Mayor Starr talks about the Mayor’s prayer breakfast that happened on September 18th, he highlights some of presentations and the success of the event. The message during the Mayor’s prayer breakfast was putting on the full Armor of God, and he highlighted how the belt holds everything together in roman armor, and the belt of Truth holds everything together for the Armor of God.
Matt Starr highlights the update the city’s efforts in Cyber Security and the Mandate for all government agencies focus on Cyber Security and helping agencies and citizens deal with ransom problems. Starr talks about the importance of two step authentication and it’s ability to prevent cyber security issues. He also talks about training that the city will be implementing for staff members in spotting and dealing with potential Cyber Security risks.
Bow hunting season for white tailed deer opens this weekend, and Matt Starr talks about what needs to happen for you to be able to legally hunt and goes over the basic rules for the season. He also talks about the importance of hunting season to help maintain the Deer population and keep them at a healthy number. Matt also highlights different courses you can take and resources to help you during hunting season.
Mayor Matt Starr talks about recent construction that has been underway, they had recent storm drain cleaning on Mansfield Road and he discusses some of the things they have done to help prevent flooding for residents on that road. The shared use path is still under construction and its still on pace to be completed by the end of the year. He also highlights the Crystal Avenue waterway and he talks about some of the issues that area has had with the well water drying up during the summer as well as illness problems for that area.
Starr talks about Electric Aggregation (diversity in the way they produce electricity) the city has been working on trying to work out a new deal as the current deal is set to expire in November (your bill will likely go up). The city has been running into is capacity and cost issues due to data centers. The council is working to find a new deal to prevent scheduled “Brownouts” for the city.
The city has been having meetings with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and he talks about how they’ve become very helpful in recent years. The recent talks have been about the water supply potentially being an issue due to recent growth, and after a study, they confirmed that the water supply is not an issue; however, the city is still looking into infrastructure to keep it that way long term. He also highlights the skill of the Ohio EPA and how well they do their jobs.
Starr talks about MORPC and their sister organization CORPO and their help to educational opportunities as well as communication with D.C. He talks about the upcoming summit on sustainability on the 30th. The summit is to help work with utilities and establish new contacts and learn from other communities, and what they can duplicate for the city of Mount Vernon. He talks about upcoming house bills the city is concerned about, mainly house bill 239 and senate bill 280 the state is proposing to increase pension for police stations. He also discusses short term rental bills upcoming, water lane bills, and upcoming bills about annexation.
Matt talks about H2Overhaul a project that has been underway for the past few years, they have been working to locate malfunctioning water meters, and the project is nearing conclusion in the spring. The city has been losing water and therefore money due to meter issues.
City council updates include changes to legislation for compensation of officials, it’s a time sensitive issue with the election coming up, the compensation changes could change retirement for select officials. Treasurers have been working hard and due to some of their efforts, they are going to be receiving a slight salary increase. He also talks about the public health contract, they have been working with Knox Public Health for a long time now and he talks about the benefits for that relationship. The contract with Knox Public Health is up for renewal here over the next month.
Starr shares the police department update, the new police station is still being worked on, they have been working closely with contractors to ensure the funds are being put to good use and the project will remain on schedule. The fire department concluded their hydrant flushing for the year and fire prevention week is coming on the second week of October and he highlights some of their efforts in the community.
Starr talks about their goals for the fall and they’re working on fixing broken water meters, he also wants to phase out the use of the old administration building now that COTC is located there. He talks about how they’re ahead of schedule on removal for the lime pile. The Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival is coming up on October 3rd, the fire department is having a fire prevention event on October 9th. He also highlights other events coming up. He asks that you pray for them as they fix the things that are broken, he asks for God’s strength and Wisdom in that process.
Click HERE to find out more about what is going on in the city of Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon’s Mayor Matt Starr joins us for our monthly update! He lets us know about many things regarding our community. The mayor details deer hunting, construction, his prayer breakfast that is coming up, and many more important topics!
The City of Mount Vernon hosted a luncheon on Thursday 7/31/25 to honor their employees. The Workforce Development Employee Awards honored our city workers for their dedication to make Mount Vernon a fantastic place to live and work.
Workers reaching milestones were honored – from 5 years up to 30 years of service. The retirees of this last year were recognized. Also, new employees were announced.
Congratulations to Jonny May for 30 years of service. He works in the Public Works Department.
