Jefferson County, IL - 2003 Community Profile

A key factor in the success of any community or county is cooperation between city and county officials and employees. This cooperation is a key feature of government in Jefferson County. Working with a vision for the future, members of the city and county governments work together, constantly improving the quality of life for residents. Projects like the Animal Shelter, County Jail and several road projects are shared between the city and county governments. This teamwork is also reflected in the city’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) Council, which consists of five city council members; the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce President; the Chair of the Jefferson County Board; the State Senator of Illinois’ 54th District; and the State Representative of the 107th District. This ensures communication and cooperation from all facets of the county’s political leadership.

Another key component to the success of the EDC are Interstates 64 and 57.

In the 1990s the city of Mt. Vernon assumed funding for both economic development and tourism. Relocating EDC, Tourism and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce near the interstates has proven to be a savvy and successful decision for everyone concerned. In 2002, the Convention and Visitors Bureau began a tourism program, located in the Muni-West Building. Interstates 64 and 57 have brown visitor signs which indicate that tourist information is available in Mt. Vernon. Since the program began, tourism in the city has increased over 50 percent. Of significant benefit to the city is the increased number of visitors, who have access to information about the community seven days a week.

The city and county are also putting major emphasis on juvenile crime prevention. The city’s newest effort is a federally funded program by the Office of Juvenile Justice, called Project New Path. The ultimate goal of Project New Path is to reduce juvenile offenses in Mt. Vernon by mobilizing new and existing community resources. Project New Path members work with school representatives, the judicial system, Mt. Vernon residents, the Mt. Vernon Police Department, social services agencies, existing neighborhood crime watches, community assistance agencies, businesses and other community representatives to develop alternative opportunities for high-risk youth.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department has expanded its services, adding departments for Criminal Investigation, Narcotics, a K-9 unit, Community Relations, Crime Prevention, Traffic and Bike Patrol. The Sheriff’s Department has 23 full-time officers. Numerous community-outreach programs have been established to promote safety and neighborhood involvement, with such programs as 10 new Crime Watch organizations throughout the county and city.

The Mt. Vernon Fire Department maintains an ISO insurance rating that is the best of any community south of Springfield, Illinois. The 32 professional firefighters, many trained in hazardous materials, emergencies and paramedics, provide the highest level of protection for our citizens.