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

The City of Dubuque held its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Meeting #7 on April 22, 2026, focusing on departmental budget presentations for police, fire, emergency management, emergency communications, and public health services. The police department discussed recruitment and retention strategies, including targeted raises and professional development training, and highlighted technology investments such as automated license plate readers and the precision policing center. They requested budget improvements for officer wellness programs and training vehicles. The fire department presented strategic initiatives including staffing increases supported by a SAFER grant, facility modernization, and capital improvement projects like station expansions and vehicle replacements. They also addressed EMS billing revenue and community risk reduction efforts. Emergency management reviewed regional coordination and disaster preparedness exercises. The emergency communications department detailed a $3 million CAD system upgrade, staffing, and challenges with declining 911 surcharge revenues, requesting budget support to cover shortfalls. The public health department outlined ongoing public health programs, partnerships, and software implementations, emphasizing the importance of local control amid potential state legislative changes. Throughout the meeting, council members and the public expressed strong support for maintaining and enhancing public safety and health services, while noting funding challenges, particularly related to state funding shortfalls and the need for continued investment in personnel, technology, and facilities. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, but multiple improvement package requests and capital projects were discussed as part of the FY27 budget planning process.