[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6288096,"mediaKeyId","2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7","parentId",2544748,"title","Votes at a glance: Mount Vernon council actions and outcomes","audioSeconds",189,"startMs",5248000,"endMs",5437000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7&start=5248&end=5437","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7/thumbnail_5248000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6288096/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Mount-Vernon-council-actions-and-outcomes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288096-23bfe61336e094f16a3f876e6be52a94/orig.mp4?Expires=1775881632&Signature=XwvhZv5ddZq5wbUpxEuuVL2TRXM0QqMbRcqIRg3vKQinw5QpyJFgglZ3dm8-4bXTNyKYsC~izHxxoOH3V8f8R~rSO7NJrkycxZEO5tJNkqKd-5eeICg47cb1UT4fxuZb8uaqH3o1BoBkWX81MlIqYrK~IfUjCKJMeonA~uF1m1E87EKLMI5MHb5HrQeF8PnXnuROo7qso-1ZfHX1n-xPzp-YLa6NhZwDcjE859K7MnSUJtjSE-v7IsDGOVhwhZPLoXA7ZaWVpl9uevmdO1hUSOWxDdzzWNK8mqKma3sKO~yLlB0aKcwwBM56AmBWM9DZ6YMzuPVh1vw1NSML5YNO1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Mount Vernon OH","date","2025-03-11T19:59:56.473Z","article","The following is a concise list of formal legislative actions taken at the March council meeting and their outcomes.

Adopted

- Resolution 2025‑33: Supplemental appropriation to accept training reimbursement from the state fire marshal ($2,351). Adopted (roll‑call recorded in meeting). (Mover: Missus Seibold)

- Resolution 2025‑35: Nonbinding resolution supporting renewal of State Issue 2 (State Capital Improvement Program). Adopted (roll call; recorded as approved). (Mover: Mister Severance)

- Resolution 2025‑36: Then‑and‑now certifications and pay bills authorization related to prior Otis Elevator invoices (city authorization under R.C. 5705.41(d)). Adopted. (Mover: Missus Seibold)

- Resolution 2025‑37: Authorize disposal of police vehicles not needed for public use (surplus and impound vehicles). Adopted. (Mover: Missus Seibold)

- Ordinance 2025‑06 (amended): Amend supervisory/professional pay grades (Fire Marshal bumped from grade 7 to 8; first deputy auditor removed). Adopted as amended. (Mover: Missus Woods)

- Ordinance 2025‑08: Amend parks and recreation code provisions related to recreation board and parks and playgrounds; adopted. (Mover: Mister Miller)

Taken for first reading / procedural

- Resolution 2025‑32: Adjust appropriations for fiscal year 2025 — taken for first reading; staff requested final action before county deadline at month end.

- Resolution 2025‑34: Contract authorization (Grama Matter Systems LLC) for laboratory information/data collection systems in water and wastewater plants — given first reading; council scheduled a committee meeting for additional review.

Failed

- Resolution 2025‑20: Grant easement to Knox County Memorial Building to place a sign in the tree lawn. Failed on council floor (recorded as failed 4–2). The failure means the county must site any sign entirely on memorial property if it proceeds.

Notes on votes and tallies: The meeting recorded roll‑call confirmations for adopted measures; several votes were unanimous among present members. One member (Miss Keener) was noted absent for parts of the session. Where the transcript recorded a vote tally (for the Memorial Building easement), the motion failed; other adopted items were recorded as passed and the council clerk recorded minutes accordingly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - City of Mount Vernon, Ohio - March 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal votes and final outcomes taken at the Mount Vernon council meeting, including adopted appropriations, supplemental appropriations and ordinances and a failed easement resolution.","taxTitle","Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio","taxId",71655,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288102,"Finance committee walks council through $2 million appropriations adjustment and city cash position",26,2413000,2439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7&start=2413&end=2439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7/thumbnail_2413000.jpg","/articles/6288102/Ohio/Finance-committee-walks-council-through-2-million-appropriations-adjustment-and-city-cash-position","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288102-d1239922f1d101f9675ac1d76e2d2332/orig.mp4?Expires=1775881632&Signature=C7HCc6wUXhBLPEd9poL1bP-aYcWV5aukhq18tf28fBdD6Cmi9FTbNemNrDBy8fd~T~nsY2ykBB9XU2SvGVU6qYHctAmIEPnhzdecv5vKPXDRHNfk4aWFE7WOEf6aHaX5As2fVr5J-rWV7U~V69DpBO3DYIvNIXQ5qC1ssuUnK69NK8XbzaWOM2SSb3y5-qTr76DJLm5MasV1rrBZTQCcoJdSxxe~81PDEQPkNaHhTu6u74Tn-PScmHkoPA2iGnFLrTM4LhSA9znwqyQD~-Fee7xnodVYNb2Euf1vYAy1KiXmEXg1GZrDODIp-7JzXfRB-VJzFkHH5v-GFk--dKS8mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The finance and budget committee and council spent an extended portion of the session reviewing proposed appropriations adjustments and the city’s cash position.

