Pictured is what a battery energy storage system typically looks like.

The Town of Dunkirk has typically not rushed into making decisions on local laws, as evidenced by the short-term rental property saga that went on for several years. The Town is again being very deliberate in its latest matter of public concern, regarding a local law pertaining to Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Following a moratorium enacted this past year, the Town of Dunkirk has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m. to field comments from the public regarding the extension of a moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems, as well as other projects similar in nature. Following the public hearing, a special meeting will be held for the Town Board to take action, should it deem necessary.

The Town is considering extending the moratorium — set to expire later next month — for another six months. The extension is sought to allow for more time to draft a law regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems. The Town recently held a workshop on the matter, and another workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. to continue crafting a local law.

A major concern regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems is fire protection. Supervisor Shari Miller shared the 2025 annual report from the East Town of Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Company at the recent meeting. The numbers show that the volunteer department, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, is plenty busy already.

The East Town of Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Company responded to 366 calls in 2025 — an average of a call every day for the entire year. “I could not believe how often that fire whistle went off,” Miller said. She later added, “For a volunteer fire department where nobody there is paid … they are doing a fantastic job. I really appreciate everything they do.”

Also of note, in 2025, the Town of Dunkirk Justice Court handled 2,882 cases, including over 2,500 vehicle and traffic law cases, 179 penal law cases, 135 suspensions, eight civil law cases, and 24 local law cases. In total, the Justice Court generated $247,652 in revenue for the Town.

For the month of January, the Justice Court handled a total of 159 cases, with $14,061 generated in revenue for the Town. The Town Clerk’s Office collected $1,892.50 in the month of January, including $750 in clerk fees and over $1,000 in zoning fees. The Town also received its quarterly sales tax revenue, which amounted to $111,301.51. The sales tax revenue is distributed 60% to the Town’s General Fund and 40% to the Highway Department.

Following the special meeting on March 3, the next regular meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m.