East Dubuque City Council members voted Monday night to increase annual fees for businesses selling tobacco or alcoholic beverages, as well as those providing recreational amusements. The increases come after City Manager Loras Herrig recommended fees be increased to match changes in inflation since they were last updated. Businesses selling tobacco products will see an annual increase from $75 to $100, businesses providing amusements, such as pool tables, will see an annual increase from $50 to $74 and businesses selling alcoholic beverages will see an annual fee increase in the range of $300 to $800, depending on the license. The fee increases will create an additional $9,000 in annual revenue for the city, which will be put toward making up budget deficits.
