What purpose does the elected city of Dunkirk treasurer serve? According to the city charter, one of the duties includes an “annual financial statement of the city to the state comptroller and preparation and distribution of such other statements or reports as may be required from time to time by the Common Council or as otherwise prescribed by law.”

As we know from the tumult of the last six years, that has not happened. It is a dereliction of duty.

Even within the last month, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has noted Dunkirk has not submitted required paperwork in recent years regarding its financial status for DiNapoli’s annual fiscal stress report.

Lack of documentation from the office is a large part of the reason for the city’s 84% tax increase that occurred this year. That hike was due in part to the city facing a $16 million deficit. Yet until March 2024, no one sounded any alarm regarding the finances.

Where was the treasurer?

This election, the city has put forth a proposition to abolish the position of the elected treasurer with its duties and that of its office to be transferred to the Department of Fiscal Affairs under the supervision of the Common Council, Mayor’s Office, and County Civil Service.

Knowing how poorly those other positions have been run during the same time period causes us concern in abolishing the post. But there is no question this position — as well as other elected leadership — has let down taxpayers.

We believe in a reduction of government — and it’s why we back the abolishing of the post. But Dunkirk needs more help to get its spending under control as revenues continue to be a struggle.

That cannot be fixed by a treasurer — or the council and administration. It has to start with a control board.