A recent contract tiff shows how the town of Dunkirk continues to take advantage of a struggling city. In a recent proposal for police coverage, the city sought $39,660 – for 12 hours a week of patrols in the town.

Town officials almost cried poverty.

For starters, the town pays 89 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. City taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

By the way, city taxpayers are dinged twice for police and emergency medical system coverage that it receives from its officers and Fire Department. They also are hit with rising taxes from Chautauqua County, which handles the Sheriff’s Department and fly-car emergency response system.

Town officials, who smugly believe they are doing great on their own — despite having to rely on mutual aid when there are emergencies — are griping about the current offer from the city. Instead, they want it at $28,490.

If this were a perfect world — and we’re led to believe it is in the town — then that would be acceptable. But city leaders really need to start wondering if this contract is in their benefit.

Police services already cost city taxpayers more than $4 million. Yet you have town leaders worried about $39,660?

One city officer, in total compensation, earns more than $115,000 annually. The town’s payment is a pittance.

By the way, let’s not forget the town is not as safe as it believes. There was a homicide at a town hotel in 2021. No one has yet to be charged.

So much for the consideration of a safer community.