What staff told council: Dan, the finance director, and staff explained that the packet of adjustments (Resolution 2025‑32, first reading) includes moves among non‑general funds and line‑item cleanups. Amberley (treasurer or finance staff) noted the package increases total revenues in the legislation by roughly $2,000,000 while the net effect on the general fund is about $100,000. Staff described the adjustments as largely bookkeeping to move revenue and expense items into correct fund lines (for example two one‑half percent levies for police and fire) and to ensure bond redemption and other restricted accounts match the intended sources.

Cash position and investments: Staff said combined fund balances across accounts are roughly $37.36 million. At the time of the report park checking/operating balances were about $4.7 million (with $300,000 in outstanding checks), Star Ohio or money market holdings around $1.6–1.7 million, U.S. Treasury and U.S.‑backed securities near $20.15 million, and certificates of deposit around $5 million. Staff said some of those amounts will be segregated into a rainy day fund once transfers are completed.

Reimbursements and capital timing: Council discussed several reimbursements in flight. Staff said large capital projects (for example Fairgrounds Road and an associated splash pad) can drive temporary negative balances in particular restricted funds pending reimbursements. The splash pad project was described as running through the Roads & Bridges fund for pay applications; staff said donor and grant reimbursements will restore the fund when processed.

Questions raised: Council asked about the location of the rainy day fund balance, the timing of reimbursements and whether payroll forensic audits or outstanding grievances might affect future budget assumptions. Staff said the city is preparing formal fund reports and a forensic audit request for qualifications and that some contingencies remain but they expected limited immediate payroll impact.

Council action: Resolution 2025‑32 received its first reading and staff said the county needs final appropriations by the end of the month. Council also moved and adopted supplemental appropriation actions in separate resolutions (see votes summary).","Staff reported that proposed appropriations adjustments would increase revenue lines by roughly $2 million overall and that the general fund would see an approximately $100,000 net change; staff also described current cash positions and reimbursements for ongoing capital projects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288108,"Council adopts pay grade changes, moves Fire Marshal up one grade",5161,672000,5833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7&start=672&end=5833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7/thumbnail_672000.jpg","/articles/6288108/Ohio/Council-adopts-pay-grade-changes-moves-Fire-Marshal-up-one-grade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288108-148fc646494620c730fcadac0d6ce4f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775881632&Signature=BWC7NPJKCXnO3p9nNbOhMzmRmpSimlaeC29cE~j-bjdC7JGSh8UvfuW5oFTCOycU3P3Qwb6~94lTquGCPAv5SVxB~EumEqcZ9qgH-a~ml2Bp8SSKKZ2M1yoHODh9J6BfIFOIdpxsJtG0UvUyFk9G6imcxKI0OarWXhpdrlAMzuhPQ6pPIRcoYaIZ4jhoTl1LzAfiPZU-EGMc43HWM~VgXQlyNxaWfOprGs1Gnra9ZPARRVAF7drO7zxWp5toEUNFF1BFjN~TslLLpNrkVD2Krw-Opg1asW3QG-0srJHlXW4rov7aDVm0BZGCzp8bQUCQTvXKWi6KPW5SttBqwpZBOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council amended and adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 on third reading, updating pay grades for several supervisory and professional positions.

