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Dunkirk city assessor urges mayor’s resignation, cites alleged toxic workplace and unpaid overtime settlement
Summary
City Assessor Erica Munson publicly criticized the mayor’s leadership and called for resignation or a no-confidence vote, citing a Department of Labor settlement and a toxic workplace; council moved to an executive session on personnel immediately afterward.
Erica Munson, the City of Dunkirk’s elected assessor, used public comment time to call on the mayor to resign or face a vote of no confidence, alleging a “toxic work environment,” retaliation and leadership failures under the current administration.
Munson said city employees had reported “discontent and disillusionment” and described a workplace culture that she characterized as unprofessional. She cited a recent settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor “in excess of a $100,000” tied to unpaid overtime as a concrete example and said the pattern of decision-making had undermined staff trust. “It is imperative that we prioritize a culture of accountability and transparency to restore faith in city leadership,” Munson said.
The remarks came during the public-comment period and were not part of a formal council action. Shortly after public comment, the council voted to enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters. The motion to enter executive session was moved by Council member Nichols and seconded by Council member Laskowiak; the council voted by roll call with all present members recorded as voting aye.
Mayor Dobias addressed the meeting earlier about other topics but did not offer a direct response to Munson’s request for resignation during the public-comment portion. The council did not announce any personnel decisions in open session before the meeting adjourned.
— Ending: The council moved into and later returned from executive session for personnel discussion; no public personnel action was announced in the regular session.
