Mount Vernon — like many cities across New York State — is wrestling with rising costs, shrinking revenue, and tough decisions about how to fund essential services. At the center of community debate is a proposed increase in property taxes and other local levies that could affect nearly every homeowner in the city and talk that Mount Vernon is on the brink of bankruptcy!
Mount Vernon is facing recent and proposed tax hikes, primarily property tax increases for the 2025-2026 budget, with the City Council approving a 3.5% increase after residents pushed back on a higher initial proposal, while the School District also approved a 3.3% rise, driven by union contracts and rising expenses, though residents remain concerned about affordability, especially seniors.
Mount Vernon residents voiced frustration Monday, December 1st, over a proposed property tax increase for 2026. The mayor’s draft budget proposes a 6.09% increase, compared to last year’s 3.6% rise, News 12 reported. Officials said the money is needed to cover added expenses, including $4 million tied to union contract obligations.
Why the Increase?
The city says higher taxes are needed to cover growing expenses, including union contract obligations and fixed costs that have outpaced revenue. Leaders have clarified that the numbers in the draft budget are not yet finalized, and that revisions and negotiations in the coming months could change the final tax rate.
Mount Vernon’s financial picture reflects broader pressures affecting many municipalities:
- Rising city operating costs, including pensions, health benefits, and labor agreements.
- Outstanding unpaid taxes and budget stress — auditors have reported millions in unpaid obligations and gaps between expenses and expected revenues. Westfair Online
- Public services that residents rely on — such as police, fire, sanitation, and street repairs — still must be funded even as other revenue streams stagnate.
In a November 7th letter, Comptroller Darren Morton spelled out these growing expenses. This year, the City faced more pressure than usual because we had to pay over $11 million for obligations from prior years and advance payments that will be reimbursed later. These included:
- $3.2 million in advance payments for capital projects awaiting State and Federal
reimbursement. - $3.9 million in old school taxes (2018-19),
- $1.6 million in unpaid 2021 health benefit costs,
- $1.7 million in 2019 IRS payroll obligations
Comptroller Morton discussed Mt Vernon’s Financial Future on the Sunday, November 23, 2025, episode of Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show. Also, check out his November 20, 2025, Town Hall Meeting if you missed it!
City officials have also used short-term financing tools (like tax anticipation notes) to bridge timing gaps without increasing debt long-term — but these maneuvers don’t eliminate underlying fiscal pressures.
What the Tax Hike Would Mean for Residents
For Homeowners
The most visible impact will be on property tax bills:
- A 6% rise in the city tax levy typically translates into higher annual payments on your home — for a $500,000 assessed value, that could mean several hundred dollars more per year.
- If the city moves forward with the proposal, every property owner could see an increase unless exemptions apply.
This is especially sensitive for:
- Fixed-income seniors
- Working-class families
- Those already feeling the pinch of higher living costs
Homeowners have also been complaining about the proposed a $250 fire inspection fee, and sources report that:
- Judges will grant warrants for forced entry,
- Inspectors will cite properties aggressively,
- And violations will be used to push owners into financial collapse.
Black Westchester has also been contacted by residents expressing their concerns over a proposed rubbish tax. While this has been proposed city officials tell BW this has not been approved. Just the proposal of this additional tax have many residents up in arms.
For Renters
Renters do not pay property taxes directly — but landlords often consider tax costs when setting rent, so some of the increase could get passed on indirectly.
For Prospective Buyers
A separate state law now authorizes Mount Vernon to increase its real property deed conveyance tax (the tax paid when property is sold), up to 1.5%. This new authority gives the city another revenue source, but also raises closing costs for buyers and sellers.
Community Response So Far
Public reaction has been strong:
- Residents voiced frustration at budget hearings, saying rising everyday costs make this the wrong time for higher taxes. News 12
- Past proposals for school district tax levy increases also sparked concerns from families who felt rates were already high. News 12
- Some grassroots calls have urged residents to appeal tax assessments en masse or protest proposed hikes at public forums.
Are There Any Tax Relief Options?
Yes — at the state level:
New York recently expanded the maximum property tax exemption available to eligible seniors from 50% to 65% of assessed value. This could provide meaningful relief for older homeowners living on fixed incomes, if the city elects to adopt the new exemption locally. 101.5 WPDH
Local governments still decide whether to implement the expanded exemption, and under what income thresholds, so Mount Vernon residents should watch for announcements from the assessor’s office.
What Happens Next?
The proposed tax changes are drafts, not set in stone. In the coming weeks and months:
- The city’s estimate board and city council will continue budget discussions.
- Officials may revise tax rates before the final budget vote.
- Residents can attend meetings, submit feedback, and petition local officials before final approval.
Bottom Line for Residents
A proposed tax hike in Mount Vernon reflects real fiscal challenges — rising costs, service demands, and limited revenue growth. But the exact impact will depend on final decisions made over the next budget cycle, including exemptions and possible offsets. For many households, especially seniors and homeowners in tighter financial positions, even a modest increase could require budget adjustments.
This is on top of the Mount Vernon City School Board adopting a $272,206,615 budget for the 2025–26 school year and transmitted the required property tax report card to the state, approving a 3.3% increase in the district tax levy that Superintendent’s office staff said would fund contract settlements and preserve programs.
Black Westchester recommends that residents stay informed and involved in ALL local hearings and meetings, like the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16th at 6-8pm as it will give residents the best chance to influence how these tax policies are shaped and applied.
Residents are planning a rally in front of City Hall ahead of the December 16th City Council meeting.
Also check out the 2026 Proposed Annual Estimate, below, so you can be informed
2026 Proposed Annual Estimate by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE
Also check out Mount Vernon’s Budget Crisis — When Government Prospers and the People Don’t by Damon K. Jones
People don’t start paying attention to things like this until things like this happen. Greedy teachers unions drive up property taxes and all you get are underperforming schools. All the other unions are complicit also. Everyone needs to start paying attention to what these politicians are promising for your vote. Eventually the promises become unsustainable and then people get mad because they voted for it and there’s no money left to support it and taxes have to be raised. Alternatively, bankruptcy is not always a bad thing. It makes people think long and hard about what’s necessary and what’s not.
Good luck Mt. Vernon
Not surprised. The Mayor gave herself a 40% raise so she can make what New Rochelle makes. Meanwhile, New Rochelle isn’t raising taxes at all 🤷♀️ Shawyn is the definition of incompetent leadership. She received $41 million in federal rescue money. She squandered that on pricey vehicle leases, money 💰 for the Comptroller’s organization, etc.) Thankfully, federal, state, and County officials have been contacted regarding her financially irresponsible behavior. Shawyn will be removed and held accountable for the harm she is causing residents. She gave her campaign donor a 30 year tax discount 😵💫 That’s why she has to keep bleeding homeowners dry with ludicrous fees 😳