Mount Vernon · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mount Vernon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tax foreclosure surplus and new state law
The chair explained a recent legal change: when a foreclosed property sells for more than the owed taxes and costs, the surplus must go back to the former owner.
Tax Delinquency and In-Rem Foreclosure Process
The state changed the tax lien law, which had let lien purchasers skip notifying homeowners before declaring default. The city is now planning the 2025 tax lien sale and finishing its first foreclosure process since 2014, which will send a foreclosure list to the city council.
Property revaluation and tax certiorari costs
Mount Vernon hasn't done a citywide property revaluation since the 1960s. Homes sell for $800K-$1M while assessments stay outdated, and the city loses over $1.5 million a year fighting certiorari challenges — including $313,186 approved at this one meeting, mostly to LLCs. Both the Mayor and Comptroller say revaluation has to happen.
Lease of Franklin Avenue properties to Westchester County
The council approved leasing city-owned property at 230 and 240 Franklin Avenue to Westchester County.
Financial Disclosure Form Compliance
The Board of Ethics reviewed compliance rates for financial disclosure statements, noting that over 90 percent of required forms have been submitted by city officials and employees.