Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Meeting #1 | April 7, 2026

The City of Dubuque Government held a special City Council session on April 7, 2026, to review and discuss the fiscal year 2027 budgets for several departments including Engineering, Public Works, Water, and the Water & Resource Recovery Center. The meeting featured detailed presentations on capital improvement projects, infrastructure upgrades, and operational budgets. Key procurement-related topics included contract awards such as the $1.345 million SCADA system upgrade awarded to Westfall & Company, and the $669,200 full street rebuild project. The council discussed funding sources including federal grants, utility fees, and property taxes, with proposed rate increases for stormwater, water, and wastewater services. Several capital projects were highlighted, including sanitary sewer expansions, stormwater management improvements, and odor control initiatives at the Water & Resource Recovery Center. The council also addressed staffing levels, administrative overhead charges, and the lead service line replacement program, which is mandated to replace approximately 3,900 lines by 2037 with an estimated cost of $60 million. Public input was received on various budget items, and council members requested further detailed information on administrative overhead allocations, staffing projections, and capital equipment costs for future budget discussions. The meeting concluded with the identification of budget items for separate discussion in subsequent sessions.