Dunkirk approves higher firewall costs tied to utility cyber concerns

From the City Council meeting on September 14, 2026

Dunkirk approved higher monthly IT costs Monday after officials said cyberattack concerns affecting water and sewage systems require stronger firewall protection.

Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Early told council the city uses Jacks for IT service and that the revised arrangement adds $50 per month. Under the new setup, her office will be billed $150 per month and the water department $200 per month.

The discussion framed the change as a security measure, not an optional upgrade. One council member said a small town may be more vulnerable, and the transcript makes clear the concern was tied to protecting utility-related systems.

Council approved the added cost without extended debate. The meeting did not spell out the city's prior monthly firewall expense or give a technical breakdown of which systems will be separated under the new setup.

Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.