FY 06 Budget Transmittal Message
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MEMORANDUM
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January 13, 2005
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TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Transmittal Message
As the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Year is considered, I believe in this watershed year that
we should take a historical perspective, and then reflect on our current circumstances.
But first, why do I call this a watershed year? In 1999 the City of Dubuque had no 4-
lane connections to an interstate highway system. By the end of 2005, the City of
Dubuque will have five 4-lane connections to the outside world as follows:
.:. 1999 - Highway 61 4-laned to Interstate 80 at Davenport,
.:. 2004 - Highway 20 4-laned to Interstate 35 north of Ames,
.:. 2004 - Highway 151 opened 4-lanes to Highway 380 in Cedar Rapids,
.:. 2004 - Highway 218 in Waterloo, connected to Dubuque by 4-lane Highway 20,
opened 4-lane as part of the Avenues of the Saints that connects Highway 20 to
Minneapolis/St. Paul, and
.:. 2005 - Highway 151 will open 4-lanes to Interstate 90-94 at Madison, Wisconsin.
You are about to hear an extraordinary story about a community that averaged 8.9%
unemploymentforthe entire decade of the 1980s with an unemployment rate over 14%
in 1983. This community lost 7.8% of its population (4,836 people) between 1980 and
1990. It was a community with very few, if any, lots available for industrial development.
The town was dominated by two major employers, one that had cut back 6,000 jobs and
the other was on the brink of closure, which would eliminate 2,000 jobs. This town had
a blighted downtown area, home to the XXX Cinema and the Gentleman's Bookstore,
with many vacant storefronts. A blighted riverfront with falling-down buildings, polluted
ground and huge, abandoned storage tanks. A town with aging parks, and too few of
those, and a street system that was decaying at a much faster rate than it was being
rebuilt A town with no 4-lane connections to the outside world, an airport in serious
need of upgrading and phone service provided by one antiquated analogue telephone
switch. This community had hundreds of homes vulnerable to stormwater flooding and
operated an outdated water plant and sewer plant. A town with vacant and abandoned
January 13, 2005
Page 2 of 23
homes that needed attention. A town in need of an arterial roadway, having a short
section completed with only two lanes. A property tax rate reaching $14.58 per
thousand in 1987 and all but non-existent annexation.
A 1983 publication of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce entitled 'The Dubuque
Connection," said, "Dubuque's plight is becoming desperate. It suffered more severely
during the recent recession, and has for the past three years had the highest
unemployment rate of Iowa's SMSA's (largest cities). That unfortunate fact is no
surprise to Dubuquers. It has been losing both industry and retail business consistently
for the past decade," The publication went on to say, "Dubuque is losing its people.
Recent estimates show 10% of the housing stock vacant or available for sale."
Then (new and existing) City Council Members and community leaders decided it was
time for a change. This town had some tremendous assets to build upon. A historic
past; a hardworking, caring citizenry; beautiful rock bluffs and hills; the mighty
Mississippi River; and, most importantly, vision, leadership and a willingness to form
partnerships externally and internally. From that, with the Mayor and City Council
providing much of those final three key elements, grew the Dubuque of today and the
bright future that exists for tomorrow. Today, Dubuque is a community receiving
national and international awards (Attachment I), identified as a model for how to do
things right. Elected officials are selected for leadership positions with the Iowa
Department of Economic Development, National League of Cities, Iowa League of
Cities, and others. Property taxes are down and benefits to citizens are up. Dubuque is
truly the "Masterpiece on the Mississippi."
The City Council's entrepreneurial leadership, stressing partnerships and a willingness
to make difficult policy decisions, allowing for calculated risk-taking, has set Dubuque on
a dramatic course for a bright future.
American City and County Magazine selected Dubuque as one of only six "Crown
Communities" in 2003, recognizing the community's achievements.
A 2004 Julien's Journal article written by the editor and publisher referred to the last 10
years in Dubuque as, ".. .what is viewed by many as among the most productive and
exciting periods in the City's history."
We all remember the December 2002 editorial in the Des Moines Register titled,
"Dubuque Shows How-Few Iowa Cities were hit harder in the 80's. Few have a better
outlook now." The editorial went on to say, "The Dubuque story might offer lessons for
every Iowa city."
The May 2004 issue of Expansion Management Magazine selected Dubuque as one of
just 50 five-star communities in the country. Identifying schools and home affordability
as the two most important quality of life issues, they selected Dubuque as #7 in quality
of schools and #1 in housing affordability. They also ranked Dubuque #11 in peace of
mind for its level of safety.
January 13, 2005
Page 3 of 23
In 2004, Country Music Television named Dubuque County as the #4 Top Destination to
Visit Worldwide.
In May 2003, USA Weekend magazine selected the Upper Mississippi River Valley as
the Third Most Beautiful Place in America.
The Milken Institute's 2004 Best Performing Cities Index, which monitors where jobs are
being created, ranked Dubuque 34th out of 118 small U.S. metropolitan areas.
Forbes Magazine ranked Dubuque 13th out of 168 cities for the Cost of Doing Business.
The Metro Business Retention Index ranked Dubuque 2nd in the nation for business
retention in November 2001.
Most recently, the January 5,2005, editorial in the Telegraph Herald was titled, "Good
news plentiful for Dubuque in past year - From new construction to businesses adding
jobs, the City has progressed."
The growth and progress you are about to review has come to Dubuque without
creating a huge financial burden for the citizens and without mortgaging their future.
The City of Dubuque property tax rate for the City-portion of the property tax bill reached
a high of $14,58 in Fiscal Year 1987. The Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino, the
Local Option Sales Tax and operating efficiencies brought the property tax rate down to
$12.61 by Fiscal Year 1994. The current recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2006
property tax rate is $9.6991 per thousand. This will mean that the Fiscal Year 1987
property tax rate of $14.58 was 50% higher than the Fiscal Year 2006 property tax rate
of $9,6991,
The City of Dubuque's bond rating was upgraded in 2003 and is the second highest
rating in the State of Iowa (Aa2).
Of the nine largest cities in the State of Iowa, the City of Dubuque has the lowest
percentage of legal debt margin projected to be utilized for Fiscal Year 2006 at 20%.
