A Dubuque commission on Monday recommended City Council members move forward with a project to upgrade the Five Flags Civic Center, despite significant increases in its estimated cost. Dubuque Civic Center Commission members voted unanimously to recommend that the city schedule a public vote on March 7, 2023, asking residents if up to $89 million should be borrowed to fund the project. Council members will consider the commission’s recommendation at their meeting on May 2nd. The earliest such a referendum could be held is Sept. 13, but commission members also recommended the city explore other funding options to offset the overall cost of the project. The original estimate was $74.3 million.
