Mount Vernon residents could soon see an increase in taxes. The 2025 city budget is proposing a nearly 5% tax increase. Residents expressed several concerns about this at Tuesday's open discussion meeting. Some said it could cause them to leave Mount Vernon. "Taxes in Mount Vernon are growing to an exponential point. It's becoming more and more difficult for those of us who are senior citizens," says Jamie Hubert, a resident. About 30 people went to the open discussion with the mayor about the budget.

"That would make me want to move out of Mount Vernon with my family and my two kids. I pay a lot of taxes," says Jason Samuels, a resident. Officials say this tax hike could happen because of several reasons, including an increase in the state health insurance plan for 2025. "With $3.2 million in increased expenses that we don't control and $1.8 million taken out of revenue, that's a $5 million shift," says Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. City officials say they are looking to eliminate 17 city jobs, totaling about $1.4 million in positions. There will be another opportunity to give input on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the city council chambers.