MOUNT VERNON — Commissioner Bob Wise called the meeting to order when the Knox County Commissioners and Mount Vernon City Council members met Monday evening for their semiannual meeting at the commissioners’ office.
First on the evening agenda was negotiating the jail contract for 2011. In looking at increases in past years, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis stated that considering a proposed increase of 4.5 percent is more than could be accounted for. “We know of issues. Cutbacks need to be made,” said Mavis.
City Councilwoman Nancy Vail suggested considering an increase of 1.5 or even 0 percent.
“We believe 2 percent is best and is what we’re willing to do right now,” said Commissioner Allen Stockberger, adding that the cost is for all county residents and not just city residents. Agreement was made for the 2011 increase to be at 2 percent. Council will draft legislation and vote on the increase.
