Dr. Nick J. Weiser

Dunkirk Common Council members made clear at Tuesday’s meeting they want changes to Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s proposed 2025 budget that would more than double the property tax rate.

“I have received much shocked feedback (from residents), and I hear you,” said Natalie Luczkowiak.

“That’s one thing we need to make perfectly clear, that it is not set in stone,” said Nancy Nichols.

“I recognize how much time and effort goes into preparing a budget, especially in these challenging circumstances. … That said, in a community where more than a quarter of our residents live in poverty, a 108% tax increase is simply not viable,” said Nick Weiser.

After the meeting, Luczkowiak emailed the OBSERVER with some ideas on getting the tax rate lowered.

She wrote, “Make sure the administration costs reflect only the employees we have now and not a full staff. Anything in the budget for hopeful future employees or employees needing to hire to fill the usual spots should be deleted. We need to work with what we have.”

Luczkowiak also suggested cutting all department costs by 10% and selling back one of two recently purchased fire trucks, which have not yet been delivered.