It is far beyond time for two troubled north county governments to implement a consideration that was definitely needed long before now: a hiring freeze. Both governments in putting forth devastating tax hikes have offered no other possible solutions in planning for the future, so why not this?

Realistically speaking, if something were to happen — just like the Non Fred Fest occurrence — village or city officials can take the steps needed to handle the situation by using mutual aid. When it comes to fire departments in Dunkirk and Fredonia, there are two. When it comes to law enforcement, there are five: the village and city departments, University Police, State Police and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department.

Why do we need to continue our duplication when recent budgets have proven that it is no longer affordable and cost effective?

Within the last year, there have been calls for merging the two major departments. We have been told even state officials back those plans.

As long as individuals are hired to fill open positions in fiscally troubled governments, that puts off an urgency to make the mergers happen. After 84% and 65% tax increases, the urgency is here but government — even in worst-case scenarios — moves at the pace of sloths.

Dunkirk and Fredonia, at one time municipalities of more than 25,000 residents in the last four decades — are down to about 21,000 citizens. Both can maintain services already provided to the loyal residents. But let’s get serious about the problems.

Major costs are in staffing, not saving paper or by turning down the heat in the winter. We’re not advocating for job cuts, we’re simply stating what is obvious to the private sector.

If the revenues are not there, cut whenever possible. A hiring freeze enforces this option and is one suggestion that current elected officials do not seem to be offering.