Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson noted some bleak figures during Friday’s special meeting to discuss the cash crunch the village is facing.

During an open discussion that touched on consolidation of services, employee contracts, possible early retirement incentives, short-term borrowing and a lack of cash, Feguson bluntly noted the obvious. “This community has lost over 2,000 people in the last six years and yet the expenses have increased in some places 15% to 32%,” he said. “Some places (are) 40% within our government. You cannot expect brand new and shiny when you’ve lost over 2,000 of your constituents.”

Though the mayor expressed optimism about nine businesses opening and the new Brooks-TLC Hospital that is coming within the next three years, the weight of running a village government with shrinking revenues is taking a toll. Earlier this week, Ferguson revealed the village would not have enough funds to get through the fiscal year, which ends in June.

One option eyed at the beginning of the meeting was spurred on by New York state. It involves the merger of the city of Dunkirk and village of Fredonia fire and police departments.

Village officials agreed to further discuss the issue during its workshop Wednesday. If approved, New York state would fund the study to explore benefits and cost savings.

Fredonia’s 2024-25 budget is $11.6 million.