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Dunkirk resident Linda Wierzba makes a lot of sense. Last week during the public hearing on the $32.2 million city budget -- that includes a hefty tax increase -- she made the obvious points.
“In my household, if I went and just kept spending, spending, spending and not having the money to pay my bills, what would happen? My house would go into foreclosure, they’d repossess my vehicles. I just don't understand the mentality of this city.”
She's exactly right. But government never worries about rising costs because they know the taxpayer will ultimately pick up the pieces.
It first happened in 2025, when the tax increase was 84%. This year's budget, which was underfunded in terms of revenues, was wrongly approved by the previous council.
That's why it's absolutely puzzling to see former council member Nancy Nichols criticizing any spending plan. Nichols was there and thoroughly shocked when the bottom fell out in 2024. She's the last one who can be counted on for financial advice for the struggling city.
Council heard from city residents. Is it now ready to take a step toward cutting costs?