Key change: The Fire Marshal’s pay grade was amended from grade 7 to grade 8, with the ordinance listing new salary grade points (recorded in the meeting as minimum $34.96, midpoint $41.95 and maximum $48.95). Council also removed a first deputy auditor entry from the ordinance at staff request.

Why council made the change: Staff and council discussed the pay‑grade revisions in committee and on the floor to ensure the salary schedule aligned with recruiting needs and internal equity. For example, the assistant director of plant maintenance position had been budgeted earlier at a lower amount ($65,000) but staff said they could not recruit qualified candidates at that level and that the practical hiring range was closer to the $80,000 area; council and administration indicated the changes were budgeted and intended to let positions be placed on an appropriate pay band when filled.

Process notes: Council emphasized supervisors cannot unilaterally increase pay beyond the approved ranges; requests must flow through HR and the safety/service director and follow the city’s pay‑band policy. Discussion also referenced a forthcoming employee handbook intended to formalize evaluation and timing processes for raises.

Council action: The amended ordinance was adopted. Council instructed staff to continue aligning hires with the adopted pay bands, and staff confirmed that some positions (for example the plant maintenance assistant director) remain unfilled until the new bands are in place.

What to watch: Implementation will depend on HR reviews, annual evaluations and budget appropriations for any step increases. Council members requested that the handbook and evaluation timing be clear enough to feed into the budget process.","Council amended and adopted ordinance 2025‑06 changing supervisory/professional pay bands, including bumping the Fire Marshal from pay grade 7 to 8 and removing the first deputy auditor position from the ordinance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288113,"Council rejects easement for Knox County memorial building sign after historic‑district, traffic concerns",4390,695000,5085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7&start=695&end=5085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7/thumbnail_695000.jpg","/articles/6288113/Ohio/Council-rejects-easement-for-Knox-County-memorial-building-sign-after-historicdistrict-traffic-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288113-ced4cca2d19a4810248971d02ca7dd23/orig.mp4?Expires=1775881632&Signature=OnezdZWtAbCa5GBD2xODcSGEinz3GK21NC7gchzxEtd81P9ev~s5NsRBH9DySlSFJWBm15DfTsK0CLnw1HQravYxBegVQkqRCMXP7cZL~WSo~1deb6vxoDx3RJ0RsRuc-DUaClMyYqY6HpYLxtr79NlRNethyPyzRMlwGSuKgvXCFfrpkRjU6n36f5B3SC1h5g1GQqxOEzD0voyoGNESZa-BMkjp~3Rxh9Pe-6UCDqLPbDY9vQWbdu77~JFWQ1IRLNkZVRhcx1h3zG7Xq8Y9frr3V1PUDL996AKynamzMDNuC2vZc85gwstxBJ6Rgt2WVyeqp-uDrCWkcjyzsgC-ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council voted down Resolution 2025‑20, which would have authorized the safety service director to grant an easement to Knox County for a sign in the tree lawn in front of the Memorial Building.

What council considered: The county requested an easement so it could place a sign in the tree lawn immediately adjacent to the sidewalk and stairs that lead to the Memorial Building. City staff described a planned removable base — using a pinned post that can be removed for water‑line access — and said the sign location was chosen to avoid relocating two existing veteran memorials. City attorney Brorin and a staff presenter, Rob, summarized that the council would be granting only the easement (location and right to occupy the tree lawn), not approving the sign's final design. The historic review commission would have the final say on appearance and whether the sign could be lit.

Concerns raised: Council members and staff asked whether the sign would cross or obstruct the sidewalk, whether lighting would be run to the sign, whether it would interfere with sight lines for turning vehicles, and whether the location would complicate pedestrian flow at the Memorial Building's driveway and crosswalks. Staff said the historic review commission can reject a proposed design; if the commission disapproved, the county would need to place the sign elsewhere on Memorial Building property and might need to relocate one of the veteran memorials.

Other details noted in discussion: staff and the county engineer had coordinated on siting to avoid known underground utilities (a city waterline was called out). Staff pointed to an existing, long‑standing sign on East High near Snyder’s as a local precedent. Council also discussed prior and planned curb and crosswalk changes at the building to reduce vehicle‑pedestrian conflicts.

Council action: The motion to adopt Resolution 2025‑20 failed (vote recorded as failed 4–2). The measure would have only granted an easement; any sign design, including illumination, would have required historic review commission approval.

