Boards & Commissions

Overview

The 911 Board oversees the administration and operation of the emergency communications system serving the City of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County. The Board helps ensure reliable, efficient coordination of 911 services to support public safety agencies and provide timely emergency response for residents and visitors.

Membership

The Board consists of seven members who each serve three-year terms.

• Three members representing the City of Mt. Vernon
• Three members representing Jefferson County
• One at-large member, with appointment alternating between the City of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County

Meetings

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Overview

The Mt. Vernon Airport Authority oversees the operation, maintenance, and development of the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. The Authority ensures the airport continues to provide safe, efficient, and accessible aviation services for residents, visitors, and businesses in the region. The Airport Authority Commission was established in 1955.

Membership

The Commission consists of five members who each serve five-year terms.

• Three members appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• Two members appointed by the Jefferson County Board.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, 100 Aviation Drive, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.

For more information, visit mtvernonairport.com or call 618-242-7016.

Overview

The City Housing Authority Commission’s mission is to provide the opportunity for decent, safe, and affordable housing that meets the needs of residents within the city.

Membership

The Commission consists of five members who each serve five-year terms.

• All members appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at Mt. Vernon Housing Authority, 4217 Rose Lane, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.

For more information, visit the Housing Authority City of Mt. Vernon website.

Overview

The Fire and Police Commission oversees the hiring and promotion processes within the Mt. Vernon Police and Fire Departments. The Commission ensures fair and transparent testing, selection, and disciplinary procedures in accordance with state law and city regulations.
Established in 1952, the Commission continues to uphold professional standards and support the integrity of Mt. Vernon’s public safety services.

Membership

The Commission consists of five members who each serve three-year terms.

• All members appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.

Meetings

Meetings are held as needed at the Mt. Vernon Police Department, 600 S 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Overview

The Fire Pension Board administers the pension fund for qualified members of the Mt. Vernon Fire Department. The Board ensures proper management of the fund, oversees benefit payments, and complies with all applicable state pension regulations. The Board was established to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible firefighters and their beneficiaries.

Membership

The Commission consists of five members who each serve three-year terms.

• Two active firefighters and one retired firefighter are elected by the beneficiaries of the fund.
• Two members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• The City Treasurer serves as an ex officio member.

Meetings

Meetings are held at quarterly on the third Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Overview

The Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission advises and consults with City officials on matters involving prejudice or discrimination and recommends corrective actions as deemed appropriate. The Commission was established in 1994 and consists of members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.

Membership

The Commission consists of thirteen members serving three-year terms.

• All members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of January, May, August, and November at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Overview

The Park Board serves in an advisory capacity to the City Manager and City Council regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of the City’s parks, recreation areas, and public grounds.

Membership

The Board consists of seven members who each serve three-year terms.

• All members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice of the City Council.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at Veterans Park in the Rolland Lewis Community Building, 800 South 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

For more information, contact the Mt. Vernon Parks and Recreation Office at 618-242-6890.

Overview

The Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for administering and enforcing the City’s zoning regulations. The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters such as subdivisions, annexations, conditional uses, and other ordinances related to zoning and land use.

Membership

The Commission consists of five members who each serve a five-year term.

• All members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• Must be a resident of the City of Mt. Vernon.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Meetings may be canceled if there is no business to discuss.

Overview

The Police Pension Board oversees, manages, and authorizes expenditures from the City’s Police Pension Fund. The Board was established to ensure the proper administration of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for eligible police officers and their beneficiaries.

Membership

The Board consists of five members who each serve two-year terms.

• Three members elected by the beneficiaries of the fund—two active members and one retired member.
• Two members appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• The City Treasurer serves as an ex officio member.

Meetings

Meetings are held quarterly at the Mt. Vernon Police Department, 600 S. 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Overview

The Rend Lake Conservancy District manages a variety of utility and government functions around Rend Lake, including water conservation, water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recreation, land management, tourism, and economic development. The District is a multi-county regional government organized under the Illinois River Conservancy Act.

Membership

The Board of Trustees consists of seven members appointed by municipal and county governments within the district. Each trustee serves a five-year term.

• Two appointed by the Jefferson County Board
• One appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council
• One appointed by the City of Benton
• One appointed by the City of West Frankfort
• Two appointed by the Franklin County Board

Meetings

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month at the Rend Lake Conservancy District Administrative Office, 11231 Marcum Branch Road, Benton, Illinois.

For more information, visit the Rend Lake Conservancy District website or call 618-439-4321.

Overview

The Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Board reviews applications and funding requests for projects within the Downtown TIF District. When the Board approves a project, it forwards a recommendation to the Mt. Vernon City Council, which makes the final funding decision.

Membership

The Board consists of five members who each serve a three-year term.

• All members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council. 

Meetings

Meetings are held quarterly or as needed.

Overview

The Tourism Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the City Manager and City Council regarding the expenditure of tourism funds and the operation of the Tourism Department.

Membership

The Board consists of nine members who each member serve a three-year term.

• Six members are appointed by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• Three non-voting ex officio members also serve on the Board: the Mayor of Mt. Vernon, the Chairman of the Jefferson County Board, and the President of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.