In the heart of Mount Vernon’s city hall, council members gathered on March 24, 2024, to address pressing issues affecting the community, particularly concerning building inspections and customer service improvements. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as officials discussed the challenges posed by years of neglect in compliance inspections, a situation that has left many properties in the city without the necessary certifications.

Commissioner of Buildings highlighted the stark reality: out of 66 inspections conducted in January and February, none met compliance standards. This alarming trend stems from a lack of inspections over the past 15 years, leaving many new property owners unaware of their responsibilities. The commissioner emphasized the need for education and outreach to residents, but acknowledged a growing frustration as some constituents remain unresponsive to efforts aimed at rectifying the situation.

Councilman Poteet raised concerns about the potential consequences if property owners continue to ignore compliance requirements. The commissioner indicated that the next step would involve issuing violations, a move that could escalate to court proceedings if owners fail to register their properties. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as officials recognized the need for a collaborative approach to encourage compliance and avoid punitive measures.

In a parallel discussion, Janira Borges, a representative from the city’s customer service department, presented findings from a recent survey aimed at improving engagement with residents. The survey, which received limited responses, revealed that while many found staff courteous and helpful, there were significant gaps in communication and responsiveness. Borges noted that the majority of feedback came from business owners and realtors, with homeowners expressing a desire for more in-person interactions rather than digital engagement.

The council members expressed a commitment to enhancing customer service, with suggestions for better marketing of the survey and more robust communication strategies. Borges outlined plans for a broader rollout of the survey in the coming months, aiming to capture a more diverse range of feedback from the community.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the importance of addressing both compliance issues and customer service challenges. The discussions underscored a collective determination to foster a more informed and engaged community, paving the way for a more responsive and accountable city government. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the commitment to improvement resonated strongly among the council members, leaving residents hopeful for a more compliant and communicative Mount Vernon.