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Title:
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Office of the Mayor: An Ordinance Authorizing the Amendment of the City Charter Regarding the City's Budget Cycle Schedule
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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 shall serve as a working document only and shall not be subject to BOE vote.
o The DAE shall be referred to the Comptroller and to the City Council President, who shall transmit it to the Finance and Planning Committee for review.
2. October 15
o The Comptroller shall issue public statements regarding the City's reserves, health and dental insurance costs, retirement/pension costs, delinquent school tax reserves, and any other items necessary for the estimate.
o The Comptroller and the City Council Finance Committee shall submit written comments and recommendations on the DAE by this date.
3. Last Regularly Scheduled October BOE Meeting. The Proposed Annual Estimate shall be presented to the BOE.
o The BOE shall set the date for the required public hearing at this meeting.
o Public notice of the hearing shall be issued by the next business day.
o The public hearing shall be held no later than November 19.
4. November 23. No later than this date, the BOE shall vote on and adopt the Proposed Annual Estimate and refer it to the City Council.
5. December 5. The City Council shall establish and hold a public hearing on the Proposed Annual Estimate on the next available business day.
6. Within Seven (7) Calendar Days Following the City Council Public Hearing. The City Council shall vote to adopt the Final Annual Budget.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance, together with its amendments to the City Charter, shall take effect upon adoption by the City Council and approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract, and shall apply beginning with the preparation and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and for all subsequent fiscal years.
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