County Meeting Wednesday to Address HEA 1001 Tax Changes Affecting Local Budgets
From the Dunkirk City Council meeting on August 24, 2026
City Attorney Wes urged Dunkirk council members and all municipal officials to attend a county-wide meeting on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:00 PM at the courthouse to discuss how HEA 1001 — a state law restructuring local income tax distribution — will affect local budgets.
HEA 1001 shifts control of local income tax allocation to the county council for most of the county, starting in the 2028–2029 timeframe. The meeting will bring together all municipalities in the county to discuss how public safety money and local income tax revenue will be redistributed.
A draft plan must be submitted to the state by approximately October 2026. The county council is described as still learning the new rules — "a whole new mammal," according to the city attorney.
The presiding officer stressed the stakes: "It's gonna affect your schools, your townships, your EMT, your police. It could be a big budget cut."
The clerk-treasurer confirmed she and the presiding officer have attended at least two prior meetings on the topic. The 2027 state legislative session will provide an opportunity to refine the law.
Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - August 24, 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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