East Dubuque officials are considering alternative revenue sources to maintain municipal operations and increase the police force. Backers said the latter move is needed because a recent effort to move up the closing time of bars in the city failed. This week, City Council members directed city staff to draft new ordinances with annual fee increases for businesses, as well as language for a spring referendum to potentially raise city taxes. City Manager Loras Herrig said that if revenue does not increase, he might consider service cuts, including staff reductions, when he assembles the budget for fiscal year 2021, which starts in July. At their City Council meeting on Monday, council members will consider the new ordinances with fees increases. They include a $75 increase for all restaurants, a $25 increase for establishments that sell tobacco and an increase in liquor licenses ranging from $350 to $800.
