Public Works & Library Committee Meeting November 12, 2026

The City of Mount Vernon Public Works & Library Committee met November 12, 2026, to discuss the 2027 budget and public works. Staff reported a projected December 2027 governmental operating fund balance of about $10.04 million, including $9.1 million in the general fund. The property-tax levy request increased by $2,384 following updated assessment information; the committee was advised that the levy ordinance needed council action that evening to meet the county deadline, while adoption of the budget could occur later. Members questioned a 48% ($1.078 million) increase in the IT budget, with staff citing equipment replacement and software-license renewals. The committee also discussed language-access services: estimates included $3,600 for equipment and annual costs of $15,000 for Spanish interpretation at council meetings or $30,000 for council and committee meetings. No decision to purchase equipment or fund ongoing interpretation was recorded; the chair agreed to add the subject to a future agenda.

Public Works reported that the 2025 overlay construction was complete, with final contract administration and a recommendation to accept work expected in November or December. Design work continues on Riverside Drive improvements and the 30th Street project, and the city was negotiating with a consultant on the 2026–27 overlay and ADA improvements project for Urban Avenue, with advertising anticipated soon. Staff described the planned ADA transition plan and noted that curb-ramp replacements can cost about $6,000–$12,000 each, with an approximate citywide estimate of $44 million at an assumed $10,000 per ramp. Time-extension-only contract supplements were expected on a future consent agenda. A proposed utility-rate ordinance would set increases of 7% in 2027 and 6.5% in 2028 and provide for a future rate study; the transcript does not record a committee vote or approval of these items.