How serious is the Dunkirk Common Council about solving the city’s fiscal crisis? To put it mildly, its bark is worse than its bite.

That is because no one on council, with the exception of maybe Nick Weiser who serves in the at-large role, is ready to take on the reality of overflowing expenses. We saw that earlier this month regarding the animal control officer discussion.

There is no need for that debate. So maybe the city is getting complaints about pets running rampant. Where’s the money coming from to fill the position when you cannot even begin to repay $13 million from a Revenue Anticipation Note?

“Are you trying to fill that position?” asked Abigail Zatorski, Second Ward councilwoman, to the mayor. “It’s been over a year.”

And what’s wrong with that?

No one on council dares to even talk about financial solutions to the troubles facing the city. In fact, since the crisis in March 2024, the worries about more spending seem to be the norm.

This council saddled property owners with an 84% tax increase last year. The least of their concerns should be in more positions.

Dunkirk’s priority must be getting expenses under control — even if it means continuing to delay filling positions.