Dunkirk passes budget

DUNKIRK — The city’s 2017 budget passed Monday with changes that were made earlier this month.
Dunkirk City Council adopted the budget for next year, even after hearing a plea from Mayor Gene Ritter about adding money back in for an additional police officer.
It also chose an option for a change in health insurance and gave initial approval for a storage facility for Glass Days items.
Council members had originally planned to add two police officers in 2017, but learned that those additions and others put the city’s budget $90,726 over its projected revenue for the year. In response to that dilemma, council at its Oct. 10 meeting removed one of the additional officers from its plans. Making that move, while adding money for police overtime, saved about $18,000.
“I really think we need to discuss it again,” Ritter said. “I believe (police chief) Dane (Mumbower) is not in favor of not getting our extra officer.”
“I think it’s a very short-sighted decision to not go with our extra officer,” Ritter added.
Council members Jack Robbins, Tom Johnson and Bryan Jessup said they would not rescind their original votes while council member Lisa Street said she would be willing to revisit the issue.
“Sounds like it’s going to come out 3-2 no matter what,” council member Jesse Bivens said.
Robbins ultimately made a motion to adopt the budget with a general fund of $1,253,940, as had been settled on at the previous meeting, with Jessup and Johnson joining him in voting for its approval. That’s up by more than $32,000 over 2016.
Council also approved changes to health insurance for city employees presented by Barnum and Brown Insurance at the Oct. 10 meeting. Care must be coordinated through a primary doctor chosen by the employee, except for emergencies. Also, the co-pay for doctor visits will go up to $30 from the previous $5.
Even with those changes, the city still will see an increase in its cost to $12,702.04 per month from the previous $11,737.
Council also gave approval to Cindy Shepherd and the Glass Days committee to use a vacant lot at the corner of Indiana and North streets and to pursue a $2,400 loan to purchase an 18-foot by 20-foot storage building. Ritter said he will talk with the Dunkirk’s redevelopment committee about getting the loan approved.
In other business, council:
•Approved paying $9,950 to Humbard for two lateral lines for the Layne Addition sewer separation project. The project will then be complete and be approximately $30,000 under budget.
•Heard from civil engineer Ryan Lefeld of Choice One Engineering, Portland. Lefeld offered the firm’s services to the city.
•Tabled making a decision about adding street lights to Quincy Place until the next meeting. Robbins said six lights could be added at intersections at a cost of $3,000 each.
•Approved purchasing a battery for a firetruck for Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department from Shields Garage for $500, with the total not to exceed $800 after installation.
•Was reminded by Jessup that the fire department’s Haunted Woods continues from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at a cost of $7 or $6 with a canned food item.  
•Heard Ritter read a thank you note from Judy Davenport of Dunkirk Food Pantry for a recent donation.
•Heard Dunkirk Police Department handled 149 complaints and drove 3,845 miles during September.
•Approved claims totalling $124,290.34.