Mayor Matt Starr joins us for the May Spotlight on Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

First Mayor Starr gives us his thoughts on State Issue 2 passing in the May Primary. He says its passage is a huge benefit to the city and explains why.

He talks about the Knox Pages article that discusses wanting to use Tax Increment Financing or TIF districts and the city’s New Community Authority which would apply to the Liberty Crossing development on Newark Road. He says using both items help city leaders develop areas and pay for infrastructure projects.

He talks about the opening of the Splash Pad, and  gives updates on construction projects around the city including Mansfield Avenue shared use project, Mansfield Avenue culvert replacement, and the Fairgrounds Road watermain and resurfacing project.

He talks about the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool which is now open.

He talks about the Arch Neighborhood Improvement Survey. He says they want to find out what residents want to happen in the neighborhood park.

He gives an update on City Council. He says they didn’t have much this past week due to the holiday, but there are several things in the works.

He gives an update on the city’s police department including opening Safety Town for children to learn bicycle safety.

He also talks about a grant regarding dealing with crisis and events that happened centering around a high-speed chase that happened last week.

He also asks for prayers for the family of Morrow County Sheriff Deputy Sherrer and Sheriff’s Department after Sherrer was killed in the line of duty Monday.

He shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including receiving a grant from the Elks for equipment and they are applying for several other grants to help offset costs to the community.

He also says a portion of Morris Township that the city was servicing will begin getting service from Monroe Township Fire.

He gives his goals for June 2025 including getting several projects moving and underway.

He also gives some calendar events will be getting underway including the Summer Concert Series and Front Porch Concert Series.

He gives ways you can stay up to date with the city including going to the city’s new website, and ways we can pray for him and city leaders throughout the month.

Click HERE to connect with the city of Mount Vernon.