Dunkirk Prepares 2027 Budget: 3% Raises, Fund Adjustments, and Pool Revenue Restructuring

From the Dunkirk City Council meeting on August 24, 2026

The Dunkirk City Council took several budget-related actions at its August 24 meeting, setting the stage for the 2027 fiscal year.

Budget advertisement authorized: All department heads have submitted their 2027 budgets, which include 3% salary raises across the board. The council authorized the clerk-treasurer to advertise the budget. Budget hearings are set for September 14 (first reading) and September 28 (second reading).

Community Crossings fund reduced (Resolution 2026-4): The council approved a $50,000 reduction in the non-reverting Motor Vehicle Highway fund used for Community Crossings matching grants. The city had budgeted $80,000 for two Community Crossings projects but completed only one. The fund currently holds approximately $28,000. For 2027, the city will budget $40,000 — enough for one project match — instead of $80,000.

Park fund transfer (Resolution 2026-5): The council approved transferring $12,443.15 between park non-reverting funds. Sponsorships and donations are being moved to the capital fund where they were originally intended, while swimming pool user fees are being moved to the operating fund.

Pool revenue restructured (Ordinance 2026-10): Pool admission and user fees will now go into the park's non-reverting operating fund rather than the capital projects fund. City Attorney Wes explained this ensures startup money is available each spring for pool operations — hiring workers, buying concessions — resolving a longstanding tension between capital needs and day-to-day costs.

Source: Meeting transcript — City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - August 24, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.