As a city resident, I personally bear the brunt of rising taxes, proposed hikes in water rates, and decreasing services. These challenges are not just mine, but shared by my fellow citizens. The city is currently wallowing in a  18 million dollar deficit roughly. Despite this, our taxes have experienced an inordinate hike of 84.4 percent. Even essential services such as branch dumping at Lucas Ave site haven't been spared from the cutbacks. In the midst of all these, the city officials are considering a further raise in water rates by one dollar per 1000 gallons.

The lack of transparency in this city's financial dealings has been highlighted numerous times. The common council's lack of responsiveness to the concerns raised by citizens is also troubling, as is the State-ordered temporary shutdown of the Treasury office. We demand answers. We want to understand the reasons and justification behind the deficit and high taxation rates. We also expect to be informed on where and how the money is being spent. We want a public hearing going over and explaining the last perceived budget as to where many expenses were listed and what they went to and how they were spent including payroll details. We believe  the one million given to the fire department and one million to police department was mismanaged and listed as payroll. Did every member receive bonuses? Were these claimed on taxes?

Foil requests have not been responded to and the City of Dunkirk is acting outside the scope of law on responses to the public .https://opengovernment.ny.gov/explanation-time-limits-response

It is crucial that we bring about a change. We require full accountability from our local government. We are in the midst of an economic downturn and cost of living should not be made more challenging with a water rate increase. The common council needs to act more responsively to the matters brought up by its citizens, particularly in these challenging times.

We are calling on all residents to join in demanding transparency and responsible fiscal management. Your voice matters, sign this petition and support bringing about a change to our city. Please sign and share to gain traction and help promote change.