There was an interesting suggestion made regarding the use of the $10.8 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act during a meeting in the city of Dunkirk last week. One community member who attended the session at the State University of New York at Fredonia incubator asked if the money could be used for a new police station that would serve both Dunkirk and Fredonia.

“It’s definitely something we can consider,” said Jill Meaux, director of planning and development for Dunkirk. “I would encourage you to write it on the comment card.”

Both the city and village current stations are long overdue for an overhaul. The problem is stubborn community residents or elected officials battle over this important issue to keep these separate facilities in their own municipal territories.

It need not be that way. Currently, the antiquated police stations are filled with safety issues and are not up to current standards. In other words, they were built for the 1950s, not 2021.

That suggestion of a new shared police facility — with stimulus funds — is worth pondering. Now, can local elected officials keep an open mind.