By Dubuque In Pursuit News

The Dubuque City Council has delayed action on a proposed ordinance that would expand the Fire Department’s ability to bill for certain emergency responses, leaving the measure without approval for now as council members seek additional clarity on how the charges would affect residents and insurers.

The proposal would amend the city’s existing service‑charge rules under Title 7 of the municipal code, which currently allows fees for limited services such as forced entry and liquid removal. The updated ordinance would broaden that authority to include responses to vehicle crashes, hazardous‑materials incidents, technical rescues, and other non‑fire emergencies.

City documents show the intent is to create a mechanism for recovering costs associated with time‑intensive or specialized responses. Fire officials have emphasized that the charges would be directed primarily toward insurance carriers, not individuals, and would help offset rising operational expenses.

Council members, however, expressed concern about the potential for unintended financial impacts on residents. Several requested more information on how billing would be handled, how often charges would apply, and whether the ordinance could create inequities between insured and uninsured individuals.

Because of those questions, the council opted to postpone a vote. The ordinance will return for consideration once staff provides additional detail and revised language.