Some Mount Vernon residents tell News12 they plan to hold a rally in front of City Hall before tonight's scheduled city council public hearing.

The mayor's 2026 budget calls for a 6.09% property tax hike compared to last year's 3.6% increase. This comes as Westchester County property taxes are going up, although not as much as County Executive Ken Jenkins first proposed in his budget.

The county board of legislators reduced the recommended tax increase from 5.27% to 3.7%. Mount Vernon city officials say their increase is needed to help pay for added expenses, such as $4 million tied to union contract obligations. City leaders say the numbers are not final just yet.

Tonight's meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.