Announcements
Fireworks – Effective July 1, 2025
New legislation regarding the use of fireworks was signed by the governor with an effective date of July 1, 2025.
July 4th – Holiday Closure
City offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in celebration of Independence Day. Residents with Friday refuse and yard waste service will have pick-up on Saturday, July 5th. Otherwise, normal business hours resume Monday, July 7th at 7:00 a.m.
Please note that City Hall (213 First St NW) will remain open 24 hours throughout the holiday to serve as a cooling center, if there is excessive heat.
Smart Streetlights
Smart streetlights have been installed uptown which will begin operating 24/7 over the holiday weekend, pending necessary adjustments. The LED banners will remain off during this same time period. System adjustments will continue into next week, at which point the lights will return to a regular operating schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding while City staff and contractors work to optimize the system.
Uptown Streetscape Improvement Project
The City has initiated a Streetscape Master Plan project for Uptown Mount Vernon, IA. This plan will serve as a vision for the future design of Uptown for 1st Street from 3rd Avenue SW to B Avenue SE, as well as the adjoining North Alley area. Stay tuned for more information.
Our Town
Welcome to historic Mount Vernon, Iowa. Take a stroll through our lively uptown district filled with charming shops and boutiques. Dine at top-rated restaurants with local flair. And discover countless cultural treasures — from art galleries to historic sites, a farmer’s market, local and state parks, a landmark theater, and more.
Stay in the Know
Minute with the Mayor
April 2025
Uptown street lighting project is being worked on currently with the plan being to have the lights installed for Heritage Days.
Congratulations to the Bijou Theater for being awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile for an outdoor movie space.
Three more additions are coming this summer for the art trail, as well as a gateway arch.
Progress is being made on the pool renovation project with the new pool slides as the most visible new attraction. New and more deck chairs and picnic tables are coming soon with new bathrooms.
Public Works staff is planning an early summer install for pouring concrete for the Interurban Trail/Bryant Road as we work to develop this project to Irish Lane.
A new item at Chalk the Walk will be that Linn County Emergency Management having on display a new disaster preparation trailer. This will be available on Sunday to walk through and check out the new features.
Cottonwood Apartments is closer to summer opening and bringing 30 more households to Mt. Vernon.
Events to watch for:
Saturday April 26- Mt. Vernon Clean-up day and distribution of Home Energy Kits
May 2nd/5th-Chalk the Walk Weekend
July 11/12- Heritage Days
Have a question of City staff? Use the Contact tab on the City of Mt. Vernon web page or contact me at twieseler@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov. Welcome to spring!
