Over the last two years, the city of Dunkirk has seen some of the largest tax increases in the region. Following the financial crisis of 2024, rates skyrocketed 84% in 2025. This year, another minimal hike was passed on to residents.

Despite these higher costs, some services to city residents have been eliminated. Last month, a discussion was held on the closure of the Lucas Avenue brush drop-off site.

“I know there’s negativity on that from certain people. But we should at least try” to find a brush drop-off option for Dunkirk residents, said Natalie Luczkowiak, councilwoman for the Second Ward.

Talk then turned to potential regional solutions, but did not go any further.

How in the world can a municipality with a $30 million budget not have something like this? It is simple.

Government no longer operates to serve its constituents. It now primarily exists to serve those connected to the operation.

Council meetings in recent months have brought petty bickering over policies and funds — even though everybody seems to know there is no money.

If Dunkirk’s council is so confident that it does not need a control board to set the city on a proper path, then what are their solutions? What are they doing to ensure a viable city for the future?

Cutting services makes sense when expenses are going down. In the city’s case, however, residents are now paying more for less.