The highest ranked city, Des Moines (81 %), is 300% higher than Dubuque, and the
average of the other cities (59%) is 190% higher than Dubuque,
January 13, 2005
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Iowa's Largest Cities
Legal Debt Margin
Actual Total debt
Assessed applicable to Percentage
Value of limitation of legal debt
Taxable Legal Debt (General Legal Debt margin
Rank City Propertv Limit /5%\ Obliaation\ Marain utilized
9 Des Moines 8,627,347,423 431,367,371 348,112,808 83,254,563 80.70%
8 Cedar Rapids 6,863,045,371 343,152,269 250,985,000 92,167,269 73.14%
7 Waterloo 2,421,873,270 121,093,664 75,643,160 45,450,504 62.47%
6 Davenport 4,234,680,680 211,734,034 129,560,074 82,173,960 61.19%
5 Sioux Citv 3,110,454,871 155,522,744 92,855,494 62,667,250 59.71%
4 Iowa City 3,322,001,000 166,100,050 85,085,000 81,015,050 51.23%
3 Council Bluffs 2,435,392,439 121,769,622 56,395,000 65,374,622 46.31%
2 Ames 2,429,777,471 121,488,874 40,945,000 80,543,874 33.70%
1 Dubuaue /FYO6\ 2,754,264,775 137,713,239 27,819,306 109,893,933 20.20%
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE 58.56%
2004 was another banner year for the City of Dubuque. The renegotiated 10-year
Dubuque Racing Association lease, with the lease payment going from Y:z% of coin-in to
1 % of coin-in, will allow the City to aggressively pursue the City Council priorities while
maintaining no property tax increase to the average homeowner. This will include a
3.7% reduction in the property tax rate in Fiscal Year 2006 to coincide with the
application of the property values for the new City-wide reassessment process. This will
bring the City property tax rate down to $9.6991 per thousand. The City of Dubuque will
have the lowest property tax rate of the nine largest cities in the State of Iowa, probably
for the first time ever. The highest ranked city (Waterloo - $18.79) will have a property
tax rate 94% higher than Dubuque's, and the average of the other eight large cities
($15.89) will be 63% higher than Dubuque. Access to new revenue from the DRA
helps, but so does the City's continued efforts to operate efficiently, with a reduction in
workforce since the 1980's of approximately 68 employees, or a 12% reduction of the
City workforce, while adding many labor-intensive new services, like recycling and yard
waste collection, and 16 new sworn police positions.
This additional year of no property tax increase to the average homeowner will bring
that record to 11 consecutive years without a property tax increase for the average
homeowner1, with five of those years showing a decrease to the average homeowner,
and an actual decrease from City Council actions of 7% in property tax payments to the
City for the average homeowner.
1 The State of Iowa increased property taxes in Fiscal Year 2004 by reducing the amount of credits
provided to residential property owners.
January 13, 2005
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Tax Rate Comparison for
Nine Largest Iowa Cities
Rank
City
Tax Rate
9 Waterloo $18.79
8 Sioux City $17,79
7 Council Bluffs $17,77
6 Iowa City $17.31
5 Des Moines $17.05
4 Davenport $15.24
3 Cedar Rapids $13.22
2 Ames $9.95
1 Dubuque $9.6991 (FY06 Proposed)
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE $15,89
What else has contributed to this being a watershed time for Dubuque? In November
2003, the Grand River Center opened to rave reviews from the community. This major
project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. We all remember the
property acquisitions, grant applications, studies and partnerships that led to the
completion of the signature project for the City of Dubuque using $20 million in State of
IoWa Vision Iowa money. The Riverwalk and the Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium opened in 2003, with the museum also using $20 million in Vision Iowa
money.
The entire America's River project used millions of dollars in federal money, including
the $2 million in Federal Economic Development Administration money that facilitated
the relocation of the Adams Company. The relocation of Dubuque Hardwoods and
Miller Logging was accomplished in late 2002.
The Pay-As-You-Throw refuse collection program has been a success with a 24%
reduction in refuse and a 33% increase in recyclable material, saving landfill space.
Including 2004 (927,735 square feet), the City has a six-year annual average of almost
1 million square feet of non-residential construction per year. This almost 6 million
square feet of non-residential construction over six years far exceeds the annual
average of 350,000 square feet of non-residential construction from 1990 to 1998.
The year 2004 also saw continued growth in the number of residential units, with 536
units being constructed (including two major senior assisted living facilities). This is the
highest number in recent memory (with 1995's number of 209 being the next highest).
The 2004 total of 536 units is more than the last three years combined (482). The 2004
total of 536 units is also 272% higher than the previous nine-year average of 144 units
per year.
January 13, 2005
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Building Services Permit Clerk Connie Riedl advises that June 2004 was the highest
month for permit fees ($89,696) since she began with the City 24 years ago. That
record was broken in October 2004 when there was $91,159 in permit fees,
The total assessed valuation of Dubuque has increased 83.2% over the last 15 years,
from $973,733,675 in 1992 to $1,784,001,357, which is an average increase of 4.46%
per year. The City's efforts to target this growth in Urban Renewal and Economic
Development Districts like downtown and the riverfront are having some affect. Tax
Increment Financing values have increased 172% since Fiscal Year 1994, or an
average of 15.44% per year.
The Greater Dubuque Area has been ranked 1st by the Milken Institute for High Tech
Output Growth from 1997 to 2002,
American Airlines added a fourth daily flight to Dubuque. Enplanements at the airport
are up 1.04% in 2004. American Airlines enplanements are up 19.58% in 2004.
The Iowa Welcome Center has identified a marked increase in visitor counts, with
monthly visitor counts up 20 to 25%.
In 2002, Dubuque County finished the year with an overall average unemployment rate
lower than the State of Iowa for the first time in a quarter of a century, In 2003,
Dubuque County made it two consecutive years of an unemployment rate lower than
the State of Iowa. In 2004, Dubuque County not only had an unemployment rate lower
than the State of Iowa for the third consecutive year, but the rate was also the lowest of
the nine largest cities in the state,
In 2002, Dubuque, Des Moines and Sioux City were the only metro areas in Iowa to
finish the year with net job gains.
Statistics kept by Iowa Workforce Development show the positive momentum Dubuque
is experiencing. By comparing the number of jobs in Dubuque County in 1980 (43,700)
with 1990 (46,000) with November 2004 (53,500), you can see that efforts being put
forth to attract and retain jobs have been successful, with the rate of job creation
increasing from 230 per year in the 1980's to over 500 per year from 1990 to 2004.
The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation commissioned a study through the
East Central Intergovernmental Association to analyze how conducive the City is to
development. It was noted that there was a dramatic improvement over the last 10
years, especially in the area of Planning and Building Departments.
