Within weeks, city of Dunkirk property owners will be receiving a rude awakening. That unthinkable 84% tax hike will arrive as reality.

That’s a lot of pain for a community that has a poverty rate of 25%. Even residents who do not own property will be impacted in some way. Rental rates will be rising — and some may just decide to move out of the city.

Dunkirk City Schools, as another taxing entity, understands the importance of the issue. During a meeting last month with a fiscal consultant, it was announced that the district will try for a zero-tax hike.

“Part of my job is to try and protect you as much as I can, give the best advice I can come up with … I understand you’re going to try to go for the zero and try and help out this municipality,” said Richard Timbs via Zoom during the Board of Education meeting. “It’s certainly noteworthy, there’s no doubt. But I want you to know there’s a monetary cost to doing that.”

He later commented, “If I was in the city of Dunkirk I’d be so thankful you’re doing this for the taxpayers.” He emphasized again that it will cost the school district in the future.

Just like municipalities, schools — especially under the President Donald Trump administration — may be seeing reduced aid while expenses are rising. Dunkirk schools, at the moment, may have a cushion for the coming year. But it will not be there forever.

Forestville school Superintendent John O’Connor admits — even in proposing a tax increase next year — the reliance on fund balances is not “sustainable.”

Dunkirk residents are facing pain — with the minimal county tax hike and the coming big bill from the city government. In this case and at the moment, the school district is being a good neighbor.