Mayor Vershawn Patterson Howard presented a working draft annual estimate that currently shows a potential 2.1% property tax increase; the draft also includes a separate $10,000,000 state-aid line and will be revised after input from the comptroller and council.

After a public hearing, the Mount Vernon City Council adopted a $92.98 million 2026 budget and approved a voter-authorized levy lid lift, setting the 2026 levy rate at 2.2537 per $1,000 assessed value; council approved funding increases for police, fire and parks while maintaining a 15%+ reserve.