Partnerships and City investment have been key in the redevelopment of downtown,
including the Port of Dubuque. Since 1985 the following has occurred with most of the
investment and jobs happening recently:
January 13, 2005
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Façade Building New Real Estate Public Net New
Renovation Rehabilitation Construction Sales Improvement Jobs
$5,363,705 $69,180,980 $118,517,663 $82,870,196 $26,804,614 +1,759
34% since 61 % since 83% since 57% since 79% since 44%
2003 1999 2000 1999 1999 since
2000
The stagnant-to-decreasing population trend for the 1980 census (62,374) to the 1990
census (57,538) is starting to turn around with the 2000 census (57,686) results
showing an increase.
Dubuque continues to grow geographically. Between 1990-1995, only 40 acres were
annexed into the City of Dubuque, Since 1995, just over 3,700 acres have been
annexed into the City. Much of this is a credit to the utility extensions by the City, which
opened up almost 7,000 acres of land for development.
Transportation links are being created. The federal government has provided most of
the $25 million that has been invested at the Dubuque Regional Airport since 1995.
Between Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, over $400 million is being spent between 1998
and 2005 to create 4-lane connections to the Quad Cities, Ames, Cedar Rapids,
Minneapolis and Madison, with improvements to Chicago. There is the possibility of an
additional $45 million in federal funds in the new Transportation Bill for the expansion of
the Julien Dubuque Bridge and to build the Southwest Arterial.
The City Council realizes the importance of Dubuque's neighborhoods. All existing
parks were remodeled and 21 new parks, consisting of over 60 acres, were created.
This does not include the several school playgrounds that have been equipped by the
City and opened to the public. The City Council has more than tripled the commitment
to the street program to an annual average of $7.5 million, reconstructing or resurfacing
70% of the streets between 1990 and 2009. $9,178,415 is recommended in Fiscal Year
2006 (this includes new streets in Dubuque Industrial Center West), Approximately 30
abandoned properties were purchased and rehabilitated, Sixteen police officers were
added and Community-Oriented Policing was implemented, reducing high-impact
crimes in targeted neighborhoods. Historic Preservation was emphasized, with new
financial support programs and the adoption of standards for projects. A new full-time
position in the Planning Department is recommended in Fiscal Year 2006 to be
dedicated to Historic Preservation, replacing a half-time position.
Prosperity spills over to many areas, including the schools. The Dubuque Community
School District is completing a new $30 million middle school, completed a multi-million
renovation of Hempstead High School, and is planning for a new downtown school to
break ground in 2005. The downtown school includes a partnership with the City for a
Neighborhood Resource Center. This is all the product of two successful referendums,
first an instructional support levy and then a $100 million local option sales tax.
January 13, 2005
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A Laborshed Survey commissioned by the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
shows that in just the last two years the laborshed has doubled in size, with people
commuting even greater distances to work in Dubuque. These people not only come
here to work, but they come here for entertainment and to shop. Major retailers like
Kohl's, Best Buy and Borders have chosen to locate in Dubuque.
The City has received international, national, state-wide and local recognition for what
has been accomplished in the recent past. In Iowa, when compared to the other large
cities, Dubuque is #1 in most financial benchmarking categories.
The City of Dubuque uses the lowest percentage of its available debt margin (20%),
The City of Dubuque has the 2nd highest bond rating of the comparable cities; in fact,
the City's bond rating was upgraded in 2003.
In Fiscal Year 2006, the City of Dubuque will have the lowest property tax rate of
comparable cities, at $9,6991 per thousand.
Just as important in this case is the trend line. Since Fiscal Year 1994, the City portion
of the property tax rate has gone down from $12.61 to $9,6991 in Fiscal Year 2006,
while Ames, the city which previously had the lowest property tax rate, is trending up.
With the City-wide property value reassessment going on-line in Fiscal Year 2006, to
keep the average homeowner at no increase in property taxes, the City of Dubuque
property tax rate will fall below $10 per thousand and be lower than Ames' property tax
rate. In Fiscal Year 2006, Dubuque will have the lowest property tax rate of the nine
largest cities. This will help to continue the City's competitiveness for economic
development projects. This will also be done in conjunction with the new DRA lease
payments and operational efficiencies, like privatization of Five Flags, which will allow
the implementation of City Council priorities,
In Fiscal Year 2006, the City of Dubuque will have the third lowest stormwater utility rate
in the State at $1.79. The highest ranked city (Des Moines - $5.55) is 310% higher than
Dubuque's rate and the average ($2.40) is 34% higher than Dubuque. Financing the
cost of the $38,694,949 Drainage Basin Master Plan will take a combination of
revenues from the Dubuque Racing Association and an increase in the monthly
Stormwater Fee. The DRA funds and the Stormwater Fee revenues would be used to
retire general obligation debt, a variance from previous funding plans, Debt is being
used so this project can be completed in a reasonable time-frame, while the costs are
spread over a long period of time. The City will also continue to pursue federal grants.
The recommended Stormwater Fee to implement the program to protect over 1,150
Dubuque properties from stormwater flooding is to leave the current $1.29 per month
fee in place until the end of Fiscal Year 2005. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2006,
July 1, 2005, the monthly fee would increase to $1.79. This adjustment to $1.79 has
been mentioned in the past as the impact of not receiving a back tax payment from the
State of Iowa when the DRA lawsuit against the State was settled. At the beginning of
January 13, 2005
Page 9 of 23
Fiscal Year 2007, July 1, 2006, the monthly fee would rise to $2.00. The fee would then
increase 25i a year until Fiscal Year 2013, when it would reach $3.50 a month, and
continue at that rate until Fiscal Year 2032. These funding projections assume that
approximately $35 million of DRA revenues will be dedicated to implementation of the
plan and the City will receive federal financial assistance to relocate the storm sewer
lines as part of the Julien Dubuque Bridge expansion project.
Stormwater Utility Rate Comparison for
Cities In lowa*
Rank City Rate
17 Des Moines $5.55
16 Ackley $3.08
15 Carroll $3.00
14 Cedar Rapids $2.80
13 Garner $2.63
12 Dewitt $2.50
11 Marshalltown $2.16
10 Iowa City $2.00
9 Burlington $2,00
8 Boone $1,95
7 Sioux City $1.84
6 Dubuque' $1.79 (FY06 Proposed)
5 Ames $1.50
4 Clear Lake $1.50
3 Bettendorf $1.50
2 Mason City $1.00
1 Marengo $1.00
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE $2.40
. There are three residential rates: 85% of the homes pay the $1.79 rate, smaller
homes pay less and larger homes pay more.
