One of the magnifying glasses missing in the Fredonia financial crisis will be making an impact on residents when the next quarterly bills go out. While much of the focus was on the 54% property tax increase, homeowners will not get off easy when it comes to other fees.

When it comes to water rates, the increase will be from $7 per 1,000 gallons of water used to $7.60 per 1,000 — an 8% hike. Sewer rates are even steeper going from $7 to $8 per 1,000 gallons used — another 14% increase.

An article last month regarding a complaint over a $4,000 water bill did not sit well with trustees. Jon Espersen, in a response, noted the fees were for an apartment complex — not a single-family home.

That was disclosed in the article. However, out-of-control hikes to village residents are not an issue of inflation. This all goes back to leaders doing little — today and in the past — to control costs.

Residents — and property owners — have a right to complain about being asked to saddle higher costs, even if it upsets those elected. They are the ones who are ultimately paying the price for the lack of attention to detail in recent decades.

This not only affects Fredonia, but municipalities across New York state. Big costs are tied to union contracts that rule the roost.

Through much of the crisis here, aim has been taken regarding spending at the Fire Department. That’s a fair criticism, but we know staff there have been busy with rescue, fire calls and assisting with the water distribution during the most recent boil order.

But what about Fredonia police? Headed by a chief who makes $125,000 before benefits, what are their accomplishments? In June, the chief defended the expenses tied to the department.

Since then, however, his agency has not released any arrest reports to the community — since April to be exact. That may be a good sign, but it also seems unrealistic.

In trying times, accountability matters. If trustees are not looking at the big picture — in its $11 million budget that will continue to rise annually — then property owners will continue to take it on the chin.