Mount Vernon City Council Meeting - November 12, 2026

The Mount Vernon City Council’s November 12, 2026 meeting included public hearings and discussion of the 2027 budget, property-tax levy, and six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The city presented a proposed total budget of $108.56 million, including $55.77 million for governmental operating funds, balanced without using reserves. The budget includes about $1.9 million for vehicles and equipment, three additional police officer positions supported primarily by a state grant of approximately $1.19 million, and a proposed city contribution of $120,000 for those positions. Public comments addressed police funding, accessibility, and the planned 2027 closure of the Senior Center; speakers requested funding for a transition or replacement facility. The consent agenda, which included payroll claims, a routine agreement, meeting minutes, and a street-closure request, passed, though no contract details were provided.

The CIP presentation covered facility, public-safety, technology, parks, and infrastructure projects. The city reported receiving a $2.3 million Federal Railroad Administration grant for a study of safety improvements at eight rail crossings. It also received an award of $7.5 million in low-interest Public Works Board financing (1.85%) for a stormwater pump-station project. Other proposals included $100,000 for planning and bid specifications for the Baker View skate park, replacement of fire-department equipment and station lighting estimated at just over $10,000, technology and camera upgrades, and a solid-waste truck bay. Council passed an ordinance after the CIP presentations, although the transcript does not clearly establish the ordinance’s subject. Separately, an ordinance was presented to set wastewater rate increases of 7% in each of 2027 and 2028 and require a new rate study; a motion to approve was made, but the transcript ends before a vote is recorded.