It is apples and oranges when comparing the budgets of the town of Dunkirk and the city of Dunkirk — but both are looking to increase tax rates. While the larger municipality is facing fiscal difficulties, there are some realities the town is beginning to see.

Overall, the budget for the town is $430,000 in 2025 for about 1,240 residents. That’s a drop in the bucket when compared to the city’s $28 million plan for 12,000 residents that will likely include a hefty tax rate that may double.

Town residents will see an increase, but nothing out of the ordinary. For instance, the town rate will be 89 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. It’s increasing 5 cents.

“For a lot of years, we’ve had no increase or we’ve had a penny increase, and it’s just not reasonable to go on doing that in the current climate,” said Town of Dunkirk Supervisor Priscilla Penfold.

Town Board members are very aware of the chaos that surrounds them with both the village of Fredonia and city of Dunkirk. Its retail sector — and waterfront properties — have helped keep the tax rate low. It also helps that it has volunteers for its fire departments. City property owners have to compensate for paid fire and police departments.

That’s a large chunk of the bill — and increase.