Dunkirk Common Council members have been working in recent weeks to reduce the proposed tipping fee increase put forward by Mayor Wilfred Rosas as part of his 2021 spending plan. The $24 million budget includes no tax increase.

Some of the ideas put forth by council include raising various other fees to turning off half of the street lights. But garbage collection was the highlight. “I think every other week trash pickup is a great idea,” offered Councilman-at-large Paul VanDenVouver. “To be honest. I want to privatize it. I want to get rid of trash pickup altogether in the city of Dunkirk.”

That is a suggestion that makes the most sense. In fact, it was something former Department of Public Works Supervisor Tony Gugino advocated for more than five years ago. Gugino, now with the village of Fredonia, sees first hand how not having municipal employees pick up the trash can make time for other projects.

As a strong union city, Dunkirk would likely not want to upset its workers. However, with cost savings — and these collecting garbage working for the parks or streets departments, there could be some benefits to residents.

We hope VanDenVouver’s thought gets more consideration.