Mount Vernon city staff said the City Council is asking voters this November to approve a levy lid lift that would generate a projected $3,900,000 annually to support basic public safety and essential services. The request comes as the city projects a $6,000,000 general-fund shortfall in 2026 and beyond, staff said.

City staff said the levy revenue is intended to relieve pressure on the general fund and avoid further cuts. If the levy passes, staff described two 2026 budget scenarios — one that assumes levy approval and one that does not — and said the levy would enable hiring nine firefighters and six police officers and provide funding for deferred maintenance in parks. The announcement characterized those staffing and maintenance items as specific uses the city would be able to support with levy proceeds.

The city presented the projected annual levy revenue and the projected shortfall as the principal fiscal context. The update did not include a recorded council vote in the public update segment; it described the council as "asking voters" to decide the measure. No vote tally, ordinance number, or ballot language was provided in the transcript segment.

City staff directed residents to the city website for full details, including cost-saving measures the city has already taken and official levy materials.