City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO RETROACTIVELY ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE WESTCHESTER
COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU FOR FUNDING
OF THE SAFE HAVEN, YOUTH
EMPOWERMENT, AND STEP UP PROGRAMS
Whereas, in correspondence dated March 23, 2026, the Executive Director of the Youth Bureau formally requested authorization for the Mayor to retroactively enter into an agreement with the Westchester County Youth Bureau to accept funding in the amount of $150,718.00 for the Safe Haven, Youth Empowerment, and Step Up Programs for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon, through its Youth Bureau, provides essential programming and services to support the development and well-being of youth within the community; and
Whereas, the Westchester County Youth Bureau has awarded the City of Mount Vernon funding in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Seven Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($150,718.00) to support the Safe Haven, Youth Empowerment, and Step Up Programs; and
Whereas, said funding is provided as a reimbursable grant for the program period commencing January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026; and
Whereas, the purpose of these programs is to equip youth ages 6 through 20 with character development, experiential learning opportunities, academic enrichment, leadership skills, hands-on work experience, and civic engagement activities that build core competencies and foster positive maturation; and
Whereas, these programs specifically target youth residing in the City of Mount Vernon who are in need of social, physical, mental, and emotional support; and
Whereas, the grant requires no matching funds from the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, funds received under this grant shall be deposited into revenue code A2229.8 and appropriated in the following budget codes:
• Safe Haven: A7336 (101, 104, 402, 458, and 467)
• Youth Empowerment: A7319.104
• Step Up: A7336 (101, 104, 402, 458, and 467); and
Whereas, the award letter dated January 21, 2026, was transmitted to the Executive Director on March 10, 2026; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon to accept said funding and authorize the execution of the necessary agreement.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby authorized and directed to retroactively enter into an agreement with the Westchester County Youth Bureau to accept funding in the amount of $150,718.00 for the Safe Haven, Youth Empowerment, and Step Up Programs for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Section 2. Purpose of Funds. The funds shall be used to support youth development initiatives, including but not limited to character building, academic enrichment, leadership development, workforce experience, and civic engagement activities for eligible youth ages 6 through 20 residing in the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 3. Budgetary Provisions. The Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2026 Budget to reflect the receipt and expenditure of these funds as follows:
• Revenue Code: A2229.8
• Appropriations:
o Safe Haven: A7336 (101, 104, 402, 458, and 467)
o Youth Empowerment: A7319.104
o Step Up: A7336 (101, 104, 402, 458, and 467)
Section 4. Reimbursable Grant. This funding is a reimbursable grant and does not require any matching funds from the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 5. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.