AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH MERCY UNIVERSITY TO
EXTEND THE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE PERIOD FOR
THE MOUNT VERNON FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
CENTER THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026
Whereas, in correspondence dated September 1, 2026, the Department of Planning and Community Development formally requested authorization for the Mayor to execute, on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, a Second Amendment to the Service Agreement with Mercy University for the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center, substantially in the form submitted to and reviewed by the City Council, for the purpose of extending the program performance period through December 31, 2026; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon, in partnership with Westchester County, established the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center (“MVFEC”) to provide residents with access to professional financial counseling and other financial empowerment services; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon entered into a Service Agreement with Mercy University in February 2024 for the provision of services in connection with the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center; and
Whereas, the MVFEC officially launched services in December 2024; and
Whereas, the commencement of services occurred several months later than the initial contract start date due to the time required for staff hiring, onboarding, and training; and
Whereas, as a result of the delayed commencement of program services, staffing expenditures were incurred later than initially projected, thereby creating sufficient availability within the previously approved contract budget to permit an extension of the program performance period; and
Whereas, the City has determined that extending the program performance period will permit Mercy University to continue providing financial empowerment services through the MVFEC and maximize the use of funds previously appropriated for the program; and
Whereas, the proposed extension...
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