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Over the last two weeks, there has been plenty of banter regarding the city of Dunkirk budget proposal -- both on social media and during the most recent Common Council session. Overall, the plan calls for a 11% tax increase with spending totaling more than $32.2 million.
Is that fair or responsible? That's not the question that needs to be asked.
For taxpayers, especially those who have complained about the burden and the hardship of living in Dunkirk, the most important issue is this: how do we stop the pain?
The answer: You cannot.
Dunkirk, like many other municipalities in New York state, is a sinking ship tied to unrealistic worker contracts that just can no longer be supported. Making matters worse is the electorate is receiving absolutely no support from the courts with judges who earn around $130,000 or more annually. When the city attempts to make cuts to reduce expenses, senseless rulings from the bench favoring non-essential staff and benefits put those costs right back into the city and on taxpayer backs.
Do residents believe the mayor and Common Council members want to pass on higher costs? They truly do not, but have no choice.
It is why we have clamored for a control board. There is absolutely no possible solution to stem the rising costs for a declining city that is just about insolvent.
As we will find out as the budget process plays out, council has no power to fix this budget or what ails a once proud city. Refusing an alternative in the control board, however, has continued this punishing path.