“For many years we’ve had no growth or we’ve had penny growth and it’s just not reasonable to do that in the current climate,” said Dunkirk Town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold.

A year ago, the city stayed under the tax cap with a total budget of $1,223,929, including special districts, and a tax rate of 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. Next year, however, the tax rate will increase by five cents in 2025 to 89 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

City Council member Phil Leone pointed out that for a home assessed at $200,000, the property tax increase amounts to $10 over the 2024 numbers. “It’s pretty minimal,” Leone said.

The preliminary 2025 budget shows $429,928 in general expenses, but it’s in special districts like the water, sewer and fire districts where growth is coming, especially with ongoing water district upgrades.

Pictured is City Councilwoman Jean Crane explaining the rationale for a tax increase in the 2025 preliminary budget.

“The city tax, which is the Department of Highways and the General Fund, is a great share that we have. When we go into the special neighborhoods, that’s where the money comes from,” said City Council member Jean Crane, a longtime clerk. As was the case a year ago, Crane assisted City Clerk Rebecca Yacklon in preparing the 2025 budget.

For fiscal year 2025, Yacklon will receive a salary of $62,400 as city clerk; Dunkirk Town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold will receive a salary of $13,245; Judge Christopher Penfold will receive a salary of $25,000; and the four City Council members will receive salaries of $5,822.

Prior to the budget presentation, City Hall held public hearings for the first time on the East Town and West Town Fire Department budgets for the purpose of approving fire protection contracts. Following these hearings, the city held public hearings on the preliminary 2025 budget and proposed local law to overcome the tax cap.

Former Town Supervisor Juan Pagan, a life member of the East Dunkirk Fire Department, was among the members present at the public hearings on fire protection contracts. Pagan left most of the talking to East Town Fire Chief Kyle Damon; Brian Purol, East Town Assistant Fire Chief; and West Town Fire Chief James Odien.

Once all four public hearings were over, a special session began. The city then proceeded to approve the 2025 preliminary budget, the local tax cap override law and both fire protection contracts.

This year, the West Town of Dunkirk Fire Department requested $80,800 for its 2025 fire protection costs, an increase that did not exceed the 2 percent cap. A year ago, the West Town of Dunkirk Fire Department received $79,200, and the year before that; West Town received $78,540.

Of the total budget of $80,800, $24,200 is allocated to transportation and equipment costs; $7,000 is allocated for building maintenance; bathroom facility upgrades are allocated $5,000; and utilities are allocated $5,600. A truck replacement fund is allocated $18,000 to purchase a new truck in future years.

“I consider myself very fortunate to live in the city of Dunkirk for fire protection and other reasons.” Supervisor Priscilla Penfold said. “… We appreciate you beyond what you probably realize.”

The East Town of Dunkirk Fire Department is set to receive $158,960 for fiscal year 2025. That figure is up slightly from the 2024 figure of $155,844 and the 2023 figure of $152,789.

Damon said the East Town of Dunkirk Fire Department saw three key increases in its budget this year: OSHA-mandated physical costs, personal protective equipment costs and rising fuel costs.

Damon noted that the Department is “lucky” to have increases in its physical costs and equipment because the Department “There was an influx of people wanting to join.”

Damon also mentioned a one-time purchase in a previous budget the city approved for a tool extractor, which acts similar to a washing machine to extract particulates and carcinogens from firefighter gear. Damon expressed his appreciation for the purchase and called her “a great help.”

Crane, a Dunkirk East Township resident, commended the Dunkirk East Township Fire Department for its efforts.

“I’m amazed at the calls you get and the response time after that whistle.” Crane said. “On behalf of the City of Dunkirk and our community, thank you for your dedication and service. You are doing a wonderful job.”

With new hydrants installed in the city in recent years, fire protection capabilities in the city are better than ever. As a result, homeowners are encouraged to contact their individual homeowners insurance companies to inquire about lower rates.

The next regular monthly meeting of Dunkirk City Council is Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Dunkirk Town Hall and Court.