Mt. Vernon to participate in low-income water assistance

Parks and Recreation stalwart supervisor Ford recognized for 20-plus years on job with city of Mt. Vernon
 
Mt. Vernon residents who are having trouble making ends meet will be able to get assistance from the state to help pay for some of their utility bills. The Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen voted during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 12, to participate in the Missouri Department of Social Services’s new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
In the LIHWP, households that meet certain requirements can receive up to $750 between November and September to help with issues such as past due or current water/wastewater bills and reconnecting disconnected utilities. Eligibility requirements include: United States citizenship or legal admittance for permanent residency, responsibility for paying utilities in the home, having $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments, and meeting certain income requirements. More info is available at www.mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance.

Ordinances passed
The board also passed two ordinances during their meeting. The first ordinance amended the city’s policy regarding the hours of operation and sales of intoxicating liquor for consumption off premises. The ordinance was amended to reflect a change in state law.
The second ordinance approved the final plat of the Round Edge Subdivision. The Round Edge Subdivision is owned by the Round Edge LLC and contains 12 acres of land.

In other business
In the early moments of the meeting, Geoff Ford, Parks and Recreation supervisor, was recognized for his years of service to the city. Mayor Jason Haymes presented Ford with a jacket, signifying over two decades of service. Ford has worked for the city for 21 years.
During his report, City Administrator Max Springer told the board that the city had suffered two incidents of vandalism. In the first incident, someone cut off the catalytic converter from one of the city’s taxis while it was at Hills Automotive; catalytic convertors are sometimes stolen from vehicles for the precious metals they contain. Springer told the board it would cost $700 to replace the catalytic convertor which was stolen.
The second incident of vandalism, Springer reported, took place at the new Spirit of ’76 bathrooms. Springer reported that someone had been vandalizing the bathrooms, mainly by unrolling toilet paper rolls and emptying soap dispensers.