Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak speaks against the county’s resolution to involve the state Attorney General’s office in Dunkirk’s fiscal probe.
Meeting for the first time in a month, the Dunkirk Common Council had plenty to say about the city’s financial situation Monday.
Dunkirk has to work with the state Comptroller’s Office on its finances after the state passed a Fiscal Recovery Act to put millions into the city’s coffers. Most of the Chautauqua County Legislature wants more from the state, voting to call for an investigation into Dunkirk’s finances by the Attorney General’s office.
Three legislators from Dunkirk came out against the legislature’s move, and sent a letter to the city explaining their stance. Councilperson Natalie Luczkowiak read the letter in full during her report time Monday.
“I just wanted everyone to know there will be special meetings of council before the budget process,” Luczkowiak said, while noting that state law requires formal public notification if three or more councilors are meeting. “We will be convening about new changes and solutions and will be ready to meet with Mayor Kate (Wdowiasz) and her administration this fall.”
Councilor Abigail Yerico asked again about audits of the city’s 2022 and 2023 finances, which have been in the works for a couple months now. Wdowiasz and City Attorney Elliot Raimondo responded that the 2022 audit should be ready within a week or two. That’s essentially the same response they have given Yerico all along.
Councilor James Stoyle offered support for the county legislature’s call for an investigation. He said, “I wanna thank the mayor and especially Elliot for attending the County Legislature meeting and supporting the investigation, hats off… If there was nothing wrong, don’t sweat it, but let’s get through with it.”
Luczkowiak tried to comment on the legislature’s vote but Stoyle snapped, “You’re done talking, this is my turn.”
Councilor Nancy Nichols thanked County Executive PJ Wendel for pursuing an investigation with the Attorney General’s Office. Nichols said, “We need any additional help pinpointing these problems, and if there’s no problems, wonderful for us. We’re not trying to cover up anything. We want to move forward on the straight and narrow and see where we’re going from here.”
Councilperson-at-large Nick Weiser backed the legislators who criticized the county”s call for an investigation. He said those legislators recognized the city’s work with the state Comptroller’s Office.
“While there has been public criticism regarding our financial management, I assure you we are working diligently to rectify the city’s financial issues,” Weiser said. “The city is undergoing a thorough review of its finances, line by line, to ensure that every dollar is accounted for and used effectively. We’re also exploring various paths forward, engaging with experts and planning strategically to ensure a sustainable future.”
He continued, “Adding another layer of investigation could divert our focus and resources from the essential work at hand, which is preparing our upcoming budget.”
Wdowiasz did not comment at all about the city’s finances during Monday’s meeting. She used her report time on upbeat news — grant awards, Wells’ recent groundbreaking for its expansion, softball tourneys that went well, and Tuesday’s National Night Out.
The council eventually approved a lengthy list of budget modifications, which Nichols asked Treasurer Mark Woods about. Woods spoke of “standard accounting practices.” Nichols said Woods had not really answered her question.