Next steps: With the easement denied, staff said the county will have to locate any new sign entirely on its Memorial Building property; that could require moving or altering existing veteran memorials. Staff encouraged the public to follow upcoming legislative packets for any revised proposals.","A resolution to grant the county an easement to place a sign in the tree lawn in front of the Knox County Memorial Building failed at council; the item raised questions about location, electric service, lighting, historic review and pedestrian safety.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":46,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288118,"Mount Vernon council backs renewal of State Capital Improvement Program funding",3809,1628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7&start=1628&end=5437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2544748-9348e01b85faf4055f04815953c17aa7/thumbnail_1628000.jpg","/articles/6288118/Ohio/Mount-Vernon-council-backs-renewal-of-State-Capital-Improvement-Program-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288118-e6a8c1d4a2d2decd633a33d2ecc5bfac/orig.mp4?Expires=1775881632&Signature=ElbLFGJW-TiVecw0wo9WXxQ~R-~eTHcLu8vGowsv-D1z5yXNlP5QI52Q1qBx5fLRnXogTvfoOU4fVqwttBDM~s7Tkvqcu9TI5uz8C9iFojCOeI1Cz8SQ8N5ipsK84bMkQDmXkc41sNuDl~2pitB6LcyL07BkMPz96pq8WUS9j0zLZOybKC6Kljp4IOm-7YMoGVVdcNJ2vHlUyFU4yRbbBwS-BCRHtFXFi~TTlzuvJWgGAisvoP6CjS5x64XFBfBD4MeV9bdNSO0i15Bb0dmLCeK2Bb~uuE6zVov7wr28dlx4yAiSlfFkFRF5xVRqXtixW77kbQsWcMvKjrTn82av5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Vernon City Council on third reading adopted a nonbinding resolution urging voters to renew the State Capital Improvement Program, commonly administered through the Ohio Public Works Commission, on the May 6, 2025 ballot.

Supporters told council the program has funded local street, water and sewer projects and that passage would preserve a state grant source rather than create a new tax. \"This is not a new tax,\" Councilman Severance said during committee discussion. \"This is just renewal of making funds available to cities like us, townships.\" Mayor Starr added the program has funded thousands of projects statewide since 1987 and called it a bipartisan, long‑running mechanism for capital grants.

Why it matters: SCIP grants reduce the need for local governments to use federal funds — and the federal environmental and real‑estate processes that sometimes accompany them — making smaller infrastructure projects easier for townships and small cities to deliver. During the committee discussion members listed recent local awards drawn from the program: $200,000 for sanitary sewer and water improvements on Stump Street and Northview Drive; $700,000 plus a loan of more than $2,500,000 for Fairgrounds Road utilities and resurfacing; $364,000 for West High and Sandusky Street work; $338,000 for North Main and Chestnut modifications; and $450,000 for the South Main and Parrot intersection.

Council and administration described outreach and education plans if council formally expresses support. The mayor said city staff will include the measure in the state‑of‑the‑city presentation, use press releases and social media, request that the Ohio Municipal League include Mount Vernon’s resolution in a statewide packet of community endorsements, and consider placing informational signs at OPWC‑funded project sites. Staff also noted a state‑level political action committee and partner organization will run broader educational efforts.

Council action: The council moved and approved the resolution supporting Issue 2. The measure is advisory and does not obligate the city to spend money or to campaign; speakers repeatedly noted local officials cannot use city funds for campaign activities but may provide factual information to residents.

What’s next: The resolution is meant to encourage turnout for the May 6, 2025 ballot renewal. If voters approve Issue 2, the city could apply for future SCIP grants for road, sewer, water and other infrastructure projects.","City council adopted a nonbinding resolution supporting State Issue 2, the renewal of the Ohio State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP), saying the program supplies grants for local sewer, road and utility projects and is not a new tax.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Mount Vernon council actions and outcomes

Finance committee walks council through $2 million appropriations adjustment and city cash position

Council adopts pay grade changes, moves Fire Marshal up one grade

Council rejects easement for Knox County memorial building sign after historic‑district, traffic concerns

Mount Vernon council backs renewal of State Capital Improvement Program funding