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

A year ago, the City remained 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. However, next year 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 valued at $200,000, the property tax increase is $10 over 2024 figures. “It’s pretty minimal.” said Leone.

The preliminary budget for 2025 shows $429,928 in general spending, but it’s in special districts, such as water, sewer and fire districts, where an increase comes, especially with modernization underway water districts.

Pictured is City Council Member Jean Crane, who explains the reasoning for a tax increase in the 2025 preliminary budget.

“The city tax, which comes from the highway department and the general fund, is a great rate that we have. When we go to the special districts, that’s where the money comes in. said long-time city council member and city clerk Jean Crane. As was the case a year ago, Crane helped City Clerk Rebecca Yacklon prepare 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; Municipal Judge Christopher Penfold will receive a salary of $25,000; and the four city council members will receive a salary of $5,822.

Before presenting the budget, the City first held public hearings on the budgets of the Eastern and Western fire departments in order to approve fire protection contracts. Following these hearings, the City held public hearings on the preliminary 2025 budget and the local bill aimed at circumventing the tax cap.

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

After the four public hearings were completed, a special meeting began. The City then approved the preliminary 2025 budget, the local law to exceed the tax cap and the two fire protection contracts.

This year, the West Dunkirk Fire Department requested $80,800 for its fire protection costs for 2025, an increase that did not exceed the 2% cap. A year ago, the West 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 trucking and equipment costs; building maintenance receives $7,000; bathroom fixture updates receive $5,000; and utilities receive $5,600. A truck replacement fund receives $18,000 toward the purchase of a new truck in future years.

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

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

Damon said the East Dunkirk Fire Department has seen three key increases in its budget this year: mandatory OSHA medical exams, personal protective equipment costs and increased fuel costs .

Damon emphasized that the ministry is “happy” see its physical and equipment costs increase because the Ministry “There was an influx of people who wanted to join us. »

Damon also highlighted a one-time purchase in a previous budget that the City approved for an equipment extractor, which acts like a washing machine to extract particulates and carcinogens from firefighters’ equipment. Damon expressed his appreciation for the purchase and called it “a considerable help.”

Crane, an East Dunkirk resident, praised the East Dunkirk firefighters for their efforts.

“I am amazed at the number of calls you receive and the response time after the whistle” » said Grue. “On behalf of the City of Dunkirk and our community, we thank you for your dedication and service. You are doing a wonderful job.

With the installation of new fire hydrants throughout the city in recent years, the city’s fire protection capabilities are better than ever. As a result, homeowners are encouraged to contact their individual home insurance company to inquire about lower rates.

The next ordinary monthly meeting of the Dunkirk Municipal Council will take place on Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall and at the Dunkirk Court.