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The City of Mount Vernon has received national recognition after being selected as one of just three cities in the country to earn a Learning Laboratory award from the National League of Cities. Mayor Matt Starr and Human Resources Director Elizabeth Turner announced Tuesday that Mount Vernon was chosen alongside Seattle, Washington, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Turner said the city applied in early January and was selected through a nationwide process focused on strengthening HR practices and employee relations. The city completed its program orientation last week and has begun working with coaches from the American Institute of Research. The six‑month program will guide Mount Vernon through an action plan and provide extensive resources designed to help cities modernize and improve internal operations. Starr said the initiative will support the city “top to bottom” as it works to meet its mission of providing modern services.
City officials also confirmed that departments can begin moving into their new offices at 236 S. Main Street starting Friday. Mount Vernon is leasing the bottom two floors of the COTC building for the mayor’s office and several administrative departments. Construction is progressing, but Starr noted that council chambers will likely not be ready to host meetings until April.
In other updates, Water/Wastewater Department representative Josh Beltz reported that design work continues on the EPA‑mandated phosphorus reduction project at the wastewater treatment plant. Following a recent retirement, the department will soon offer a civil service test to fill a shift‑operator position. Beltz also said the January and early‑February cold snap caused several frozen or burst water and sewer lines. Crews have repaired multiple main leaks, and residents still experiencing low water pressure are encouraged to call 740‑393‑9504.
City Engineer Brian Ball said two major projects are currently out to bid, with openings scheduled for Feb. 26. The first involves rebuilding the brick streets on Hamtramck and Burgess between Main and Sandusky, including utilities, sidewalks, curbs, and brick replacement. The second project will construct new pickleball courts at Riverside Park. Ball added that the city recently held a pre‑construction meeting for the Knox Cattleman’s Company Dam and is finalizing design work for the softball fields at Memorial Park and the State Route 13/Sandusky Street improvement project. New building frames are also rising at the Liberty Crossing development after permits were approved for water and sewer lines.
Public Works administrative assistant Kristen Goldner reported that the streets department has finally returned to normal operations after the major snowstorm that hit Knox County several weeks ago. Crews are filling potholes as weather allows and inspecting stop signs throughout the city. Goldner also noted that the parks department is currently working on the pumphouse at the Hiawatha Water Park.
