Abigail Yerico

Dunkirk Councilwoman Abigail Yerico demanded accountability for the city’s financial problems during Tuesday’s Common Council meeting.

Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak later released a statement on Dunkirk’s fiscal woes that supported the administration of Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, a fellow Democrat.

“What is our plan for holding people accountable for things that have happened that have gotten us into this financial crisis?” asked Yerico, a Republican, at the council meeting. “People want to know, what are we doing to hold people accountable to ensure these things don’t happen going forward?”

Five seconds of silence followed before Wdowiasz spoke. “I don’t know who you’re directing that question to,” she said. “I mean, when everything is done – we don’t have any audits done – so when everything is done and out together, we will have answers. Until then, it’s just speculation on everything that happened.”

An audit of 2022 finances should be ready in July, she said. Auditing of the city’s 2023 finances will begin immediately after the 2022 audit is complete, the mayor added.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Luczkowiak emailed a statement on city financial affairs to the OBSERVER.

“Please know that (Wdowiasz), Council, and (City Hall) staff are conducting a thorough financial assessment in order to identify areas of inefficiency, waste, and unnecessary expenses. This is being done in collaboration with state agencies. They are offering, and we are accepting, assistance, guidance, and, of course, monetary relief.”