Click HERE to hear Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr share comments on this special event.
You will find pictures of the event and a list of our wonderful City Employees below.
Eric got to have a fruitful conversation with Mount Vernon Mayor, Matt Starr! They talk about a plethora of topics regarding our great city. They accentuate some of the events that have happened in our community, as well as ones that are coming soon!
A discussion about the February 24th meeting with Mount Vernon City Council in which two positions were on. The Mayor speaks on the steps moving forward after the Communication Director position was voted down 4-3.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
Mayor Starr gives updates on the Asphalt Resurfacing Program.
Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments.
Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities.
Mayor Starr talks about change and shifting departments and the challenges we are facing. He also reports that the city is in excellent financial shape, and he is excited for the future.
Mayor Starr shares his perspective on the development of the old Mount Vernon News building in downtown Mount Vernon and the plans for opening Founder Food Hall.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department
Details about a Citizen’s Police Academy.
Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
Mayor Starr speaks on the city’s ability to oversee potholes and cracks int eh roads on the properties of other businesses.
Immediate goals for March
Selecting a design team for the new Police Station
Wrapping up the public comment period for the City Hall Annex
Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for March.
Discussion on Intel and their internal issues and how those issues could affect the city.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 1/31/25. Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included: A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects: – the Splashpad. – the Mansfield Avenue Shared Use Path – the Dan Emmett Community Development Block Grant area. – Fairgrounds Water Line and resurfacing project.
Mayor Starr gives updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project: He says that other mandated upgrades will have a price tag of $45 million. He says they are trying to find various sources of funding to help with the cost.
Mayor Starr says that City Auditor Pay Mayville has resigned effective February 14. The Republican Central Committee will be tasked with finding a replacement once he officially leaves office.
Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments. – He gives an update on the city filling potholes and if someone sees a pothole to report it to the street department at 393-9501. – He gives kudos to the plow drivers for going above and beyond their normal duties during snow events. Park and Pavilion reservations are now available online at the city’s website at (currently) mountvernonohio-dot-com – They will also be launching a new website soon and re-doing the city’s business videos on their website.
Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities. – There has been concern about how the facilities will look. – He says the public comment period for the new police department will end February 23. – More listening tour dates are planned in February and March. – He adds that there is an online survey for the public to see if they would like to give input.
Mayor Starr talks about the happenings of Liberty Crossing, the major development on Newark Road. – Result in 230 apartments, 90 townhouses and 43 patio homes and 93 traditional homes. – He says that this project has been in the works for quite a while.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council: – Oppose an ATT tariff revision that shifts the cost of relocating lines to the city. – He says if the revision would have been approved, the city and taxpayers would have had to pay for the re-location. – He says they have 80 volunteers to serve on committees and boards for the city. – They had a second reading for re-zoning at 0 Parrot Street. He says the decision could be precedent setting in the state of Ohio. – The city received permission from the council to apply to the Federal Community Project Funding program to find funding for buildings and other pieces of infrastructure.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department – He says they are updating information regarding the public comments for the new facility. – He says the police department is fully staffed. – He says the Police Department’s award ceremony is tomorrow.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department. – He says that they are constantly working on training including completing ice rescue training. – He adds that the entire department is fully staffed. – He also gives award recipients from the Fire Department Award Ceremony.
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for February: – He is proud that they did not use an interim budget. They passed the budget which allows decisions to be made now as opposed to waiting for an interim budget to be finalized. – He wants to have the design team picked for planning the new buildings – He says they also will be releasing an employee handbook and handbook for board members for the first time in the city’s history.
Mayor Starr shares his goals for 2025: – He wants to make sure that the auditor’s office runs smoothly – He says they are in the process of property acquisition for the South Sandusky Street Corridor Project. – He says the buildings in Memorial Park are being replaced.
Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for February. – Groundbreaking on Liberty Crossing on February 5. – The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium will give an update on the season February 8. – There will also be a joint meeting of Mount Vernon Council, Knox County Commissioners and regional planning commission meeting to talk about the comprehensive plan.
He also shares the way you can pray for him and the city.
To stay in touch with the City, go to: Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon X – CityMV1805 YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Northend culverts on Old Mansfield Rd, storm water problems as well.
