Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public the right to access records and documents held by the City of Mt. Vernon. Under this law, the City must provide requested records unless a legal exemption applies.

Before you submit a request

Many commonly requested documents—such as audits or meeting minutes—are already available on our website. Please check the relevant pages before submitting a formal FOIA request.

Information about the City’s organization, departments, workforce, offices, budget, and advisory bodies is available below.

Information about the City

The City of Mt. Vernon is a municipal government organized under the laws of the State of Illinois. The City’s purpose is to provide essential public services, maintain public infrastructure, enforce local ordinances, and support the health, safety, and general well-being of the community.

Mt. Vernon operates under a Mayor–Council form of government. Elected officials establish local policies and priorities, while City administration and staff manage day-to-day operations. City departments work together to deliver services such as public safety, public works, utilities, community development, and administrative support for residents.

City Departments & Workforce

The City of Mt. Vernon employs approximately 147 full-time and part-time employees. This total does not include the Mayor or members of the City Council.

Employee numbers may increase seasonally due to temporary or part-time staffing needs, such as operations at the Aquatic Zoo and additional personnel for nuisance mowing and other seasonal services.

City departments carry out day-to-day services and programs for the community. These departments include, but are not limited to the departments shown on the organizational chart below.

Operating Budget

The City of Mt. Vernon’s total operating budget is available on the Annual Budget page, which includes adopted budgets and related financial information.

City Offices and Facilities

The City of Mt. Vernon operates from six primary office and facility locations throughout the community.

City Hall
1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Houses Human Resources, City Clerk, Mayor, City Manager, Finance, Utility Billing, and Engineering & Inspections.
Tourism Office
123 S. 10th Street, Suite 503, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Public Works and Fleet Services Facility
1201 Casey Avenue, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Parks Office
800 S. 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Police Department
600 S. 27th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Fire Department Facilities
The City operates three fire stations located throughout Mt. Vernon.

Advisory Bodies

The City of Mt. Vernon utilizes advisory boards and commissions to provide recommendations and guidance on specific issues and programs. These bodies support the decision-making process of the Mayor and City Council.

A list of the City’s boards and commissions, including their purpose and membership information, is available on the Boards and Commissions page.

How to submit a request

You may submit a request using the City's FOIA Request Form. The form can be submitted in person, by email, or by mail to:

FOIA Officer
Becky Barbour, City Clerk
Mt. Vernon City Hall
1100 Main Street, PO Box 1708
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
cityclerk@mtvernon.com
Phone: 618-242-6815

Fees for Copies

Electronic copies: Sent at no cost
Black and white copies (letter or legal size): First 50 pages free; additional pages $0.15 per page
Color or oversized copies: Charged at actual cost
USB Drive: $10.00 per USB Drive