Tax Hike Sparks Outrage: Town Faces Backlash from Residents!
Photo provided by Braden Carmen
When it comes to taxes, confusion can lead to chaos, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Dunkirk. While the town and city share a name, their financial fates couldn’t be more different.
Recently, Town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold has been inundated with calls from residents who mistakenly believe their property taxes are skyrocketing by a staggering 84%. This misunderstanding comes on the heels of the City of Dunkirk’s budget crisis, leaving many town residents in a tizzy. It’s clear that the distinction between the Town of Dunkirk and the City of Dunkirk is getting lost in the shuffle, and the Town is eager to clarify its stance.
“We’re not the City,” Penfold insists, noting the importance of making this distinction crystal clear to the public. Every time there’s a weather-related closure, Penfold makes it a point to remind local media to specify when they report news about the Town versus the City. Unfortunately, it seems that several residents still haven’t caught on.
“They’d be pretty upset if I shut down the city,” Penfold quipped, highlighting the absurdity of the situation while also expressing her commitment to the town’s independence.
Town Board member Phil Leone echoed her sentiments, saying, “People often don’t realize there’s a Town of Dunkirk and a City of Dunkirk. In Erie County, some think Dunkirk-Fredonia is all one place. They don’t grasp that there’s a clear separation between the two.” This confusion is leading many residents to panic over tax increases that simply do not apply to them.
In the midst of this turmoil, resident Jay Warren urged for collaboration between the town and city municipalities, referencing recent discussions about merging services between fire and police departments. The Town of Dunkirk proudly operates two fire departments and collaborates with the City for police protection, bringing services directly to its residents.
In other news, the Town Board has officially approved the Fire Protection Contracts for East and West Dunkirk for the year 2025, with preliminary budget figures already in play. Fire and safety are top priorities, and Supervisor Penfold was also given the green light to adjust the budget to meet state audit requirements.
November was a busy month for the Town of Dunkirk Justice Court, which handled 200 cases and generated over $17,730 in revenue. The Town Clerk’s office brought in an additional $2,413 in fees, showcasing the active management of local governance.
In an effort to streamline operations, the Town has also appointed Rebecca Yacklon as the Tax Collector and keeper of Vital Statistics, with Emma Newton stepping in as the Deputy Tax Collector. The Board has finalized the 2025 holiday schedule and the list of Town officials.
Furthermore, Town Board members Jean Crane and Bob Price took to the streets, going door-to-door in the Shorewood Water District to gather easements necessary for an upcoming water line replacement project. Their grassroots efforts have been fruitful, but there’s still work to be done.
Mark your calendars! The Town Board’s annual organizational meeting is set for Tuesday, January 7th, at 4 PM at Town Hall. Two weeks later, on January 21st, there will be a public hearing regarding the proposed Solar Liberty solar project on Williams Street. This is an opportunity for residents to be part of the conversation about the future of their community.
