Mount Vernon is moving from a busy winter into what Mayor Matt Starr calls a season of momentum and transition.

During his February Spotlight interview with WNZR’s Eric Brown, Mayor Starr reflected on the city’s response to a challenging winter. Crews handled 31 weather events so far in 2025, logging roughly 810 hours of overtime. The good news: salt supplies remain strong as the city shifts toward spring operations.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

A New Municipal Center Takes Shape

One of the biggest developments is the move from 40 Public Square to Mount Vernon’s new Municipal Center at 236 South Main Street. Administrative offices have already relocated, and council chambers are nearing completion, with final technology upgrades still underway. The city expects to be fully operational in the new building by the second quarter.

The move will also allow Municipal Court to return to Public Square—something long anticipated. Mayor Starr described the new facility as warm, welcoming, and energizing for both staff and residents.

Planning, Infrastructure, and Redevelopment

City Council has formally adopted the updated Knox County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a required five-year update that keeps Mount Vernon eligible for disaster recovery grants. Flooding remains a top concern, and updated data ensures the city is prepared.

The city is also pursuing nearly $1 million in federal brownfield funding to demolish buildings north of City Hall and along South Sandusky Street. Cleanup near the former Kokosing Ironworks site will be required as part of corridor redevelopment efforts. If grant funds are approved, demolition could begin in the third quarter.

Progress continues on the State Route 13 (Sandusky Street) project, aimed at reducing truck traffic downtown and improving safety. Crash data from 2012 through early 2026 shows increased incidents on the north end, including one fatality. The intersection near Castle Road and Upper Fredericktown Road is now in the design phase, a process expected to take about a year, followed by construction pending funding in partnership with ODOT. Plans include sidewalks and expanded non-motorized transportation options, potentially connecting to the bike path.

The city has also applied for a Safe Routes to School grant for Martinsburg Road, seeking approximately $500,000 to improve sidewalks near the high school, Career Center, and the MVNU archway—an area that has experienced pedestrian and bicycle crashes.

Police, Fire, and Public Services

Council has begun the approval process to finance a new $25 million police station on Secor Road. The city plans to initially use short-term bond anticipation notes before refinancing at a lower fixed rate. The new facility will replace the outdated North Gay Street location while maintaining strong financial reserves.

The fire department is currently hiring to fill vacancies amid rising service calls, especially in the northeast corridor where the senior population is growing. Long-term plans include a possible east-end fire station, supported in part by third-party billing revenue.

Council also approved restructuring the Clerk of Council role into a full-time City Clerk position to better manage public records requests and serve multiple boards and commissions.

Spring Street Work and Pothole Reporting

As warmer weather arrives, Mount Vernon will begin its chip-and-seal program. Work will focus on New Gambier Road and several south-end residential streets near the university, addressing stormwater and embankment concerns in a cost-effective way that aligns with upcoming utility work.

Residents who need to report a pothole can contact the City Street Department directly at 740-393-9501.

2026 State of the City Address

Mayor Starr is preparing to deliver the 2026 Mount Vernon State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the 4-H Ramser Center, 700 Perimeter Drive. The event is hosted by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

The address will highlight major accomplishments from 2025 and outline goals for 2026. The city saw record income tax collections—not from raising taxes, but from job growth and higher wages. Those funds are being reinvested into parks, streets, public buildings, and city services.

Click HERE for more details about attending the State of the City event!

Community Momentum

Mayor Starr also highlighted several March events, including the Washington Forum celebrating Ohio’s eight presidents and the Chamber of Commerce Awards. He emphasized continued redevelopment along South Sandusky Street, leasing activity at 49 Public Square, and upcoming bond discussions related to city facilities.

As the city settles into its new Municipal Center, Mayor Starr says the focus remains on steady progress, responsible financial management, and investing in Mount Vernon’s future.

Residents can stay connected through the city’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, with Instagram launching soon. The mayor’s podcast, “Chat with Mayor Matt,” is also expected to return after a brief pause during the transition.

Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!