DACC asking city council to postpone referendum vote

Dubuque, Iowa - The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) is requesting the Dubuque City Council consider an indefinite postponement for the Five Flags bond referendum vote, currently set for September 2020, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The DACC believes that the Five Flags expansion is an extremely important economic discussion for Dubuque and surrounding communities, however, with the global health emergency creating significant disruption and uncertainty in the daily lives of residents, a September 2020 vote is not conducive to accurately evaluate the business community position.

“Debating the merits of such an important and significant investment will be a tremendous effort under even normal circumstances,” said DACC President & CEO, Molly Grover. “The current economic climate and hardships, facing our businesses and residents alike, require discussions about support and recovery, rather than increased tax impacts.”

This request is in no way an indication the DACC showing support or opposition for the said referendum. The DACC has not taken a position on the referendum; however, they hope this issue can be revisited in the future when the community can return to normalcy and future-forward thinking.

DACC board chair, Brian Schatz said, “In the best interests of all concerned, businesses and citizens, we the Chamber board and staff request the council’s consideration in postponing the Five Flags referendum.”

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