Financial concerns in the city of Dunkirk have been growing since March 2024.

Increased pressure for a control board to oversee the city of Dunkirk finances is now connected to a new survey that was announced Thursday morning by state Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor for action to restore fiscal discipline and public trust.

Conducted earlier this month, the poll found that 68% of 178 city residents support creating an independent third-party financial control board, while 13% are opposed and 18% are unsure. It also found widespread dissatisfaction with the city’s direction, with only 7% of respondents saying Dunkirk is on the right track and 73% saying it is headed in the wrong direction.

“These results send a clear message: Dunkirk residents recognize the seriousness of the city’s financial situation and want meaningful, independent oversight,” Borrello said. “The city is facing a financial crisis marked by systemic mismanagement, record tax increases, and deeply troubling corruption cases. A financial control board is not about punishment; it’s about protecting taxpayers, restoring transparency, and putting Dunkirk on a sustainable path forward.”

Conducted by Eagle Point Strategies, the poll has a margin of error of 7.26%. It also notes that 41% of the respondents were Democrats, 31% were not affiliated with a political party, 20% were Republican and 8% were affiliated with other parties.

This year, the city is working with a nearly $30 million budget that could include fiscal shortfalls.

Additional concerns are tied to the longtime and former treasurer who was charged with allegedly stealing more than $120,000 from taxpayers.

Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, after learning about the survey Thursday, called it “fundamentally unreliable and cannot be used to draw meaningful conclusions about public sentiment.”

She also was critical of the comments regarding the survey from the state leaders, including the recent charges against retired and sullied Treasurer Mark Woods. “The irregularities in the Treasurer’s Office were identified through the very internal controls and oversight measures my administration has been implementing since taking office,” she said. “Those findings were promptly referred to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability.

Molitor said the survey confirms residents are seeking lasting solutions to stabilize the city’s finances.

“This isn’t about politics or partisanship,” he said. “It is about restoring sound financial management and ensuring the city has the safeguards in place to prevent chronic and future problems. An independent control board would bring the expertise, oversight, and fiscal discipline necessary to help Dunkirk regain stability and rebuild public confidence for the future.”

The survey findings come amid repeated warnings from the State Comptroller about poor recordkeeping, incomplete financial reporting, and the city’s deteriorating fiscal condition. These longstanding deficiencies, combined with recent corruption cases, have underscored the need for sustained, independent oversight.

However, Wdowiasz responded that within the last year, the city has undertaken significant reforms regarding financial management and restoring public trust, including:

— Implementing new, modern financial management software that will provide real-time transparency and audit-ready documentation.

— Updating and formalizing financial policies and procedures to close longstanding gaps.

— Establishing multi-layered internal controls to ensure no single individual can independently handle or manipulate city funds.

“Dunkirk’s future must be guided by facts, responsible governance, and genuine community engagement,” she said. “My administration remains committed to continuing the hard work of strengthening our financial systems, improving transparency, and ensuring that every decision affecting our residents is grounded in truth–not in flawed data or political narratives.”

Last year, the state authorized a $13.7 million loan to help Dunkirk address immediate cash flow needs. The loan carries a 7.5% interest rate over 15 years and requires the city to forgo its annual AIM funding during the repayment period, raising concerns about its long-term fiscal impact and the absence of structural financial reforms.

Borrello and Molitor have urged state Gov. Kathy Hochul to support legislation establishing a state financial control board for Dunkirk, arguing that such oversight is essential to restoring fiscal stability and protecting taxpayers.

“The residents of Dunkirk have spoken clearly,” Borrello said. “They want accountability, transparency, and responsible financial management. This is an opportunity for the mayor and city council to join Assemblyman Molitor and me in working together toward that goal.”