Council advances first reading to expand employee residency to neighboring counties

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna presented a first reading on April 7 proposing an amendment to Mount Vernon’s personnel policy to expand residency eligibility for city employees.

Under the proposed amendment, city employees — including police and fire personnel — would be eligible to live in the six counties adjoining Jefferson County: Marion, Wayne, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry and Washington. McKenna said the change aims to broaden the hiring pool, which the police and fire departments have struggled to fill under the current residency requirement. Police Chief Robert Brands told the council the department has discussed the change for two years and supports it; he said personnel could still respond from outside the county within an acceptable time frame and that candidates are awaiting the change to become eligible for hire. Fire Chief Yenne also expressed support, saying past candidates were ineligible only because they lived outside Jefferson County.

McKenna noted one limitation in the ordinance: positions that provide take‑home vehicles would not be permitted to take vehicles outside Jefferson County; such vehicles must remain parked at the employee’s department. The item was presented for first reading only and did not receive a final council vote at the meeting.