DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Dunkirk residents on Wednesday spoke up about their concerns for the future of the city’s finances, as well as an 84% property tax increase.

“This is a community of hardworking, middle-income people and seniors, mostly living on fixed income,” said Rosalee Owen. “We cannot afford tax increases of this magnitude due to the ineptness of those we elected.”

Voters will have the opportunity to abolish the elected city treasurer’s office in November and restructure how the city’s finances are overseen.

“Tonight's local law would add a referendum to this November's ballot, giving the public a chance to vote on whether or not to abolish the treasurer's position,” said Nick Weiser, councilman-at-large. “The City of Dunkirk is among fewer than 1% of municipalities in the state that still has an elected treasurer position.

“We could potentially have a comptroller in the city of Dunkirk, we could also fold those duties into the fiscal affairs office and number of different structures. And obviously we'll be exploring some of the different options that are available to us as we move toward a vote on this November.”

Some have proposed utilizing a state control board, while others proposed creating a city manager position.