Things are looking good financially in the town of Dunkirk.

The Dunkirk Town Board accepted its 2023 budget without a tax increase at the regular November meeting. The town tax rate remains at 83 cents per $1000 and the town stayed under the tax cap. “We had a good year,” said Dunkirk Town Supervisor Richard Purol.

In addition, $127,574.55 was reported in sales tax for the last round of taxes, which Purol said is the most the town has ever received at once. The sales tax revenue is split between the town general fund (65%) and the highway department (35%).

Also as part of the approval of the budget, the Town Council ratified Fire Protection Contracts with the East Dunkirk Fire Department for $152,789 and the West Dunkirk Fire Department for $77,700. After public hearings on the two contracts, the board was impressed and voted unanimously to accept each contract.

“I’d like to comment on the professionalism of both departments,” said Juan Pagan. “They conducted themselves very well and presented a very good case for our support to continue with them.”

The town also reported there was a shutdown order issued at the South Shore Motor Lodge off W. Lake Road. The town found that workers had been operating at the site without permits. They were ordered to stop and to clean up the property immediately before any permits would be considered.

The next monthly meeting of the Dunkirk Town Council was moved up to Dec. 6 from its customary third Tuesday of the month because of the holidays. The meeting will begin after a public hearing on a local law regarding state Code Enforcement. The public hearing begins at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 6.