City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
AMENDMENT OF THE CITY CHARTER
REGARDING THE BUDGET SCHEDULE
Whereas, in correspondence dated August 22, 2025, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard formally requested authorization to amend the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon to establish a revised budget schedule and procedures, to read as outlined below; and
Whereas, the Mayor's Office and the Department of Finance have collaborated to improve the City's budget process to better define roles and timelines for each area of government; and
Whereas, historically, there has been reluctance to release a draft budget due to initial estimates reflecting significantly higher tax rates than those ultimately adopted, thereby limiting early review and meaningful feedback; and
Whereas, the introduction of a Draft Annual Estimate ("DAE") as a working document will provide the Board of Estimate and Contract (BOE), the Comptroller, and the City Council with greater opportunity to review, comment, and provide recommendations before formal adoption; and
Whereas, the City Council finds it in the best interest of the residents of Mount Vernon to amend the City Charter to reflect a more transparent, inclusive, and timely budget process beginning with the fiscal year 2026; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Amendment to the Charter. The Charter of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby amended to establish a revised budget schedule and procedures, to read as follows:
Section 2. Budget Schedule.
August 31 - All Department Heads shall submit budget proposals to the Mayor's Office.
1. First Regularly Scheduled September BOE Meeting. The Mayor shall submit a Draft Annual Estimate ("DAE") to the Board of Estimate and Contract (BOE) no later than the first regularly scheduled meeting in September (September 16th).
o The DAE s...
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