Dubuque reforming fine system

City of Dubuque officials are reforming the fine and fee system in an effort make it more equitable for residents to pay their debts. The new system is slated to be available to Dubuque residents on Jan. 1. At a work session this week, representatives of the city’s Office of Community Impact presented to the City Council program designed to reform fines and fees. It will allow residents experiencing financial hardships who have a past-due city utility bill or delinquent account to complete volunteer work to pay their bill. One hour of volunteer work will equal $28.88 taken off of a resident’s bill. Two hours of volunteer service are required each week, and while the program length varies depending on the bill balance, it won’t exceed six months. Members of a household beyond the primary account holder also can participate in the program.