City council approves purchase of 400 Visa gift cards to support public-safety camera program

Mount Vernon's City Council unanimously approved an amendment on Dec. 27 authorizing the purchase of 400 Visa gift cards to support the city's public-safety camera program.

Councilman Thompson introduced the amendment, saying, "Department of Public Safety and amendment authorizing the purchase of 400 Visa gift cards to support the public safety camera program to enhance community safety and crime prevention." Thompson moved the measure; a second was recorded and the clerk conducted a roll call. Councilman Boxhill, Councilman Thompson and Council President Gleeson each voted Aye, carrying the motion.

On the question, the presiding official clarified the current action changes the vendor for a previously authorized purchase. The official noted the purchase had been authorized at the Dec. 11 meeting; the clerk confirmed the earlier authorization during the roll-call exchange.

The council did not record additional debate about the cards' distribution logistics or a vendor name in the meeting transcript. The amendment was presented as a straightforward procurement authorization tied to the public-safety camera program.

The council proceeded to a separate finance item after the vote.