It is recommended for Fiscal Year 2006, that the City of Dubuque monthly refuse rate
be raised to $8.70 from $8,51 in Fiscal Year 2005. The City of Dubuque would have the
lowest monthly refuse rate of the comparable cities at $8,70, The highest-ranked city
(Ames - $20.50) is 135% higher than Dubuque's rate, and the average ($13,03), is 50%
higher than Dubuque. This City of Dubuque rate of $8.70 has been reduced from $9.50
in Fiscal Year 1994 as efficiencies like one-person crews have been implemented over
the years through employee involvement teams.
January 13, 2005
Page 10 of 23
Refuse Rate Comparison for
Nine Largest Iowa Cities
Rank City
Monthly
Rate
9 Ames $20.50
8 Cedar Rapids $13.20
7 Sioux City $13.00
6 Iowa City $12.10
5 Council Bluffs $12.00
4 Waterloo $12.00
3 Des Moines $11.75
2 Davenport $9.72
1 Dubuque $8.70 (FY06
Proposed)
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE $13.03
It is recommended that for Fiscal Year 2006, the sanitary sewer rate rise to $14.43 from
$13.68 in Fiscal Year 2005. The City of Dubuque would be tied for the lowest sanitary
sewer rate of the comparable cities at $14.43 per month, This is an improvement from
second place in Fiscal Year 2004. The highest-ranked City (Iowa City - $31.82) is
121 % higher than Dubuque's rate and the average ($18.95) is 31 % higher than
Dubuque. This department has seen a reduction in staff and a multi-million dollar
remodeling through employee involvement teams.
The recommended budget includes a 5.5% sanitary sewer rate increase effective
July 1, 2005. A normal growth factor of 1 % has been anticipated in the Fiscal Year
2005 Water Pollution Control (WPC) fee revenue.
The Water Pollution Control Plant has made every effort to operate efficiently with a
reduction from 37 employees in Fiscal Year 1982 to 18 employees in Fiscal Year 2005.
The average annual rate increase from Fiscal Year 1993 through Fiscal Year 2005 is
1.6%, far below the rate of inflation. However, the closing of the Smithfield Meatpacking
Plant and the efficiencies being implemented by the plant's three largest industrial
customers (Inland Protein, Swiss Valley Dairy and San Rouesslot) has reduced
revenues, causing costs to be spread over a smaller revenue base. In Fiscal Year
1999, the City sewer revenue from the four major industrial customers was $1,100,107.
In Fiscal Year 2006, the revenue projected from the remaining three large customers is
$469,160, a 57% reduction.
For Fiscal Year 2006, revenue from Swiss Valley Farms is showing a $25,000 reduction
from Fiscal Year 2005 due to reduction and effluent clean up; Inland Protein is showing
a $120,000 reduction from Fiscal Year 2005 due to the impact of Mad Cow Disease and
government regulations on use of animal by-products for protein feed; and San
January 13, 2005
Page 11 of 23
Rouesslot is showing an $8,000 reduction due to their implementation of a new solids
removal process.
Sanitary Sewer Rate Comparison for
Nine Largest Iowa Cities
Rank City
Sewer Rate
(Based on 800 cubic feet/month)
9 Iowa City $31.82
8 Des Moines $22.22
7 Waterloo $18.95
6 Sioux City $17.11
5 Ames $16.78
4 Davenport $15.13
3 Council Bluffs $15,12
2 Cedar Rapids $14.43
1 Dubuque $14.43 (FY06 Proposed)
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE $18.95
It is recommended that the water rate rise to $13,84 in Fiscal Year 2006 from $13.28 in
Fiscal Year 2005. The City of Dubuque has the second-lowest water rate of
comparable cities at $13.84 per month. The highest-ranked city (Iowa City - $30.34)
would be 119% higher than Dubuque's rate and the average ($18.97) would be 37%
higher than Dubuque.
Water Rate Comparison for
Largest Iowa Cities with
Water Softening
Rank City
Water Rate
(800 cubic feet/resident average)
6
5
4
3
2
1
Iowa City
Ames
Council Bluffs
Des Moines
Dubuque
Cedar Rapids
$30.34
$18.42
$17.44
$15,86
$13.84
$12.81
(FY06 Proposed)
AVERAGE WITHOUT DUBUQUE $18.97
This is all being accomplished while citizen satisfaction with service levels appears to be
high and the City is growing and receiving recognition from many sources.
January 13, 2005
Page 12 of 23
The City's ranking among the nine largest cities in the State of Iowa in important
financial categories, based on the Fiscal Year 2006 recommendations, is as
follows:
ISSUE
RANK
Lowest Property Tax Rate
Best Bond Rating
Lowest Bonded Indebtedness
Lowest Water Rate
Lowest Sewer Rate
Lowest Refuse Rate
Lowest Stormwater Rate
Fewest Government
Employees (Federal, State, Local)
Lowest Unemployment Rate
#1
#2
#1
#1
#2
#1
#3
#1
#1
Good Times GettinQ Better
In 2005, Dubuque County reached 53,500 people working here, with a 2000 census
population count of 57,686 in the City. The last time that has been described as good
times in Dubuque was the late 1970s, when Dubuque had a population of 62,374 and
Dubuque County had 43,700 people working. Current times dwarf those numbers -
with a lower population.
Are these good times? Yes. But more importantly, these are good times and getting
better. This is because of affirmative actions taken by the City to promote economic
expansion and increase job opportunities.
Assistance to Low Income Residents
In addition to Dubuque's record of remaining fiscally responsible to our citizens by
providing excellent services for the tax dollar, Dubuque is a community of compassion
for those with limited means. In addition to reducing the property tax rate by almost one-
third since the 1980s and maintaining some of the lowest utility and user fees compared
to the nine largest communities in Iowa, the City Council continues to look for ways to
minimize the financial impact of taxes and fees for low-income residents. The following
are a number of programs in which the city provides a reduced or free service to those
most in need:
. For refuse removal, a half-rate base refuse fee is available to households where
the head of the household is 65 or older and the household income is low
enough to qualify for HUD Section 8 housing subsidies. In addition, the City
Manager is empowered to forgive part or all of the solid waste collection base fee
to any household applying for and demonstrating extreme financial hardship;
. The stormwater utility fee is reduced by 50% based upon age and income or
family size and income;
January 13, 2005
Page 13 of 23
. Bus fees are reduced to $0.50 and $1.00 for fixed route rides and $1.00 to
minibus riders;
. The Water Department provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-
income residents who are required to replace old service lines in the street right-
of-way due to street reconstruction projects and failure to their service lines.
