Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that a resolution adopted by the City Council on November 12, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on November 13, 2025, authorizing the Mounting of a Portrait of Former Comptroller Maureen Walker in City Hall - (costs associated with the installation of the portrait shall not exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) and shall be charged to Budget Line A1315.203 - Equipment); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
INSTALLATION OF A PORTRAIT OF FORMER
COMPTROLLER MAUREEN WALKER IN CITY HALL
Whereas, by correspondence dated October 30, 2025, the Comptroller formally requested authorization to install a portrait of Former Comptroller Maureen Walker in City Hall, in the corridor outside the Finance Department on the Ground Floor; and
Whereas, Maureen Walker honorably served the City of Mount Vernon as Comptroller for twenty-four (24) years, across six consecutive terms from 1994 to 2017, and holds the historic distinction of being the first person of African descent-specifically of Caribbean heritage-and the first woman to serve in this elected role; and
Whereas, during her tenure, Ms. Walker demonstrated exceptional fiscal leadership, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the City’s residents, ensuring that the City of Mount Vernon maintained financial stability, achieved consistent budget surpluses, and earned multiple Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting; and
Whereas, as Comptroller, Ms. Walker oversaw the City’s Finance and Payroll Departments, managed the municipal budget, insurance, tax collection, real estate, and capital financing, and served on key governing and development bodies including the Board of Estimate, the Mount Vernon Renewal Agency, the Industrial Development Agency, and the Capital Projects Board; and
Whereas, beyond her municipal service, Ms. Walker has contributed extensively to academia as an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Accounting at Iona College and has been an active member of professional organizations such as the New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Westchester Municipal Finance Association; and
Whereas, Ms. Walker’s lifelong advocacy for education, youth development, and community empowerment-through mentorship and service to organizations such as Junior Achievement of Hudson Valley, the Mount Vernon Business and Professional Women’s Club, and numerous civic and faith-based groups-has earned her over twenty community and professional awards, including citations from the U.S. Congress and various civic and healthcare institutions; and
Whereas, it is both fitting and proper that the City of Mount Vernon recognize and honor Former Comptroller Maureen Walker for her exemplary and trailblazing public service through the installation of her portrait in City Hall; and
Whereas, the proposed portrait will be installed on the Ground Floor of City Hall, outside of the Finance Department, where Ms. Walker diligently served the people of Mount Vernon for nearly a quarter century; and
Whereas, the cost associated with the installation of the portrait shall not exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), to be charged to Budget Line A1315.203 - Equipment; and
Whereas, the Comptroller’s Office shall coordinate with Former Comptroller Walker regarding the donation and installation of the portrait in accordance with established City protocols.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, in regular session duly convened, as follows:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the installation of a portrait of Former Comptroller Maureen Walker in City Hall, outside of the Finance Department on the Ground Floor.
Section 2. Coordination and Oversight. The Office of the Comptroller shall coordinate with Former Comptroller Maureen Walker to arrange for the donation and placement of the portrait and shall oversee its installation in accordance with City policies and procedures.
Section 3. Funding. The total cost associated with the installation of the portrait shall not exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) and shall be charged to Budget Line A1315.203 - Equipment.
Section 4. Recognition and Intent. The placement of this portrait shall serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary public service, leadership, and pioneering contributions of Former Comptroller Maureen Walker to the City of Mount Vernon and its residents.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.