MV Mayor Loehr says city effected

By Lois Mittino Gray

“It just now came across this morning. We just received notification that Mutares SE & Co. just signed an agreement to acquire Saudi Basic Industries Corp., (SABIC) here in Mount Vernon. This will affect the city in a roundabout way and is a major local news event,” Mount Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr announced as the only item of New Business at the January 8, meeting of the Mount Vernon Board of Works.

Board members asked about the company’s location and were told it was from Germany. It is a regional Engineering Thermoplastics business now in the Americas and Europe that purchased the enterprise valued at $450 million. The deal represents the largest acquisition in its history and marks the launch of a new strategic segment, Chemical and Materials. “They just bought assets in Serbia-Croatia, too,” stated Water Superintendent Chuck Gray.

Under the Legals portion of the meeting, City Attorney Beth McFadin Higgins stated the first item is action on the bids for 2026 supplies. She explained there was only one bid turned in, for temporary labor, and there was no bid bond included in that, therefore, there were no valid bids at all. Anything that was advertised for bid is now able to be purchased on the open market at the best price.

A Resolution declaring certain personal property as surplus or worthless and authorizing the transfer, sale, or disposal of it passed by a roll call vote and was numbered 26-05. Board Member David Dodd was not present to cast his vote so the roll call was required. Another resolution authorizing early payment of claims when necessary passed unanimously by roll call vote and was numbered 26-06.

The final item was to designate a newspaper for Board of Public Works publications. Board member Andy Hoehn moved Posey County News be designated and it passed unanimously.

Clerk-Treasurer Cristi Sitzman added there is one more item that didn’t make it on the agenda, and that was to open quotes on the demolition of 903 West Fifth Street. There was only one to open and it was from Russell’s Excavating, accompanied by Certificate of Insurance, of $13,200. Higgins told Board members they are currently working with a private individual who may purchase the property and tear it down on their dime. “Hopefully, the sale will go through today,” she said optimistically. Hoehn moved they acknowledge the quote and take it under consideration until they know more and the motion carried.

In Department Reports:

--Mount Vernon Police Chief Justin Rutledge stated for the period from 12/11/2025 to 1/7/2026, there were 345 calls for service. Of those, 87 traffic stops were conducted and 14 traffic collisions investigated. There were 20 individuals arrested on 49 different charges including 24 drug charges, seven OWI, four traffic/license crimes, four theft, four battery, two warrants, one strangulation, one refusal to identify, one intimidation, and one disorderly conduct.

Rutledge concluded by stating Project Lifesaver has kicked off in conjunction with Posey County EMA and the Posey County Sheriff’s Office. This is something that has been in the works for a long time. Loehr asked who this project is specifically geared toward. Rutledge replied any folks that are prone to wander, primarily Alzheimer’s patients and kids with autism. “This is being used in several other communities, and it is a good program. It costs us very little and nothing for participants,” the Chief noted. Local resident Paula Rudibaugh asked how the program works. Rutledge replied the caregiver would call 911 if someone has gone missing. Participants have to have a 24/7 caregiver. This could also work in the nursing homes on their Alzheimer’s Units. Loehr asked how people sign up for the necessary equipment. Rutledge replied, “Call Posey County EMA to sign up.”

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Robert Wilson stated since the last meeting, there were 74 calls for service. This consisted of four structure fires, three fire alarms, five fire investigations, and two gas leaks. They ended 2025 with 3,186 hours of training.

In Community Service matters, his department went to the Mount Vernon Junior High School and talked to eighth grade students about careers in the fire service, as well as emergency services as a whole. They also helped prepare food and gifts for local families in need during the holidays. Members of his department went to Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehab and passed out candy to the residents with Santa and the Grinch, along with Black Township Fire & Rescue. “Our new fire pup costume has arrived and very soon Fire Pup will be visiting the elementary schools,” he said with a smile. Energetic volunteer Anthony Doty is already amped up to be the pup and has tried on the special costume with its interior air-cooled fans for him.

Wilson concluded his report by stating the following response times on the four structure fires were 1:49, 3:50, 3:14, and 3:32 minutes. The 3:14 fire was actually at the home of one of his firefighters who was on duty at the time. “That’s my House!” he exclaimed upon hearing his own address on the radio.

Gray stated they have used the VacCon to clean 7,600 feet of sewer main, and Curtis Prater will have a more detailed report at the next meeting. The force main was pressure tested yesterday and passed. This project is taking longer than expected as they keep finding lines that weren’t marked. Rudibaugh asked the advantage to the new system. Gray replied they have a combination gravity flow and force main system now. Flow is pushed to the Water Street Lift Station and then on to the plant from there. Last year they had to put in a new, larger lift station at Water Street and expand the force main to the plant in order to accommodate more flow for major users, such as Astra Zeneca and possible new users on the east side of town.

Assistant Street Commissioner Jim Miller reported, since the last meeting, there were 39 extra trash pickups generating $2,040, and limb removal fees generating $150. There were nine trash violation letters sent to homeowners for their property being in violation for trash.

Code Enforcement Officer Clay Clifford stated for the period of 12/11/25 – 1/7/26, there were no tall grass and weeds cases opened or closed, and no work orders were issued. There were 10 abandoned vehicle cases opened, six closed and zero towed. There were no Area Plan Cases opened, or closed, and none forwarded. He concluded by stating there were 39 animal calls, which is quite high as it is both city and county. He will no longer be handling any of the county animal calls as County Animal Control Officer Chuck Mobley is back on the job, so there will be more time to work on code violations.