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Mount Vernon City Council is considering several changes affecting city operations, public safety and transportation, including adding firefighters, restructuring how the city maintains its vehicle fleet and developing potential regulations for electric bicycles.
City Could Add Three Firefighters
Council discussed Ordinance 2026-29, which would increase staffing in the Mount Vernon Fire Department as the city prepares for the eventual opening of its East Side fire station, or Station Three.
Fire officials said the city had already budgeted and appropriated funds for the staffing increase, but waited to move forward while monitoring revenue.
The proposal would result in three additional full-time positions. Two would be additional firefighters, while a previously approved community risk assessment officer position would be separated from the department’s firefighter staffing numbers.
Officials said the goal is to have the additional personnel trained before Station Three opens, preventing a gap in coverage.
Council gave the ordinance a second reading during the meeting.
City Examines Leasing Part of Its Vehicle Fleet
Council also received a presentation from Enterprise Fleet Management about potentially changing how the city replaces and maintains some of its vehicles.
An analysis of the city’s fleet found approximately 87 vehicles, with an average age of about eight-and-a-half years and an average holding period of 12 years. About 36 percent of the fleet is more than 10 years old.
The proposal would establish a planned replacement cycle for 47 vehicles rather than replacing them only when they become too expensive or difficult to operate.
Enterprise estimated that selling aging vehicles included in the initial plan could generate about $293,000 in cash flow during the first year. The company also projected approximately $329,000 in savings over the 10-year analysis.
Council members questioned the numbers and specifically clarified that the money generated from selling existing vehicles represents cash flow from city assets, rather than savings by itself.
Police vehicles are not included in the initial 47-vehicle model because of their specialized equipment and different replacement needs.
The legislation received a first reading, with council planning additional discussion before taking further action.
E-Bike Rules Could Be Coming
Council also reviewed the results of a city survey seeking public input on electric bicycle regulations.
The survey received 430 responses, with residents generally supporting e-bike access on residential streets, downtown areas, city parks, shared-use paths and bike trails.
The biggest concern was sidewalk use. More than 60 percent of respondents opposed allowing e-bikes on neighborhood and downtown sidewalks.
The survey also found that 55 percent of respondents had experienced a safety concern involving an e-bike. Excessive speed, failure to yield and rider behavior were identified as some of the primary concerns.
At the same time, residents did not appear to favor an outright ban.
Eighty-two percent of respondents supported some form of regulation requiring e-bike riders to yield to pedestrians. Other commonly supported measures included speed regulations, age restrictions, helmet requirements and signage.
City officials said potential regulations could be tailored to different locations, with separate rules for streets, bike trails, shared-use paths and pedestrian-heavy areas.
Education and focused enforcement could also be part of the city’s approach.
The issue is also being watched at the state level. Mayor Matthew Starr told council that House Bill 948, sponsored by State Representatives Andrea White and Kevin Miller, is currently being considered by the Ohio Legislature. He said the city will continue monitoring the state legislation before determining what local action may be necessary.
For now, council has not adopted new e-bike regulations. Officials indicated the discussion will continue as the city considers how to balance e-bike transportation with pedestrian and roadway safety.
