Community service can pay for past-due utility bills in Dubuque next year [Video]

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A pilot program in Dubuque will allow residents with past-due utility bills to pay their debts by volunteering.

Starting January 1, 2025, the Community Impact Service Program lets residents reduce late or delinquent City-assessed fines and fees by serving the community or completing personal or professional development work.

“It’s not just a program designed to serve and address fines and fees, but it’s also a program to help people find their passion and their purpose,” said Dubuque Community Impact Director Antonio Mouzon.

Eligible opportunities span from litter cleanup and tree planting to learning about resume-building, budgeting, or financial literacy.

“We wanted to create a program that’s accessible and equitable for our residents and giving them the ability to go out into the community, but also work on themselves,” said Dubuque Community Diversion & Prevention Coordinator Mirande Onofre.

People experiencing financial hardship can earn $28.88 for every …