Dunkirk’s fiscal troubles are, as we expected, trickling to other entities and residents. Most recently, the city announced water rates will be going up.

This will be impacting those who get their supply from the North County Water District. During this month’s meeting, Dunkirk’s water system chief Randy Woodbury noted the hike will be “because of rising costs over three years but (the size of the hike) will be held down by economy of scale as use is growing.” He was conveying information from SUNY Fredonia professor Peter Reinelt, who is calculating the rate with his formula.

In the meantime, North County Water District customers will be seeing some sort of increase. That amount could come as soon as next month.

Besides Dunkirk’s struggling finances, Woodbury is correct. There are inflationary costs that are impacting expenses for the production of city water.

But with all the lack of attention to funds, it’s still a bitter pill for those who rely on the district. It also, unfortunately, fuels the beliefs of residents who think small entities can handle major projects more efficiently than doing partnerships that the district represents.