. The Engineering Department has a number of programs including a sidewalk
assistance program based upon income level and the number of persons in the
owner-occupied residence. The benefit can be from 75% for contractor-
performed repairs or 100% of construction cost for owner-performed repairs. A
city policy requires that all homes be connected to the sanitary sewer system, To
assist with this connection, the city limits the assessment amount that property
owners have to pay for this connection to 15% of the value of the home. They
also have a street assessment assistance program, a sanitary sewer assessment
assistance program, a sanitary sewer lateral assessment assistance program
and a sanitary sewer lateral assistance program (Infiltration and Inflow) program.
In each of these programs, the City can pay from 20% to 100% of a street
assessment for an eligible owner-occupied residence,
. The Dubuque Fire Department Ambulance Service billing procedure waives the
co-pay for Medicare-approved Ambulance Service for qualifying citizens.
. The Planning Services Department may waive zoning and subdivision fees
related to an affordable owner-occupied housing development when the
developer has entered into a development agreement with the City. In addition,
they have a Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Program for persons who
are income-qualified by the Housing and Community Development Department
as low- to moderate-income households. The program provides a $2,000 to
$5,000 grant per structure for exterior improvements.
. The Housing and Community Development Department offers a number of
programs including scholarships and stipends for low-income Dubuque citizens
wishing to take any of our professional lead certification programs, Other
programs include Operation Paint Brush where funding is provided at no charge
for all exterior painting to help maintain and protect housing stock, Operation
Upkeep provides grants and loans to improve the exterior appearance and
conditions of their homes, Section 8 First-time Homebuyer Program permits
eligible participants in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program the option
of purchasing a home with their Section 8 assistance rather than renting, PATH
(Pathways Affordable To Homeownership) provides forgivable loans for home
purchase and rehabilitation and the Accessibility Rehabilitation Program provides
forgivable loans to owners of rental properties for tenants needing unit
modifications to accommodate physical disabilities. These are just a sampling of
the many programs offered through the Housing and Community Development
Department that reduce costs to low-income residents and help them realize the
dream of affordable homeownership.
In addition to these very functional-type services, the city also offers affordable
recreational opportunities and choices. The Recreation Division offers low-income
programs such as free day camp at Four Mounds where youth can experience team-
January 13, 2005
Page 14 of 23
building and the outdoors through hiking, canoeing and the ropes course. Also offered
throughout the city are free "Playtime for Tots" Preschool sessions, free after-school
programs at Audubon and Prescott School, free summer playground programs at 17
locations, half-price swim passes for qualifying individuals and families, reduced fees for
Adult Summer Basketball League, scholarships for music courses and many youth
recreation programs offered year-round. The Park Division offers a discounted $5
season pass into Eagle Point Park for qualifying residents. The Transit Division
continues to offer "Free Way To Fun City" (free bus service) to anyone registered for a
Leisure Service or Library activity.
Because of these programs, the City is able to provide choices and services at even
more affordable rates for those most in need based upon their income.
Fiscal Year 2006 BudQet Initiatives
This Fiscal Year 2006 budget recommendation is based on the City Council Vision,
Goals, Priorities and Management Agenda established in September 2004.
A Dubuque 2020 vision statement was reaffirmed:
Dubuque is a city of history, beauty, opportunities and excitement:
Masterpiece on the Mississippi.
The vision statement was approved to include:
'The City of Dubuque is a growing city with a strong, balanced economy
and connections to the world. The Dubuque community takes pride in our
history and heritage and has actively preserved our picturesque river and
community. Dubuque citizens have choices of quality livable
neighborhoods and fun things to do; and are engaged in the community,
Dubuque city government is financially sound and providing services with
citizens getting value for their tax dollars,"
The City Council adopted five-year goals for the community:
. Improved Connectivity: Transportation and Telecommunications
. Planned and Managed Growth
. Diverse, Strong Dubuque Economy
. Riverfront Development
. Partnering for a Better Dubuque
The City Council adopted a Policy Agenda 2004-2006 and developed 12 priority issues.
These issues were divided into top and high priority:
January 13, 2005
Page 15 of 23
Top Priority
. Southwest Arterial - Funding for the arterial is once again the No.1
transportation priority for the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, DMA TS, the
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
. Opportunitylowa - This initiative involves a feasibility study about the creation of
a communication utility for the City of Dubuque.
. Stormwater: Bee Branch Creek Restoration
. Street Improvement Programs - Continue to devote significant funding to
resurface and reconstruct streets within the City.
. Arts Policy and Funding - Finalize a policy decision.
High Priority
. East-West Corridor Study - This study would examine the east-west
transportation links within the city.
. Air Service and Enplanement Strategy
. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
. Annexation Study and Policy
. Newly Annexed Areas: Plan, Zoning, Services
. Property Maintenance Cases
. Water & Sewer Services to New Developments
Also established was the Management Agenda for 2004-2006. These 12 issues
represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff:
. Mediacom Franchise Agreement
. Zoning Ordinance: Update
. Adams Company Relocation Completion
. Collective Bargaining Negotiations
. Incident Tracking System
. Healthcare Cost Containment Strategy and Action
. Federal Strategy
. Dubuque Industrial Center West, Phase III
. Gaming Agreement: Protect City's interests
. Star Brewery Completion
. Waterworks Park/Pyatigorsk Park
. State Strategy
Increased revenues to the City, especially the new revenues from the Dubuque Racing
Association Lease and the expansion at Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino, will
allow the City to fund most of the improvement packages requested for Fiscal Year
2006, subject to the approval of the City Council.
Added to the existing $35,000 allocated to Cultural Affairs, is a $200,000
recurring allocation.
January 13, 2005
Page 16 of 23
Change one part-time Assistant Planner position in the Planning Department to a
full-time Assistant Planner to better serve the needs of the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Change one part-time Emergency Communication Center dispatcher to full-time
for better shift coverage,
Part-time intern position in the City Clerk's Office to assist with scanning City
Council documents.
A full-time Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator to better utilize the
City's multi-million dollar investment in the GIS system.
Creation of a Project Manager position in the Engineering Department to help
manage major City construction projects.
Change one part-time Accountant in the Finance Department to full-time to assist
with additional financial reporting requirements, track City leases and assist the
Budget Director in the City Manager's Office with the annual budget preparation,
In the Human Rights Department, replace the part-time services of the City
Solicitor and the services of a legal intern with the full-time services of a Human
Relations Specialist to assist with investigations and handling complaints, freeing
up some time for the Human Rights Director to do public education.
In the Legal Department, increase the part-time City Solicitor to full-time and add
the part-time services of a Secretary,
At the Library, add a part-time Library Assistant in Circulation Services, increase
the hours for Library Assistants in Adult Services, add a part-time Library Aide in
the Children's area, and an intern to assist the Office Manager position.
