Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Meeting #7 | April 22, 2026

The City of Dubuque Government held a special session of the City Council on April 22, 2026, focused on presentations and discussions of the fiscal year 2027 department budgets, including police, fire, emergency communications, emergency management, and health services. Key procurement-related topics included the police department's budget requests for retention-focused training funds, police training vehicles, and a crime analyst intern position. The police also highlighted technology investments such as automated license plate readers and public safety cameras, with ongoing contract and policy reviews. The fire department presented improvement package requests for firefighter paramedic positions funded by a SAFER grant, facility maintenance, and equipment replacements, alongside capital improvement projects including station expansion and radio replacements. The emergency communications department discussed a $3 million CAD system upgrade shared with the county, and requested funding to cover a shortfall in 911 search charge revenues, which is an ongoing concern due to state-level funding reductions. The health services department outlined contracts for new software systems, public health initiatives, and community partnerships, emphasizing the integrated public safety network. Council members and public input addressed wage competitiveness, grant funding fluctuations, facility needs, and legislative challenges affecting public health and emergency services funding. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during this session, but several budget improvement packages and capital projects were presented for future consideration.