OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Brian Purol, Assistant Chief of the East Dunkirk Fire Department, spoke at a public hearing regarding the 2024 Fire Protection Contracts in the town of Dunkirk.

DUNKIRK — Fire department members answer plenty of calls, and even on a Thursday night just before the Buffalo Bills were set to kick off, each department in the Town of Dunkirk sent a representative out on a different type of call – one to appear before the Town Board.

With representatives from each of the town’s fire departments in attendance, the Town of Dunkirk held a public hearing for its proposed budget for 2024.

The total budget amounts to $1,223,929, which is under the cap of a 2% increase. The tax rate remains the same as the previous year, at 83 cents per $1,000.

Town Board member Jean Crane, a longtime Town Clerk, assisted Town Clerk Rebecca Yacklon in preparing the 2024 budget. Crane proclaimed the tax rate for 2024 is the lowest in Chautauqua County.

General funds accounted for in the budget amount to $589,643, with special districts at $349,282.

Along with the public hearing regarding the budget, the town also held public hearings regarding Fire Protection Contracts with the East Dunkirk Fire Department and the West Dunkirk Fire Department.

The East Dunkirk Fire Department is set to receive $155,844 for the year of 2024, up from $152,789 in 2023. The increase in 2024 comes after a 2% increase in 2023. The West Dunkirk Fire Department will receive $79,200 for the year of 2024, up from last year’s budget of $78,540.

“We really appreciate what you do. It’s the epitome of volunteerism,” said Town Councilman Dr. G. Jay Bishop. “We want you to know how much we appreciate you and value you.”

Town Supervisor Juan Pagan, a lifetime member of the East Dunkirk Fire Department, added, “I’d like to echo the same sentiments. We’re proud of what you all do.”

Brian Purol, Assistant Chief of the East Dunkirk Fire Department, stated that the biggest increase in the East Dunkirk Fire Department’s budget is due to an increase in gas for heating of its new building.

Purol also noted that the department is on track to break a record for most calls in one year. Purol highlighted a need for more Emergency Medical Technicians, and noted the department pays for EMT training.

The West Dunkirk Fire Department is also currently rewriting its bylaws in hopes of attracting members from other towns to join.

Bishop also noted how the town is evaluating tax exemptions that could be made available to firefighters. “We think we should be able to pay you back somehow for all your volunteer hours, but we certainly do appreciate you,” Bishop said.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m., at the Dunkirk Town Hall and Court.