It usually takes a crisis before a community starts to care. The city of Dunkirk’s chaos has been long overdue.

A municipality with a population of 12,400 residents needs a budget of $30 million to operate. With a shrinking tax base — and high poverty rate — it is a recipe for disaster.

Last week, union workers and leaders from across the region voiced their displeasure with contract talks during a council meeting. They even included a “no confidence” vote against Mayor Kate Wdowiasz.

“This action follows a long and troubling pattern of leadership failures that have undermined public safety, increased financial risk to taxpayers, and diminished confidence in the administration of the city of Dunkirk,” said Jake Stern, representing Local 616 and its 24 uniformed firefighters. “These actions undermine fair labor practices, harm employee relations and expose the city to unnecessary legal and operational risks. These actions have also led to challenges with recruitment, retention and resignation among our membership.”

Speakers all made valid points. What was missing, however, from all the blame being pointed out were any potential solutions.

How does the financially inept city move forward? Are remaining residents asked to pay more in taxes to keep the government at its current levels?

What is the Common Council doing to fix the problems? While workers attacked the mayor and city attorney, council has an ultimate say on what happens.

Dunkirk’s situation is unfortunate and disappointing. But it is not unexpected.

Millions of dollars were recklessly spent over the years — with little oversight from administrations and the council. They, instead, let the treasurer who may be a thief handle the purse strings.

Ironically, two council members who gave themselves and staff members frivolous bonus money five years ago from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds were in the crowd criticizing current city leaders for the mess. How convenient.

Dunkirk’s day of reckoning has arrived. The municipality is teetering on bankruptcy.

Who has an answer for that?