Creation of a full-time Records Room Supervisor for the Police Department and a
part-time Business Education student to work in records.
I was not able to recommend $50,000 in additional funding, over and above the $43,966
the City currently provides for Dubuque Main Street, Ltd" to hire an additional employee
to implement the Downtown Master Plan. Currently Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. has
three full-time employees equaling over 6,000 work hours a year. The Downtown
Master Plan is at the heart of their mission, therefore, the Plan just provides a clearer
road map for the Main Street, Ltd. Board and their staff on doing what they are already
trying to accomplish. However, if the businesses in the Main Street District believe
additional staffing is needed to accomplish the mission of the organization, a
mechanism for those businesses in the District to contribute to funding that position
could be developed.
January 13, 2005
Page 17 of 23
Property owners can agree to tax themselves through a property tax surcharge called a
Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SMID), If that was implemented, the
City could agree to contribute based on the value of City-owned property in the District.
In the area of employee training, a Customer Service Training program ($9,000) and a
Diversity Training program ($7,500) is recommended,
A one-time Broad-Based Marketing plan ($23,300) is recommended to increase
awareness of diversity issues in the community.
Previous expenditures that were cut in the Library budget are recommended for
restoration, including $35,939 in adult materials and $2,547 for adult programs.
In the area of technology, included is wireless Internet access for Library patrons
($1,800), Internet registration software ($3,000) at Leisure Services and a point of sale
system at Bunker Hill Golf Course,
To enhance the Public Information function of the City, the reinstatement of the
quarterly City Focus newsletter, with one edition being an annual report, is
recommended.
There is a continued emphasis on the Street Program, with a planned Fiscal Year 2006
expenditure of $9,178,415. This increases the average annual expenditure from the
Fiscal Year 2005 calculation of $7,274,623 to the Fiscal Year 2006 calculation of
$7,520,043. This far exceeds the 1990-1994 historic annual average of $2,100,000.
Capital funds are recommended to expand Dubuque Industrial West, continue work at
the Southwest Arterial, provide utility service to annexed areas, implement the Drainage
Basin Master Plan and complete the projects required under the Vision Iowa grant.
The City has strengthened its position on property maintenance, as evidenced by City
Council action last year to force maintenance of the vacant property on Burch Street.
The City also has a long history of participating in Neighborhood Reinvestment with the
DREAMS Program, where vacant homes were acquired, rehabilitated and sold to low
income residents.
The Housing and Community Development Department administers a number of state-
and federally-funded programs to encourage housing investment, city-wide. Eligibility
for all programs is tied to income limits. These include the First Time Homebuyer
Program, offering $5,000 low- or no-interest down payment loans to low- and moderate-
income buyers. Rehabilitation assistance programs are also available, offering up to
$25,000 to homeowners, as 3% interest, 20-year loans for a variety of home
improvement activities.
January 13, 2005
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The Department recently received another Federal Home Loan Bank award, of
$100,000, to provide $4,000 down payment grants to lowest-income (below 60%) first-
time homebuyers.
The Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program offered through the Housing Department
offers $6,OOO/unit grants to homeowners and landlords to remove lead paint from their
properties.
CDBG and HOME Program funds are utilized for rehabilitation assistance to landlords,
with up to $20,OOO/unit available as 3%, 20-year loans.
Beginning in 2003, a program of concentrated assistance to the "Five Points" area was
initiated, using a combination of HOME, CDBG, HUD Special Purpose Grant and Lead
Program funds totaling approximately $500,000. A square-block area bounded by 20th
and 21 st Streets, Elm Street and Washington Street was selected for an intensive
rehabilitation effort.
There is a concern that the Washington/Five Points neighborhood area is showing
indications of a decline in appearance and maintenance. This is substantiated by
depressed property assessed valuations and high vacancy rates.
Staff has developed a preliminary proposal for a program of concentrated activities to
encourage more owner investment and housing rehabilitation in the downtown. In
particular, the Washington Street Neighborhood is identified as the logical focus of this
effort.
The proposed program of $100,000 per year will offer low-interest down payment loans
to households at 80% t0100% of median income, as an incentive to purchase and
improve homeowner properties in sections of Census Tracts 1 and 5. Fiscal Year 2006
will initiate a Washington Neighborhood revitalization strategy. This will help to facilitate
a mixed income neighborhood with a greater percentage of owner-occupied homes.
Community Issues
Retail
We are all excited about the addition of Best Buy, Borders, Kohl's and other retail
establishments in Dubuque, but the growth in retail sales for 2004 was an anemic 3.5%,
or less than Y:z of 1 % after adjusting for inflation.
Our economy has never been better, so it is not that these retail dollars are not being
spent. It is fair to conclude that these retail dollars are just being spent somewhere
else, like Coralville, Davenport and Madison. Pull factor is an indicator of whether
people are coming to Dubuque to shop or whether Dubuquers are going elsewhere to
shop. If the number is over 1.00, people are traveling to Dubuque to shop, if the
number is less than 1.00, Dubuquers are traveling elsewhere to shop. The pull factor
January 13, 2005
Page 19 of 23
for Dubuque County in 2004 is 1.12, which at face value is good news. However, the
pull factor for Dubuque in 2000 was 1.10, so there has been almost no increase. The
City should be working to create new shopping opportunities to increase the pull factor.
Comparing Dubuque County with other urban counties in the State
of Iowa shows that Dubuque has a problem that needs to be addressed.
Count
Pull Factor
1.57
1.46
1.39
1.27
1.26
1.15
1.14
1.14
1.12
0.92
0.79
1.21
Dubuque County has the third lowest pull factor. The County with the highest pull factor
(Des Moines) at 1,57 is 40% higher than Dubuque and the average of these other cities
(1.21) is 8% higher than Dubuque County.
The State of Iowa breaks up retail sales into nine categories. The largest category is
general merchandise (19% of all retail sales in Dubuque). Dubuque actually saw a
2.8% decrease in general merchandise sales in constant dollars (dollars adjusted for
inflation) when comparing 2004 with 2003, Another category, wholesale items (8% of
all retail sales in Dubuque) was down a whopping 7.9% in constant dollars.
Looking at "constant dollars," the County has had basically no growth in retail sales in
24 years. Retail sales in Dubuque County in 1980 were $991,000,000. Retail Sales in
Dubuque County in 2004 were $993,000,000. In fact, since 2000, there has actually
been a decrease in retail sales in constant dollars from $994,000,000 down to
$993,000,000.
