Public Works & Library Council Committee Meeting | August 12, 2026

The City of Mount Vernon Public Works & Library Council Committee held a meeting on August 12, 2026, focusing primarily on a wastewater rate study presentation and updates on various public works projects. The wastewater rate study discussed the need to adjust rates due to rising costs, declining fund balances, and upcoming capital improvement projects, including sewer lining and combined sewer overflow (CSO) mitigation. Several rate increase scenarios were presented, with a recommended 12% immediate rate increase and a potential doubling of the system development charge (connection fee) from $9,000 to $16,000, which sparked some council concern. The study also highlighted the importance of restoring a $1 million annual transfer to the capital fund, which had been reduced due to funding shortfalls. Additionally, the committee received updates on transportation infrastructure projects, including road widening, sidewalk construction, and bridge feasibility studies, with some projects nearing completion and others in design or planning phases. The committee agreed to continue discussions on the wastewater rate study and connection fees at a future meeting due to time constraints.