Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

Thank you for your interest in the City's budget for the 2023 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2022, and ends on June 30, 2023. The City’s operating budget (day-to-day costs of providing city services) is approximately $139 million and the capital budget, which includes major projects and improvements, is approximately $59 million.

Learn about the City budget process.

Dollars & Cents

The FY2023 Dollars & Cents document provides an overview of property taxes, budget, utility rates, and the debt reduction plan.

Watch our short video series (FY22) explaining property taxes, budget, debt reduction plan, and the City's recently upgraded credit rating.

Setting Public Hearing on Establishing the Maximum Property Tax Dollars

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022
A special meeting was held on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. to set a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Maximum Property Tax Dollars for the affected tax levy total. City Assessor Troy Patzner and City Manager Michael Van Milligan made presentations.

Notice of Public Hearing on the Maximum Property Tax Dollars

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022
The City Council conducted a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year City property tax levy on Feb. 16, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. At the public hearing, residents or taxpayers could present objections to or arguments in favor of the proposed tax levy. After the adoption of the proposed tax levy, the Council published notice of the public hearing on the proposed city budget.

Per the Iowa Code section 384.15A, notice of public hearing for total maximum property tax dollars:
FY23 Proposed Property Tax Levy

Recommended Policy Budget

The Policy Budget defines goals and objectives for all City departments and activities, relates them to cost and resource requirements, and attempts to establish measures for evaluating accomplishment. Specific improvement packages are developed and included in the Policy Budget for alternative funding and service levels. The Policy Budget document shows the budget by line item for each Department and provides a basis for fiscal control once the budget is adopted.

The Policy Budget emphasizes objectives, accomplishments, and alternative funding and service levels and is intended to keep the attention of the City Council and public on the major policy decisions involving what services the City government will provide, who will pay for them, and the implications of such decisions.

Online Input Opportunities

Balancing Act Budget Simulator

The Balancing Act simulation tool provides an in-depth look at the City budget. You can adjust revenues and expenditures, and then provide comments on how YOU think the City of Dubuque should spend its money. Budgets are submitted anonymously and demographic exit questions are optional.

Taxpayer Receipt

Where do your City tax dollars go? The online taxpayer receipt is designed to illustrate how your estimated City property taxes and local option sales tax are allocated to services such as Police, Fire, Parks, and Public Works. All information provided is anonymous.

City Budget Public Comments Form

We want your input! Use the City's Budget Public Comments form to share your ideas directly with City staff. These ideas could be capital improvements, such as park improvements, street improvements, or new amenities. They could also be service-related, such as specific programming, recreation classes, or a change in how a service is provided. Submitted input will assist in the development of a recommended budget.

Submit your ideas for the City's budget

Written comments can also be mailed to: City Manager, City Hall, 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001. Need help using the online budget tools? Review our budget simulation and taxpayer receipt tips sheet.

Public Input Meeting

Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at 6 p.m.

A public input meeting was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in the City Council Chambers at the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St. City Manager Mike Van Milligen and Finance and Budget Department staff provided general information on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget process and then meeting attendees were asked to share their thoughts on what they would like to see funded in their neighborhoods and the community-at-large.

Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

Dollars & Cents

Setting Public Hearing on Establishing the Maximum Property Tax Dollars

Notice of Public Hearing on the Maximum Property Tax Dollars

Recommended Budget Presentation

Adopted Resident’s Budget Guide

Recommended Resident’s Budget Guide

Recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

Recommended Policy Budget

Budget Hearing Meetings