Mount Vernon to raise water and wastewater rates starting April 2026

Water and sewer rates will be going up in the city of Mount Vernon beginning in April 2026.

City Council approved Monday an ordinance authorizing a seven percent increase in both water and wastewater rates for city residents, as well as an 11 percent increase in the user charge. Rates will again raise by the same percentages the second quarter of both 2027 and 2028.

The increase will help fund the wastewater treatment plant upgrades that are mandated by the Ohio EPA, as well as help fund improvements to the water treatment plant in the future.

“We have really looked at how handle debt service and how to cover growth. Want put self in sustainable path but never be too much of financial burden on rate payers,” said Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers.

The city currently has a minimum charge of $24.95 each month for water usage up to 2,992 gallons and a $29.83 monthly charge for wastewater. Anything above the minimum usage will result in more charges.

Beginning with the second quarter of 2026, rates will increase to $26.70 for water and $33.12 for wastewater. There currently is a flat user charge of $7.46 each month, and that will increase to $8.28.

Salyers explained how Mount Vernon’s rates compared to neighboring cities, including Ashland and Mansfield.

Council also approved the purchase of 35 tasers for the Mount Vernon Police Department.

MVPD Chief Robert Morgan reported his office has applied for a Justice Administration Grant to help pay for the tasers, but they have not received word whether they will receive the grant. He said the tasers, purchased through Axon Enterprise Inc., will cost just under $150,000, which will be paid over a five-year period. Council has already approved enough money in the budget to pay the first payment.

Morgan said the tasers currently being used were purchased in 2014, and that parts and service for them are being discontinued.

In other news, Council:

•Approved the budget for 2026.

•Authorized the safety-service director to advertise for bids for the Mansfield Avenue/Cottage Street sanitary improvement project.

•Accepted the donation of land from the Knox County Land Reutilization Corp.

•Authorized the sale of seven vehicles from the MVPD through govdeals.com. The vehicles include a 1999 Chevy S10, 2012 Ford Focus, 2006 Chevy Trailblazer, 2006 Suzuki GSX, 2005 Chevy Malibu, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse and 2017 GMC Terrain.

•Approved the execution of a community reinvestment area between the city and Founders Grove LLC.

•Had first readings on an ordinance amending Chapter 187 of the codified ordinances and a resolution authorizing the city’s Ohio natural gas aggregation plan of operation and governance.

Palmer Energy will attend a committee meeting prior to the next council meeting. The meeting will be Monday, Dec. 22, at City Hall.