Dunkirk’s spending problems will not go away, no matter how many fees are increased. This week, during a council meeting, members approved rate hikes associated with parks and services.

Those who are city taxpayers will still be hit with the rising costs while non-residents will be paying additionally. Some examples, as noted in the OBSERVER article Thursday included:

— Pavilion rentals at Point Gratiot are going up by $25 for city residents and $50 for non-residents. Picnic table rental fees are going from $2.50 to $5 per day, and bandstand rentals are up to $10 per 8-by-8 section from the previous $5.

— Alcohol permit fees for groups are quadrupling. The current fee of $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents is going up to $20 for Dunkirkians and $40 for those who live outside city limits.

— The plumber license fees are increasing to $150, from $100. The dog licenses are up to $25 for animals that are not “fixed” and $15 for those there are, from $20.50 and $12.50, respectively.

— There are also increases in electrical license fees, and a new electrical inspection fee is added. The inspection fee is $100, with $50 charged for re-inspections. Master electrician licenses are now $250 each with a $150 renewal fee; it used to be $150 per license at a $75 renewal rate.

Again we note that none of these punitive actions will make a dent in the $29.5 million spending plan slated for 2026. Expenses, not revenues, are the real issue in Dunkirk and other struggling municipalities.