The Dunkirk Common Council unanimously accepted additional grant funds of $273,622 given to the CDBG by the federal government that will aid in COVID-19 relief.

The money is to help with local small business relief, rent assistance and charity help.

At the council meeting there was some disagreement over qualifications of small businesses for the loans.

“Myself and some of the council members would like to see instead of a business that has zero dollar revenues we would like to see that moved up to $1,000,” stated First Ward Councilman Don Williams. “I would rather see more money and be available to our businesses that have been in the city of Dunkirk for decades get the opportunity to get money before we have anybody that possibly has zero dollars of revenues coming in.”

“I don’t disagree with anything that the councilman has said,” Mayor Wilfred Rosas responded. “These funds were intended to be used by businesses in the community that suffered. I believe all the businesses have suffered, not only some. We do have some businesses that are just starting off. If we do what the councilman wants we’ll be intentionally excluding some of the newest businesses that have just come on board.”

Regardless of the disagreement the resolution passed 5-0. Director of Planning and Development Rebecca Wurster has applications available online, through email and can also be mailed. The loans will be up to $10,000 per business and do not have to be paid back.

They are on a first come, first serve business. Wurster also hopes to have the applications for rental assistance out soon.