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Mount Vernon City officials are moving forward with a proposed hybrid community development and public information officer position aimed at strengthening Mount Vernon’s economic development efforts and improving communication across departments. Council gave the legislation its second reading Monday. Safety‑Service Director Tanner Salyers said the role grew out of a year‑old conversation with Small Nation’s Jason Duff, who emphasized that communities the size of Mount Vernon need dedicated communication and economic development capacity. After reviewing existing partnerships with the Area Development Foundation, Experience Mount Vernon, and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, city leaders concluded that combining community development and public information duties into one position would fill remaining gaps.
The role is expected to manage grant activity, donor coordination, and large gifts while also handling press releases, social media, and emergency communication. The city plans to fund the position by reallocating money within the general fund, primarily from the 3600 miscellaneous account. Council members expressed mixed reactions. Some pointed to the increasing number of major donations and the need for coordinated management, while others raised concerns about long‑term costs and whether existing staff could absorb some responsibilities.
Council also advanced legislation listed in the city’s March 9 public notice, including an ordinance establishing compensation and employment terms for the new Executive Administrator for Public Utilities and Code Enforcement. Additional resolutions authorized the city to acquire equipment for the Public Works Department, dispose of unneeded vehicles, and make supplemental appropriations. Council also approved a resolution allowing the auditor to pay bills under the state’s Then and Now certification process.
Council waived the three‑reading rule to approve a request for $5 million in federal Community Project funding to support upgrades at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. According to Salyers, Mount Vernon had previously been in line for the funding before federal appropriations delays reshuffled the process. The city is resubmitting at the urging of U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson and Sen. Bernie Moreno, with deadlines approaching this month. The legislation aligns with Resolution 2026‑26, which formally requests the $5 million in FY27 federal appropriations to support regional infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Council amended and advanced a resolution authorizing the sale of up to $29 million in bonds for the new police station on Sychar Road. Pizzutti Solutions, serving as the city’s representative, reported that construction documents are roughly 75 percent complete. Once finalized, Corna Kokosing will bid out project components, establishing a guaranteed maximum price. The current design totals 36,858 square feet and includes all required operational features for opening day. If bids exceed estimates, the project team may consider deferring certain elements, adjusting materials, or shelling out spaces for later completion. Updated cost projections place the project just over $26 million.
Council appropriated $3,345,648 for the State Route 13 realignment project, which will be reimbursed through several approved ODOT grants. Members also authorized bidding and contracting for design services related to Phase 1 of the South End Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project, consistent with Resolution 2026‑17. Legislation passed as an emergency measure approved the purchase of a Bobcat track loader, with the cost split between the streets and stormwater departments. Council also authorized the disposal of two lawn mowers in the Public Works Department and approved payment of Then and Now bills.
Council gave first readings to ordinances amending curbside recycling regulations and updating the Civil Service Commission chapter of the city code. The meeting also included acknowledgment of several resolutions passed March 9, including measures allowing the Safety‑Service Director to advertise for bids, acquire equipment, and dispose of unneeded vehicles, as well as a resolution directing the auditor to make supplemental appropriations.