Putting together these dismal retail sales numbers, vacant storefronts downtown and
the lack of interest in development in the Port of Dubuque, has led to a discussion with
Dubuque Initiatives about a partnership to encourage retail development downtown, in
the Port of Dubuque, and across the City. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to help
local retailers grow, attract new retailers, and work with the local real estate and
development community to create opportunities to expand retail sales in Dubuque,
January 13, 2005
Page 20 of 23
Retail businesses create sales tax for the state, county, city and Dubuque Community
School District Commercial properties also pay property tax at 100% of assessed
value, which helps the county, city, community college and schools. Shopping is the #1
entertainment choice nationally and adds to the quality of life in a community, helping
with a local critical need, workforce development. I am recommending that the City
budget $35,000 towards this partnership with Dubuque Initiatives, who would be
contributing $70,000.
Population
While we certainly believe it to be otherwise, the latest estimates from the U.S. Census
Bureau say Dubuque has lost population since the 2000 census. The Census Bureau
estimates the City has lost 491 people, or almost 1 % of the population. Even optimistic
estimates from DMATS would show Dubuque adding only about 3,800 people,
Population in Dubuque since 1950
1950
July 1, 2003
Census Estimate
57,204
49,671
Enplanements
While there are many bright spots at the airport, especially the addition of a fourth flight
by American Airlines, the enplanement numbers are not encouraging,
Enplanements in 2004 were 39,002. Enplanements in 2000 were 58,326, 49,5% higher
than 2004. In this interim the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the East Coast
occurred and United Airlines and Northwest Airlines discontinued service at the airport.
On a positive note, 2004 was the first year of an increase in enplanements (1.04%) after
three consecutive years of declines, A $20,000 increase in City funds for marketing and
a major commitment to a new airport terminal are recommended for the Airport, with
additional resources for local funds yet to be identified.
Workforce
Dubuque's business community has never been stronger. Employment has risen
dramatically over the last 20 years-from 39,700 employed workers in 1984 to a current
record level of 53,500. During the past year, the majority of our City's industries have
either maintained payrolls or added jobs-a trend that many of them expect to continue,
However, indicators show that although Dubuque's workforce has kept pace with two
decades of growth, future expansion could hit a wall. Workforce availability is rapidly
becoming the primary concern of our City's major employers. Dubuque's unemployment
January 13, 2005
Page 21 of 23
rate is the lowest in the State of Iowa. The 2004 Laborshed Analysis discovered that to
meet the needs of this expanding industry, more employees are driving longer distances
to fill positions. In addition to a labor deficit resulting from growth, Dubuque's high
concentration of an aging population will exacerbate the problem over the next few
years. Dubuque has the highest percentage of persons age 65 and older in the State of
Iowa. As these employees retire, there must be someone to take their place. Dubuque
also has the lowest percentage of population under the age of 18 than any other metro
in Iowa.
This is not a situation unique to Dubuque-in fact, the entire state faces the same
issues. Iowa itself has one of the nation's oldest populations and ranks last in population
growth over the last 100 years. Several statewide initiatives have been started to
reverse this trend. But to meet the needs of our local business community, Dubuque
must find its own method of retaining and recruiting talent. We must demonstrate
available opportunity through a strategy supported by the entire community to assure
our employers that they will continue to have access to the high-quality workforce they
have come to expect.
Southwest Arterial
The completion of Iowa 32 with the construction of the Southwest Arterial is imperative
to the future of Dubuque. This has been selected as the #1 transportation priority for
the City of Dubuque, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation, Dubuque County and the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study.
Much hard work needs to be done to get the necessary federal and state funding
commitments.
Other Metropolitan Areas in Iowa
Dubuque has lower taxes, lower fees and less debt, while having low unemployment
and a growing award-winning economy. Dubuque has significant assets to build on,
and some might say it has things other communities do not have, like gaming, but other
towns have significant assets that Dubuque does not have.
Des Moines is the State Capitol, is on Interstate 80 and Interstate 35.
Ames has Iowa State University and is on Interstate 35.
Council Bluffs is on Interstate 80, has Omaha in their backyard and has gaming.
Iowa City has the University of Iowa, University of Iowa Hospital and is on Interstate 80.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls has the University of Northern Iowa, is on the Avenue of the
Saints and Highway 20.
January 13, 2005
Page 22 of 23
Davenport is part of the Quad Cities, is on Interstate 80 and Interstate 74 and has
gaming,
Cedar Rapids has Rockwell Collins, is on the Avenue of the Saints, is closely connected
to Interstate 80, and is between the University of Iowa and the University of Northern
Iowa.
One other very important factor that insulates the economies of these other
communities is their percentage of government employees (federal, state and local
government employees) in their workforce. Normally, recessions have much less of an
impact on communities with a high percentage of government employees.
The Dubuque area has the lowest percentage of government employees of any
metropolitan areas in the state and is less than half of the state average, according to
the June 2003 Workforce Development statistics.
Government
Employees Total Employees % of Government
Story County (Ames) 18,200 43,590 42%
Iowa City Area 26,800 74,100 36%
Waterloo-Cedar Falls 10,700 71,900 15%
Pottawattamie County 5,350 35,490 15%
(Council Bluffs)
Clinton County (Clinton) 2,940 22,750 13%
Cerro Gordo County 3,490 27,750 13%
(Mason City)
Des Moines Area 37,000 291,000 13%
Sioux City Area 7,700 64,700 12%
Cedar Rapids Area 12,700 119,000 11%
Dubuque area 4,200 50,700 8%
State of Iowa 245,200 1,446,300 17%
Conclusion
Dubuque is a wonderful place with tremendous potential. I know that there are many
reasons for Dubuque's success, but the most important ones involve the caring and
hard-working citizens of Dubuque and you, exercising leadership, being innovative and
developing partnerships.
The president of a successful company was asked what it took to get to the top. "The
same thing it took to get started," he replied. "A sense of urgency about getting things
done." The City Council seems to share this sense of urgency, leading to many
successes and certainly creating the opposite situation described in the 1983 Chamber
publication which said, "Dubuque's plight is becoming desperate."
January 13, 2005
Page 23 of 23
Again, this was a complex and challenging budget and it required the assistance of
many City of Dubuque staff members. I am especially proud of the work that was done
this year, including input from Department Managers and City Commissions. I would
like to thank Budget Director Dawn Lang, along with Office Manager Juanita Hilkin and
Secretary Kevin Firnstahl for putting together the budget, with the assistance of
Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser, Intern Jenny Griffin, and former
Administrative Services Manager Pauline Joyce. Corporation Counsel Barry Lindahl
and City Clerk Jeanne Schneider continue to provide their expertise and assistance
throughout the budget process.
