The Mount Vernon Charter Review Commission on May 8 recommended a charter amendment to replace the city’s elected comptroller with an appointed finance professional — described as a chief financial officer or finance director — selected for fiscal qualifications rather than by popular vote.

Brian Dwyer, a commission member who presented the recommendation, said the proposal is meant to address longstanding financial problems the city has faced. "For years, Mount Vernon has suffered from financial instability, late audits, late budgets, disputed contracts, negligent loss of public funds, persistent tax increases, and delays in paying bills," Dwyer said, summarizing concerns raised in the commission’s review.

Under the recommendation, the finance professional would be appointed (commissioners described appointment by the city council or by city council and mayor depending on final language), would be required to have qualifications in public finance or accounting, and would be accountable to the city council and city manager. Presenters said the position would be removable for gross negligence or incompetence, and they argued the change would improve coordination, credibility with state agencies and investors, and Mount Vernon’s attractiveness for grants and development.

Commissioners clarified during the forum that the proposal would eliminate the elected comptroller position rather than add a second finance official; some public commenters had expressed concern about increasing headcount or creating duplicate roles. The National Civic League research and presenters at the forum noted that an independently elected comptroller is uncommon outside specific larger-city roles and that many professional organizations caution against electing chief financial officers.

The May 8 session was informational; the commission will use feedback and survey results compiled by the National Civic League before voting June 4 on which proposals, if any, to place on the November 2025 ballot.