Category: Mount Vernon Spotlight

Mayor Matt Starr Reflects on 2025 in Year in Review Edition of Spotlight on Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr opens the Year in Review with WNZR’s Eric Brown by reflecting on the overall direction of the city over the past year. He notes that while there were challenges along the way, Mount Vernon continued to move forward with stability and purpose. The mayor emphasizes teamwork between city staff, council, and the community as a key factor in maintaining momentum.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mayor Starr also touches on the importance of planning ahead, explaining that much of the work done this year focused on laying a solid foundation for future progress. He frames the year as one marked by steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a continued commitment to serving residents.

Mayor Starr discusses city finances and budgeting, highlighting the importance of being fiscally responsible while still meeting the needs of the community. He explains how the city worked to balance priorities, manage resources wisely, and remain mindful of economic pressures affecting local governments.

He also stresses transparency in the budgeting process, noting that careful planning allows Mount Vernon to maintain services and invest in long-term goals. The mayor reinforces that responsible financial decisions made this year will benefit residents well into the future.

Mayor Starr turns the focus to infrastructure and city improvements, sharing updates on ongoing and completed projects throughout Mount Vernon. He explains how street work, utilities, and maintenance projects play a crucial role in keeping the city safe and functional, even when those efforts aren’t always highly visible.

He also acknowledges that infrastructure work can be inconvenient at times, but emphasizes that these projects are necessary investments. Mayor Starr reassures residents that the city remains committed to improving quality of life through smart, well-planned upgrades.

In this segment, Mayor Starr highlights economic development and growth within Mount Vernon. He talks about efforts to support local businesses, attract new investment, and create an environment where the local economy can continue to thrive.

The mayor also points to partnerships with developers and community organizations as an important part of that success. He notes that growth is being approached thoughtfully, with an emphasis on maintaining Mount Vernon’s character while planning for the future.

Mayor Starr wraps up the Year in Review by looking ahead, sharing optimism for what lies ahead for Mount Vernon. He reflects on lessons learned throughout the year and how those experiences will shape decisions moving forward.

He closes by expressing gratitude to city employees, council members, and residents for their continued support and involvement. Mayor Starr reinforces his commitment to leadership, collaboration, and keeping Mount Vernon moving in a positive direction in the year ahead.

Click HERE to keep up to date with the City of Mount Vernon!

0

November 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/28/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the move for the City of Mount Vernon offices.
  • Construction Updates
    • Intersection of Old Mansfield Road and Fairgrounds Road
    • Mansfield Avenue sidewalk project
    • Route 13 updates
  • City Water Upgrades including 3 big ticket items on the docket
  • Update from the Public Works and Engineering Departments
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
  • City Budget
  • Events coming up in December
  • Goals for December 2025
  • How you can pray for the Mayor and his Team

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Linked In – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
0

WNZR’s September 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, September 26th, 2025.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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.

0

August Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr!

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!

Go check out the full conversation!

0

The City of Mount Vernon honors employees

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.

0

August Spotlight on Mount Vernon — Our conversation with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr!

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!

0

June 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/27/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • The announcement about a move for the city of Mount Vernon offices.
    • Mayor Starr talks about the COTC facilities (COTC) and how they are moving City Hall and Courthouse down to 236 South Main Street.
    • Transition of the current city hall into the Justice Center
    • The savings this move brings to the City.
  • Construction Updates
    • Fairgrounds Road
    • Old Mansfield Roads
    • Dan Emmett Elementary School Area
    • Taylor Road
    • City Salt Barn
    • State Route 13
  • Special events for the upcoming holiday
    • July First Friday
    • Independence Day Festival at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Mayor Starr talks about testifying in front of state lawmakers.
    • Discussion on House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 118
    • House Bill 113
    • Senate Bill 104
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
    • Mayor Starr has signed a contract for the design of the new police station.
    • The plan is to break ground in 2026.
    • Stats for the month of May and the success of their community advocates. 
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • $4000 grant from the local Elks Club to be used to purchase new equipment.
    • Recent stats showing over 500 calls this month.
    • Update on Morris B Township fire services contract with the City.
  • Goals for July 2025
  • Events happening in July 2025

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
0

February 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 2/28/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • 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.

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
0

January 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

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

0

November 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/29/24.

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:
  • 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.


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
0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