a portion of it being sent to local foodbanks. First Name Seth Last Name Peters StreetAddress 1366 Thomas Place City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. 1 Page �66 of H�� Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 :�: 2 Page �6� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 4:26 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Please prioritize the 2027 budget by fully funding the primary for the City's FY2027 (Public Safety, Maintaining Public Places, Housing/Building Budget beginning on Codes, Ordinance Enforcement) and secondary (Utilities, July 1, 2026? Streets, Flood Control, Public Property Mgmt., Traffic Regulations) responsibilities of municipal government as defined by lowa Code, Chapter 364, first, before moving on to discretionary tertiary responsibilities (Environmental & Energy Initiatives, Community Development, Affordable Housing). Please keep in mind the city's overuse of TIF and continuation in the rise of property taxes due to non-essential capital projects (like a $100M new civil center)will never achieve affordable housing or rent in Dubuque, rather it will continue its out-of-control spiral upwards. Overbuilding apartment units will not create downward pressure on rent, especially in a city that is losing population to neighboring communities. We have heavily invested in tertiary city initiatives for 15 years. Time to step back and see if the ROI is worth those prior investments before making more. Please fully fund our street, water, and sewer rehabilitation programs (like lead pipe abatement); restoring Eagle Point 1 Page �6� of H�� Park to its former glory; and establishing an ambulance in the heart of Ward One, where EMS and ambulance response times are considerably higher than all other wards. Also consider suspending non-critical positions like the Community Impact& Neighborhood Support Director, Director of the Office of Economic Mobility, Director of Sustainability, and Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager and their departments, all non- essential positions that can be accomplished through volunteer boards/commissions or community partners. First Name John Last Name Pregler Street Address 1525 Pego Court City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52003 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 ,, 2 Page �69 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 9:16 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you have Budget Comment: Administrative Recharge for the City's FY2027 Administrative recharge is a common practice among Budget beginning on municipalities, and its use in Dubuque is not, in itself, a July 1, 2026? concern. The issue is how it is being applied—and at what scale. Based on current budget materials, administrative recharge appears to generate approximately$3 million annually flowing into the General Fund. At that level, it raises an important policy question: Is this structure strictly recovering the true cost of services provided to enterprise funds, or is it functioning, in part, as a mechanism to support General Fund operations? That distinction matters for transparency, rate-setting integrity, and public trust. Best practices, including guidance from the National League of Cities, emphasize that internal service charges and enterprise fund allocations should be: • Clearly tied to the actual cost of service delivery • Transparent in methodology • Not structured to generate surplus revenue beyond cost recovery When charges exceed the cost of service—or are used to 1 Page �88 of H�� materially support unrelated operating expenses—it can create both policy concerns and potential legal ambiguity, particularly for enterprise funds that are expected to be self-supporting. Given the magnitude of the administrative recharge in Dubuque, additional clarity would be helpful in the following areas: • The methodology used to calculate recharge rates • Documentation showing that charges align with actual costs (cost-of-service basis) •A comparison to peer cities as a percentage of enterprise fund expenditures • Whether any portion of the recharge is intended to contribute to General Fund balancing Providing this information would help residents and Council better understand whether current practices align with established best practices—or whether this is an area that warrants further review. First Name Carrie Last Name Tedore StreetAddress 804 W 3rd Street City Dubuque State IA Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 .�;.. 2 Page ��� of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:19 PM To: Jenny Larson; Laura Bendorf; Shannon Soppe; Nikesh Shah Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2027 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $184 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$90 million. What ideas do you Dear Mayor Brad Cavanagh and Members of the City Council, have for the City's FY2027 Budget I am writing as a concerned resident to urge the City Council to beginning on July 1, reconsider any plans to invest in Microsoft Copilot government 2026? licenses for widespread deployment. While I appreciate the internal testing, research, and policy development efforts by our IT team under CIOs Chris Kohlmann &Joe Pregler—including the adoption of Copilot for limited internal use and the July 2025 AI policy—the recent developments with Microsoft's AI products make this a poor fiscal choice for our taxpayers.