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The OBSERVER’s View

BUDGETS: Tax hikes define Dunkirk differences

It is apples and oranges when comparing the budgets of the town of Dunkirk and the city of Dunkirk — but both are looking to increase tax rates. While the larger municipality is facing fiscal difficulties, there are some realities the town is beginning to see. Overall, the budget for the town is $430,000 in 2025 for about 1,240 residents. That’s a drop in the bucket when compared to the city’s $28 million plan for 12,000 residents that will likely include a hefty tax rate that may double. Town residents will see an increase, but nothing out of the ordinary. For instance, the ...

PRESIDENCY Policy changes may have impact locally

There are going to be changes to environmental regulations once President Donald Trump takes office in January. But we hope those changes don’t do much to damage the emerging green energy sector that is growing in the Jamestown area. Cummins Inc.’s fuel agnostic X15N engine is in full production at Cummins’ Busti plant after $452 million of investment in a new line to produce the engine. NFI Group has been on the receiving end of purchase orders backed by federal dollars infrastructure programs aiming to push lower emissions buses into fleets in big cities. Many of those orders ...

GOWANDA: Stamp of approval for longtime carrier

Bill Vance is from a different generation. It is one that knows the importance of going to work to serve those who live in your community. Gowanda certainly has an appreciation for his ethic. At 77 years old, Vance is still going as a postal carrier around the village. Earlier this month, the U.S. Postal Service celebrated his 50 years of service. He has seen many changes happen during the career — not all for the better. He knows the importance of the written word, and laments the amount of letters is nowhere near what it once was. In addition, today’s routes are bombarded ...

RENEWABLES: County overdoing some tax breaks

No municipality seems immune from tax increases. Nearly everyone who is engaged with what’s happening locally knows about the city of Dunkirk’s plans to raise the tax rate 108% next year due to its fiscal crisis, but other locations also are having troubles. Nearby, the town of Dunkirk announced a small tax hike at a recent board meeting. It’s very minimal — about 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In the meantime, with tax rates so low in the town it seems unthinkable a renewable energy company would be looking for a break. That’s exactly what’s happening with two ...

Sheridan: Town’s albatross takes new turn

Another roadblock has hit the town of Sheridan. During the most recent board meeting, elected officials learned the eyesore Pawn Starz site on Route 20 had been sold. It does not make a lot of sense, considering its current condition that stems from a fire in the summer of 2022. The former Pawn Starz property in the Town of Sheridan along Route 20 was recently sold, but so far, there has not been any noticeable improvements made to the site. The Town Board retained attorney Joe Calimeri to file a complaint against James L. Langendorfer, the apparent former owner, in New York State ...

Football Major matchup for Bills Sunday

Has there been a more anticipated regular-season home game than the one the Buffalo Bills will be hosting on Sunday? Undefeated and Super Bowl champion Kansas City comes to town for the marquee matchup at 4:25 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. Buffalo is riding a five-game winning streak, which is nowhere near as impressive as what the Chiefs have done. Their last loss was Christmas day to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. Since then, the champions have won 15 straight — many by one score. Sunday’s game obviously has a significance to both teams. Buffalo has never toppled Kansas City in its ...