Wdowiasz Proposes 11.3% Raise in City Property Taxes for 2027

Residents of the City of Dunkirk may see their property taxes climb by 11.27% in 2027. On Friday, Mayor Kate Wdowiasz released her tentative spending plan, which amounts to $22,813,913. The proposed tax levy is $11,095,609, which is up from the current year's levy of $9,969,326.07. In her budget message, Wdowiasz said she submitted the spending plan to the Common Council "with a fair amount of trepidation." She says her budget is one of "responsibility" that reflects the realities of today's economy while prioritizing the services residents depend on the most...

Kate Wdowiasz: everything has gone up

She says all vacant positions in the city's organizational chart will be fully funded, in accordance with the council's wishes...

Kate Wdowiasz: doing what the council and unions want

A significant driver of the tax hike comes from new collective bargaining agreements with the city's unions. Wdowiasz tells WDOE News that one contract ratified earlier this month accounts for a 4% pay increase next year, and there are others to come...

Kate Wdowiasz: firefighters will get paid more

The Common Council will now review the Mayor's proposed spending plan. A final budget must be adopted by December 15th.

Click here for Wdowiasz's complete budget proposal.

Click here for Wdowiasz's budget message for the Common Council.

File photo