Dunkirk's Mayor Pushes for Earlier Deadlines as City Starts Budget Process

The City of Dunkirk has begun the process of creating its budget for next year, and the Mayor wants to complete that process earlier than in years past. Kate Wdowiasz, who was a guest on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Thursday, says she is proposing a calendar that would move the budget deadlines outlined in the City Charter ahead by one month. Wdowiasz says the city has "consistently been critiqued" by the New York State Comptroller's Office over its current budget calendar...

Kate Wdowiasz: Comptroller's Office has to weigh in

The City Charter calls for a proposed budget to be presented by October 14th and a final budget to be adopted by December 15th. Wdowiasz says she has asked her finance team to come up with a draft that stays within the state's property tax cap...

Kate Wdowiasz: asked for draft to stay within tax cap

The Mayor says it'll be "very interesting" to see what the State Comptroller's Office recommends in terms of adjusting the property tax rate. Last year, it recommended a 6.8% hike in order for the city to fully fund its 2026 budget. However, the current year's budget increased taxes by 2%.

Click here to listen to the entire "Viewpoint" interview featuring Kate Wdowiasz.

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