Is it any wonder the city of Dunkirk is facing financial troubles? Since finding out in late March that the municipality would have trouble paying the bills and making ends meet, what have the elected officials done about it?

One thing. They borrowed $16 million through a Revenue Anticipation Note from the state.

This month? They met once before the Independence Day holiday — and nothing substantial happened.

As we move toward the final five months of the year will the city take any steps to change how it does business? We already understand that the $26 million operation is too bloated to continue. What changes will occur?

For one, we expect a major property tax increase and fee increases for water and sewer that could extend to North County Water District users. But what else can we expect?

Will there be a downsizing of staff of the more than 160 employees? Are fire and police services looking at options for more sharing? What is the big plan moving forward by the Common Council and the administration?

Mayor Kate Wdowiasz is not responsible for the poor fiscal standing of the city, but some current council members including Natalie Luczkowiak, James Stoyle and Nancy Nichols have been along for the ride.

If Nichols and Stoyle claim ignorance, then they can give back the more than $2,000 they took as bonus money they proudly approved in handing out $300,000 in extra cash through COVID funding in 2021.

We understand times are tough. Canceling council meetings, however, does nothing to repair what’s been broken for far too long.