I would like to say how much I appreciate the courageous and entrepreneurial
leadership of the Mayor and City Council. I respectfully submit this budget for
consideration and deliberation. While I know that all needs and requests were not met,
I believe the budget as presented keeps the community moving forward in a fiscally
responsible manner.
/}IL(t~{) L(;/"! . "7jt{<;.~
Michaef C. Van Milligen ./
MCVM/jh
Attachment I
City of Dubuque Awards
As of October 2004
Name Institution Recognition Year DeptiLocation
Preserve America Mrs. Laura Bush and Historic preservation 2004 Planning
federal Qovernment
Project of the Year National Masonry Institution/Government Building - Grand 2004 CMO
River Center Masonry Construction
Achievement in Economic International Downtown America's River 2004 CMO
Development Association
All-Star Community Award Iowa LeaQue of Cities America's River Project 2004 CMO
Main St. Award Main St. Iowa Best New Development/Construction 2004 Grand River Center
and Grand Harbor
Resort
Addy Award Advertising Club of Grand River Center Logo 2003 @GRC
Dubuque
Airport Safety Enhancement US Department of Outstanding compliance with Title 14 CFR 2003 Airport
Award Transportation FAA Part 139
Central Region
America's Crown American City & County Crown Community 2003 CMO
Communities
Best Total Building Dubuque Main St. Ltd. Five Flags Theater 2003 Five Flags
Rehabilitation
Environmental Certificate Participation in shredding and recycling 2003 Housing &
program and saving 23 trees from Community
destruction Development
Excellence in Communication Dubuque Area Labor- Interest-Based Bargaining Committee 2003 City of Dubuque and
Management Council Professional
Firefighters
Excellence in Concrete Iowa Ready-Mixed Mississippi River Walk Phase II 2003
Concrete Association
Family Self Sufficiency US HUD/Region 7 Implementation of FSS Program Resulting 2003 Housing &
Program Success Kansas City Office of in High Enrollment Community
Public HousinQ Development
Name Institution Recognition Year DeptiLocation
Honorable Mention International Economic America's River Partnership 2003
Partnership Award Development Council
Housing Choice Voucher US HUD/Region 7 Outstanding efforts in the implementation 2003 Housing &
Home Ownership Program Kansas City Office of of home ownership Community
Success Public Housing Development
Ken Kringle Historic Historic Preservation Five Flags Theatre - Excellence in 2003
Preservation Award Commission rehabilitatinq an historic structure
Public Library Accreditation State Library of Iowa Standards of Accreditation 2003 Carnegie-Stout Public
Library
Tree City USA National Arbor Day Annually since 1989 2003 Parks/roadway
Foundation siqnaqe
CAEFR Report Government Finance Certificate of Achievement for Excellence 2002 Finance/Budget
Officers Association in Financial Reporting
15 consecutive years.
Iowa APA Port of Dubuque Master Plan 2002 Planninq
Superior Levee Maintenance Corps of Engineers - City of Dubuque Flood Protection Program 2002 Ops & Maintenance
Award US Army
Outstanding Beautification Dubuque Main St. 17m Flat Iron Park 2001- Parks Office
Project (Landscapinq) Anniversary Award 2002
Innovative Approach to US DOT Federal Transit Innovative Approach to Addressing Public 2001 Transit, Certificate of
Addressing Public Administration Region Transportation Services Appreciation, Mark
Transportation Services VII Munson
President's Service Award Iowa Chapter of the Janet Walker - outstanding effort and 2001 Housing &
NAHRO achievement in the promotion and success Community
of Iowa NAHRO Development
Airport Safety Enhancement US Department of Outstanding compliance with Title 14 CFR 2000 Airport
Award Transportation FAA Part 139
Central Region
Best Public Education Iowa Recycling Iowa Recycling Award 2000 City of Dubuque and
Campaign Aqencies/DNR Jefferson Jr. Hiqh
Certification of Investment Municipal Treasurers The investment policy submitted for review 2000 Finance
Policy Association of the U.S. meets the standards, First City in Iowa to
and Canada, receive the award 1/18/95.
Excellence in Communication Dubuque Area Labor- Solid Waste Disposal Team 2000 City of Dubuque and
Manaqement Council Teamsters Local 421
Name Institution Recognition Year DeptiLocation
National Award of Merit in National Association of Affirmative Customer Services 2000 Housing &
Administrative Innovation Housing and Community
Redevelopment Officials Development
Public Policy Change US HUD Local Best Practice Winner 2000 Housing &
Process Community
Development
Special Recognition in Waste Governor's Iowa City of Dubuque Recycling Program 2000 Ops & Maintenance
Management Environmental
Excellence Award
Handshake Award of Central Alternative High 1999- Housing &
Appreciation School 2000 Community
Development
FTA Region 7 Y2K US DOT Federal Transit Second City to Reach Y2K Compliance 1999 Transit
Compliance Award Administration Reauirements
National Significance and Iowa Chapter American Eagle Point Park 1999 Parks Office
Contribution to the Quality of Society of Landscape
Live in Iowa Architects
Prism Award Iowa Committee on Efforts to promote diversity in the 1999 @Library
Diversity community
Excellence in Trust Dubuque Area Labor- Health Care Committee 1998 City and Union
Manaqement Council partnerships
All-Star Community Award Iowa Leaque Cities Dispute Resolution Center 1997 Human Rights
Excellence in Programming Iowa Park and Therapeutic Recreation Programs 1997 Recreation Office
Recreation Association
International Water Tasting & Winter Festival Of 1s Place Toast to the Tap 1997 Municipal Division
Competition Waters
Excellence in Health Care Dubuque Area Labor- Health Care Committee 1996 City and Union
Management Council partnerships
School Business Partnership Prescott Early Working together to nurture each other's 1996 CMO
Childhood Center arowth.
Fair Housing Assistance U.S Dept of HUD Outstanding performance in the fair 1995 DHRC Office
housing assistance program
All-Star Community Award Iowa League of Cities Developers Roundtable 1994
(Iowa League of
Municipalities)
Name Institution Recognition Year DeptiLocation
All-Star Community Award Iowa League of Cities Prescription Drug Program 1994 Personnel
(Iowa League of
Municipalities)
Excellence in Collaboration Dubuque Area Labor- Health Insurance Task Force 1994 City and Union
Manaç¡ement Council partnerships
Community Water Centers for Disease For contributions made on behalf of N/A 50 Year Award-
Fluoridation Control and Prevention community water fluoridation. Water Dept