[1][2] Microsoft has faced significant setbacks with Copilot, including low adoption rates (only about 3.3% of eligible users opt in), feature pullbacks in Windows 11 due to privacy complaints and unreliability, and negative publicity around hallucinations and security risks. Government entities have restricted it over data leakage concerns, and enterprise reviews highlight its failure to deliver promised ROI amid governance burdens. Committing funds now risks sunk costs on a product Microsoft itself is rethinking.[3][4][5][6][7][8] Even if deployed, an inferior product like Copilot would likely 1 Page ��� of H�� drive staff to gravitate toward unapproved software—free tools like ChatGPT or others—to achieve their goals efficiently, undermining policy, security, and the investment itself. Staying locked into the Microsoft ecosystem limits our options when superior, commercially available alternatives exist that prioritize security, cost savings, and flexibility—such as open- source AI platforms for data analysis, compliant no-code tools for citizen services, and specialized public sector solutions for resident engagement. These options often feature on-premises deployment, lower or no per-user fees, and reduced vendor dependency compared to CopiloYs add-ons.[9][10][11] Redirecting resources to these would align with our smart city goals, like ongoing AI pilots in traffic management and public safety, while avoiding Microsoft's pitfalls. I recommend pausing Copilot procurement, piloting diverse alternatives, and updating our AI policy to embrace multi-vendor strategies.[12] Thank you for considering this input to protect Dubuque's budget and innovation. Sources [1] Dubuque, lowa, CIO Balances AI, Security, Data Center Upgrade https://www.qovtech.com/workforce/dubuque-cio- balances-ai-security-and-data-center-uqgrade [2] [PDF] CITY OF DUBUQUE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY https://www.citvofdubuque.orq/DocumentCenter/View/61267/AP- 2 13-City-Use-of-Artificial-I ntel ligence-Tools- [3] 4 obstacles impede paid Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption - No Jitter https://www.noiitter.com/ai-automation/4-obstacles- impede-paid-microsoft-365-adoption [4] Windows 11 Pulls Back Copilot Features As Microsoft Rethinks AI ... https://hothardware.com/news/windows-11-pulls- back-copilot-features [5] Barely any Microsoft 365 users are actually paying for Copilot https://www.techradar.com/pro/barelv-anv-microsoft-365-users- are-actually-paying-for-copilot-despite-microsoft-ceo-sat� nadella-claiminq-it-is-a-true-daily-habit [6] Microsoft Copilot's Congressional Ban: What You Need to Know https://nationalcioreview.com/articles-insights/extra- bytes/microsoft-copilots-conqressional-ban-what-vou-need-to- know/ [7] Whitepaper: A critical look at Microsoft Copilot in government ... https://www.supplyvalueconsultinq.com/whitepaper-a-critical- look-at-m icrosoft-copilot-in-qovern ment-envi ron ments-risks-and- opportunities/ [8] Windows Copilot Pullback: Privacy, Reliability and Admin Controls ... https://windowsforum.com/threads/windows-copilot- pullback-privacy-reliability-and-admin-controls-on-windows- 11.405308/ 2 Page ��� of H�� [9] The best Microsoft Copilot Studio alternatives in 2026- Ringly.io https://www.ringly.io/blog/microsoft-copilot-studio- alternatives [10] Best AI Software for Government& Public Sector https://www.whippv.ai/ai-software/best-ai-software-for- qovernment-public-sector [11] Open-Source AI/ML Solution for Government Missions � MetroStar https://www.metrostar.com/onyx-ml-tool/ [12] Dubuque City Case Study-Vaidio https://www.vaid io.ai/du buq ue-citv-case-studv First Name Justin Last Name Thiltgen Street Address 1293 Walnut Street City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. x ❑ �-V 3 Page ���of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2025 7:51 AM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have I have a question regarding Eagle Point Park. We've been for the City's FY2026 charging people to enter the park for some time now. Based on Budget beginning on the levels of people driving through the park, how does it make July 1, 2025? sense?Although I don't have the actual data, it appears to me that the salaries, plus benefits paid just to sit in that booth to collect the money exceed the funds received. Are we actually losing money on charging to get into the park? First Name Michael Last Name Welu Street Address 3065 Arbor Oaks Dr. City Dubuque State lowa Zip 52001 Attachment(s): Field not completed. 1 Page ���of H�� Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 :�: 2 Page ��6 of H�� Jenny Larson From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 7:54 PM To: Jenny Larson;Joe Link; Laura Bendorf Subject: Online Form Submittal: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input � This sender is trusted. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Input City staff are asking Dubuque residents and stakeholders to provide their input as they prepare the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. Submitted input will be reviewed by staff and will assist in the development of a recommended FY2026 budget. The City Council will consider the recommended budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during eight public meetings in April. The City's operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is around $172 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately$86 million. What ideas do you have I would love to see some sort of athletic/activity center for the for the City's FY2026 community. Basketball courts, walking track, batting cages, golf Budget beginning on simulator, etc. Peosta has one, it would be great to see this in July 1, 2025? Dubuque. First Name Ben Last Name Wilson Street Address 652 Kingsley Ct. City Dubuque State IA Zip 52003 Attachment(s): Field not completed. Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser. 0 '';'' 1 Page ��� of H�� Trish Gleason From: Rob McDonald <RMcDonald@aymcdonald.com> Sent: Friday,April 24, 2026 5:22 PM To: Brad Cavanagh; Chris Staver; Laura Roussell; Katy Wethal; Tyson Leyendecker; Danny Sprank; David T. Resnick Cc: Trish Gleason Subject: Excessive Use of Administrative Overhead Recharges to Fund General Fund Departments You don't often get email from rmcdonald@aymcdonald.com. Learn why this is important Caution!This message was sent from outside your organization. Never give your login Allow sender I Block sender I information and password over email! Report PLEASE UPLOAD AS PUBLIC INPUTTO THE APRIL 28T" FINAL BUDGET HEARING Mayor and Council, With all the budget meetings completed, I have some concerns to share concerning the administrative overhead recharges (AOR) allocations. It appears after many presentations and memos,the calculation of the AOR is rather arbitrary. I studied the AOR's for fiscal year 2022 through fiscal year 2027 and documented them. I see no rhyme or reason for how these numbers were arrived at and see absolutely no evidence of any tie in back to actual services provided from the general fund departments to the enterprise fund departments. Probably the most shocking were the extraordinary AOR increases taken in fiscal year 2024 that range from 19.5%-79.2% increases (in one year)for the seven departments I am tracking: City attorney's office, city clerk's office, city manager's office, planning,finance, communications, and human resources.The amount taken from the water enterprise fund that year DOUBLED from the previous year which is where most of the large increases for FY2024 came from. Stormwaters AOR contribution increased 80%from the previous year. Another eye opener was seeing the actual AOR dollar increases from FY2022 through FY2027 in the various departments: CityAttorney's Office 176% City Clerk's Office 224% City Manager's Office 196% Planning 209% Finance 201% Communications 388% Human Resources 366% Lastly, I calculated the percent of total department expenses covered by the administrative overhead recharge for each department in FY2022 and again for FY2027 and the dramatic increases in just 5 years tell the story of just how dependent these 7 general fund departments have become on the excess funding provided by enterprise funds: 1 Page ��� of H�� FY2022 FY2027 AOR% AOR% of Total of Total Expenses Expenses CityAttorney's Office 50% 78% City Clerk's Office 32% 55% City Manager's Office 44% 71% Planning 39% 64% Finance 48% 62% Communications 18% 51% Human Resources 35% 78% TotalAOR Dollars $4,096,742 $9,006,161 Administrative Overhead Recharges paid out of the enterprise funds in actual dollars increased 220%from FY2022 to FY2027. I have not seen any good documentation yet so far to demonstrate that the AOR's are not just selected in an arbitrary and capricious manner over these last five years. 5 year projections by the city show these fees continuing on a steep climb of increases.Somethingverytelling regardingthe AOR's that has been discussed by council and city staff regarding changing the allocation structure is that the city manager has recommended any changes in reducing AOR's for the future should happen over a number of years.At one point the city manager suggested it should possibly be over 15 years.This goes to show and demonstrate the dependency that has been created by this city staff and council in relying on the enterprise funds to an unrealistic level to support the general fund departments. It is in the same manner that it appears decisions are being made on fee rates being charged to citizens for the enterprise funds. It would appear that the sharp increases in fees of late are driven by the need to feed the administrative overhead recharges that are used to cover general fund departments.The numbers certainly demonstrate that and the explanations by city staff do little to give sound reasoning for the large increases. I implore you to give great consideration to reducing the proposed fee structure for water, sewer, storm water, and refuse for FY2027.Throughout all the discussions during budget hearings regarding the AOR,there has yet to be a convincing and logical argument made why these have grown so much in the last number of years.This Council needs to take action to correct past decisions that have put city finances on a slippery slope by over-relying on enterprise funds to pay the bills,thereby robbing these critical infrastructure departments of the necessary funds they should have to bring infrastructure to a bare minimum level that it has slipped well below in the last number of years. Our west end sewer capacity problem is the poster child for exactly what I am describing. Rob McDonald 3399 Eagle Point Drive Rob McDonald RMcDonald@aymcdonald.com President and CEO O: 563-583-7311„5265 A.Y. McDonald Industries, Inc. aymcdonald.com Dubuque c� A.Y. MtDONALD inousrRi�s 2 Page ��9 of H�� Connect with us: Facebook, Linkedln, Instagram, YouTube CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message,including any attachments,is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and privileged information.Any unauthorized review,use,disclosure or distribution is prohibited.If you are not the intended recipient,please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. 3 Page �98 of H��