Mount Vernon Friends & Neighbors,
I wanted to take a moment to share a brief economic update for the City of Mount Vernon
Our Auditing firm has recently completed the city’s 2025 Audit. The city’s 2025 fiscal year ended with the city in a very strong financial position. Specifically, the city’s governmental funds reported combined funds balance ended at $2, 534,057 with a General Fund balance of $1,628,681, or 49% of total general fund expenditures. Our long term debt also reduced by $172,221 or 3%.
The 2025 fiscal year was one that the council decided to make some strategic infrastructure investments on the heels of the 5 day power outage the county endured. Specifically, we had major issues with our water intake system at Lake Cypress Springs and nearly lost supply during that power outage. We now have all new pumps, electrical systems and a backup generator where we didn’t have one prior. We also made significant investments in the wastewater treatment plant including a new backup generator as ours was not functional. It was a year with heavy investments, but targeted areas we deemed critically necessary.
On housing development, we met last week with a group of local investors and developers who are interested in building a new subdivision near the MVISD campus. This project could bring 20–30 affordable homes to our community—something we know Mount Vernon truly needs right now.
This was our third meeting with them, and I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making together. They already have property under contract, and we’ve been working through what it would take to bring water and wastewater service. We’ve also started conversations with our engineers about potential grants for streets and sidewalks, including the possibility of a sidewalk connecting the neighborhood to the schools.
It’s dangerous for our youth to have to walk on our streets to school. With any new developments we’re looking to have sidewalk access to the school wherever possible.
There’s still work to be done, but this is a meaningful step in the right direction for our town.
We also have some exciting movements on the commercial business side of things. A commercial electrical supply and service company is working on plans for the old feed store on Main Street. They’ve submitted a concept that keeps a historic look, which is important for our downtown. The Landmark & Historic Commissions will review these plans soon. If all moves forward, this will be a great addition and help enhance the look and feel of Main Street downtown.
Looking ahead as well, the owners of Dukes have shared their initial plans for a new travel center and restaurant across from Loves. That lot is badly in need of development and will look much nicer soon. The project is still in the design phase, but we’re hopeful to learn more about the construction timeline soon. As we’ve seen, Duke’s is a very nice travel stop and that is their intent for this new location that will allow passenger vehicle access and no semi traffic.
I know not all progress happens overnight, but I want you to know we’re working every day to bring thoughtful managed growth to Mount Vernon that keeps the character of our town while creating new opportunities for families and businesses.
Thank you and thank you for caring about this community as much as we do.
— Brad Hyman
Mayor, City of Mount Vernon