Dunkirk Park Board Defers Staff Pay Restructuring to 2028 Budget

From the Dunkirk Park Board meeting on August 26, 2026

The Dunkirk Park Board has deferred a proposed pay restructuring for pool and park staff to the 2028 budget cycle after determining the 2027 budget has already been advertised at a 3% across-the-board increase.

The board chair presented a tiered pay structure that would have set full-time park employees and the pool manager at $16.26 per hour, assistant managers and lifeguards at $14.40 per hour, full staff at $12.19 per hour, and part-time park workers at $12.55 per hour. A board member noted that lifeguards currently earn approximately $18 per hour, calling it "really great for our area."

Because the 2027 budget has already been advertised at 3%, the board cannot make changes beyond that threshold. The chair will keep the restructuring proposal in the notes for the 2028 budget cycle, with plans to submit it to the city council before August 2027.

Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - Park Board Meeting - August 26, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.