East Vine St sidewalk project
Catherine St. project
New Court House Design
Mayor Starr gives updates from City Departments:
Engineering – entered into a contract with the county for the Knox Cattle Company dam
Streets and Parks – preparing for winter, leaf pickup, snowplow names and installation of new LED bulbs for streetlights
Public Buildings and Lands – construction update, water hydrants, and replacing sidewalks on the public square
Revamping of the Auditor’s office
Sidewalks on public square – 1260 square feet have been replaced so that it is safer for people to walk
Public Utilities – update on the Water and Wastewater Plant (concerning Ohio EPA-mandated phosphorus reduction in the outflow).
Parks Department – park bathrooms are being *winterized*. Getting downtown ready for CHRISTMAS!! Update on the Splash Pad project
Mayor Starr shares his thoughts about the election results over the two referendums that failed. He shares the plan for those areas. We also talk about voter turnout.
Mayor Starr talks about the city’s electric aggregation program. There was some recent concern after residents received a letter from AEP. Energy Harbor sold to Dynegy (new company).
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
Wastewater Treatment Plant update
Latest news on the new police station and municipal courthouse. The City Council has authorized the design phase. Legislation is approved that is allowing requests for qualifications. Courthouse RFQ’s have come in.
Reserve balance account. Rainy day fund.
Camping in parks for educational community events.
Columbus Delano fields. Pollinator gardens.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
New tasers
Welcome to new Officer Brookhunter.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Update on Training
Grant from Homeland Security for hazmat equipment
Jeff Gottke, Area Development Director went on a trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon. Their goal was to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”. Mayor Starr shares some important findings that Jeff brought back to him and his administration. A full report is coming next week. Growth can happen to us or with us.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the December Calendar including the new budgeting process for 2025.
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for December and how we can pray for him and his team.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/25/24. We also talked with special guest Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Mansfield Road
Moving Lime, making it available for farmers
Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
Demolition Work has begun on the Splash Pad for Riverside Park
Harmony Playground
Water Meter and Flood Plane Elevation Study on the West End
Water Line inventory for EPA compliance
Courthouse and Police Station Design Requests
Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of a permanent auditor. Paul Mayville has been sworn in and is working hard with his team to find the best systems for the city.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
The dedication of “Liberty Plaza” at American Heritage Park, 10/28 at 10am
Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ohio Civil Service Employees Association
Training and certifications for city employees
Pay Grades for the workforce
Servitus Event
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
Service Call Stats for September
Community Advocate stats for September
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Swearing In Ceremony
Fire Prevention Week Annual Open House
Daylight Savings Time ends 11/3. It is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr is joined by Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation for our Spotlight. Jeff talks about several businesses that have recently closed in Mount Vernon – Big Lots and Ride Aid Pharmacy. These are corporate chain stores.
Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about a projected decline in Ohio’s population. He shares the trends that we are seeing in the city of Mount Vernon. He shares stats on our aging population and birth rates.
He shares that we should focus on 3 things: 1. keep building housing that is a mix of types and price points 2. quality of life issues (parks, restaurants, retails, downtown attractions, outdoor activities) 3. attracting and retaining young people and young families
Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about his trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”.
He talks about the main goals of this trip.
He shares what the group has discovered so far and who they have been talking to in this community.
He also shares the information that the group wants to share with our city administration and also with the residents of our community.
Mayor Starr and Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talk about the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update on 10/29 at 5:30pm at The Woodward Opera House.
The public was asked to provide feedback on things they treasure about Knox County and identify specific spots around the county that need to be replicated or improved.
1,200 participants
10,000 different pieces of data
They have a robust data set.
This data will be presented to the public with 10 principles with goals under each principle.
A panel discussion with experts on rural growth will happen at 6pm.
After the panel, stations will be setup around the Woodward Theater in the hallway where the public can view the data and provide their feedback.
The next step will be to put all feedback into a draft plan that will then be presented to the public.
There will be 4 different opportunities for residents to public input.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the November Calendar: – Leaf Pickup for the City (and instructions) – Trick or Treating is October 31, 5:30pm – 7pm
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for November: – Comprehensive Plan Engagement – go to togetherknox.org and participate in sharing feedback – City Budget Process – Ironing out issues in the Auditor’s Office, updating software and simplifying the bill paying and payroll procedures – Election Day is Tuesday, 11/5 – Mayor Starr encourages everyone to vote
Rise and Shine 