The Mount Vernon City Council approved a 4.5% salary increase for personnel in non-union positions.

The increase is set to start on the 2025-2026 fiscal year on July 1.

The exception to these salary rises is Mount Vernon city administrator Nosbisch, as the council has approved increases to his salary to be more in line with a city of Mount Vernon’s size beginning in 2023.

New per diem travel policy

Mount Vernon city administrator Chris Nosbisch brought in this audit item to give government officials and employees $75 per diem a day when traveling.

This came after the council limited the amount of credit cards issued to its staff, switching to a per diem amount before they would take off.

“If they use a credit card they still have to bring the receipts in, Nosbisch said. “But the per diem takes the place of that process and what they spend at that point.”

Approval for purchase of chalk for Chalk the Walk Festival

The city council approved the spending of up to $4,100 on chalk for the annual Chalk the Walk Festival.

“We sell the chalk at the event to make up the cost,” Nosbisch said.

The city orders the chalk from Iron Leaf Press, with Danielle Chargo as the representative.

“We are no longer able to purchase bulk,” Nosbisch said. “This is the second year she has basically been our vendor.”

“Huge shoutout to her, and thank you.”

Chalk the Walk takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 3 and 4 and is held on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

Date made for proposed tax levy rate meetings

A date and time have been established for the public hearing regarding the city’s proposed property tax levy.

This 30-minute event, which will take place on April 7 at 6:00 p.m., is open to all Mount Vernon taxpayers.