MOUNT VERNON — The Mt. Vernon City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget during its regular meeting Monday night.

City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel told the council and audience budget includes $53 million in various projects, including $450,000 on body cam equipment for the Police Department.

Bechtel also pointed to a $469 –thousand dollar grant-funded project to install new playground equipment and pickleball courts at Veterans Park.

The council also approved an increase in sanitation and sewer rates. Trash pickup will go up $1.50 to $23 a month and sewer rates will increase by five percent.

The council received an update on the construction of a new police department. The completion date has been moved forward approximately one week to June 30.

It’s expected the City will hold a dedication on July 7 and an open house on July 8. Police administrators expect to be operational in the new building on July 10.