During a financial crisis in Erie County during the reign of Executive Joel Giambra, there were two budgets proposed. One was considered “green” that included keeping services, while the other was “red,” which proposed cutting services.

It created a horrible debate that scarred the Giambra administration.

Earlier this month, it was reported at a Finance Committee meeting that Mayor Kate Wdowiasz will likely take that same path. That announcement was made by Ellen Luczkowiak, city fiscal affairs officer.

She said during the meeting one proposed budget will tax up to the state constitutional limit and cut no services. The other would tax only to the state Legislature-imposed cap – and would cut services.

“I can’t tell you what the cuts would be,” Luczkowiak said.

But we could know soon. In previous years, early October is when the city of Dunkirk has released its upcoming budget information.

At those times — despite the loss of $4 million in revenue from the NRG payment in lieu of taxes that went away in 2016, the city held the line on taxes while spending increased. It is a major portion of the formula that has led to the current deficit of $18 million.

In any case, it appears Wdowiaz is making the council make the tough decision on how the 2025 year looks for the municipality. In either case, there will be pain, especially — and unfairly — to the taxpayers.