OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz has not presented a counter offer to the Town of Dunkirk regarding a contract for police patrols in the Town.

The Town and City of Dunkirk share the same name, but have yet to find common ground on a contract for police presence in the town.

The town has sought to continue an agreement with the City of Dunkirk Police Department for a presence via patrols throughout the town. After an increase last year, the City responded with another increase for 2026, but the increase was dramatic.

In 2025, the Town of Dunkirk paid $27,660 for police patrols, amounting to $2,305 per month. Back in October, the City asked for $39,663 for 2026, amounting to $3,305.25 per month. The increase from year to year is 43%.

Former Supervisor Priscilla Penfold reached out to Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz several times in an effort to find a “compromise.” When her attempts to reach Wdowiasz were unsuccessful, she reached out again to let her know that Shari Miller was assuming the role of Supervisor in 2026. Still, the Town and the City have yet to make any movement on the proposed contract. Wdowiasz has not presented a counter offer to the Town of Dunkirk.

“We are trying to work with the City of Dunkirk,” Miller said. “We cannot do a 43% increase to the town of Dunkirk residents.”

Miller and Councilman Phil Leone did, however, meet with Wdowiasz, Fredonia Mayor Mike Ferguson, and Pomfret Supervisor Dan Pacos, among others, for a discussion regarding consolidation and shared services.

While there was no decision made at the meeting, there will be another meeting in the near future to continue the discussion. Leone vowed to keep the public informed of any developments, and no action will be taken without first bringing it to the Town Board.

“We’re just trying to all work together and see what happens,” Leone said.

Miller and Deputy Supervisor Jean Crane also recently met with County Executive PJ Wendel to discuss avenues for shared services regarding the town’s Highway Department. The Town of Dunkirk currently shares a Highway Superintendent, Jeff Feinen, with the Town of Sheridan.

“We’re hoping that we can come down with some relief or help in taking care of our highway,” Crane said.

Crane and Miller also met with a grant writer to discuss other avenues for funding various needs of the Town. Miller said the most difficult part of the discussion was determining which of the areas to focus on pursuing funding for.

“The punch list is long, and the funding sources that are out there are not as long as our list,” Miller said.

The Town’s Government Efficiency grant proposals have advanced to the second round of review. The Town is seeking funding to share services regarding dog control and highways department duties with neighboring municipalities, such as Sheridan, Pomfret, Fredonia, and the City of Dunkirk.

The next meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is a special meeting following a public hearing on battery energy storage systems, scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m.