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Mt. Vernon council approves 2024 tax levy, adopts state paid‑leave ordinance and accepts clean audit
Summary
In a 19‑minute Dec. 18 meeting, the Mt. Vernon City Council accepted a clean 2023 audit, approved $3.51 million in accounts‑payable vouchers, adopted a $2,880,100 tax levy for 2024 and enacted an ordinance implementing the Illinois Paid Leave For All Workers Act.
The Mt. Vernon City Council on Dec. 18 accepted a clean audit of the city’s 2023 finances, approved $3,509,918.24 in consolidated vouchers and adopted a $2,880,100 tax levy for the 2024 fiscal year, voting unanimously on each item during a brief meeting that opened at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Finance Director Stephanie Bailey, introduced by Assistant City Manager Nathan McKenna, told the council that auditors Roth & Co. had "found a clean opinion" on the city’s financial statements. Bailey highlighted key figures from the year ended April 30, 2023: total net position of $56.4 million; a year‑over‑year increase in net position of $8.3 million (governmental net position up $5.5 million, business‑type up $2.8 million); a combined governmental funds ending balance of $35.0 million, including $16.6 million in the General Fund; and a $1.8 million (about 4%) decrease in the city’s pension trust funds attributed to investment losses.
Council Member Ray Botch moved to approve the 2023 audit; Council Member Mike Young seconded. The motion passed with votes recorded for Botch, Gliosci, Moore, Young and Mayor John Lewis.
City Attorney David Leggans presented the second reading of the ordinance setting the 2024 levy, and Assistant City Manager McKenna said there were no changes since the first reading and no calls from the public. The council approved Ordinance #2023‑38 setting the total levy at $2,880,100.00 by a unanimous vote.
Earlier in the meeting the council approved Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable totaling $3,509,918.24. Council Member Ray Botch moved to approve the vouchers; Council Member Mike Young seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
On an item prompted by state legislation, the council enacted an ordinance to implement the Illinois Paid Leave For All Workers Act, which Assistant City Manager McKenna said "takes effect January 1." Council Member Donte Moore moved to suspend the rules to take action immediately; Council Member Joe Gliosci seconded and the suspension passed unanimously. Moore then moved to adopt Ordinance #2023‑39, which the council approved unanimously.
Council members also approved a resolution amending the city’s Personnel Policy Manual to reflect changes required by recent state laws, including provisions tied to the Paid Leave Act. Council Member Ray Botch moved to adopt the resolution; Council Member Joe Gliosci seconded and the vote was unanimous.
City Attorney Leggans presented a first reading of an ordinance to increase the number of package‑sales liquor licenses from eight to nine to permit a proposed package store at the former Jumpin’ Jimmy’s location on Broadway; McKenna said staff would provide additional information at the second reading. No final action was taken on that item during the meeting.
Mayor John Lewis and council members closed the meeting with holiday greetings. Council Member Joe Gliosci moved to adjourn; Council Member Donte Moore seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m. Becky (Rebecca) Barbour, Deputy City Clerk, certified the minutes.
