Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and the City of Mount Vernon are proud to announce a forward-thinking partnership that will see the City relocate its City Hall and related operations to a prominent building on Main Street currently owned by COTC.

With shifting demographics in Mount Vernon and Knox County and a growing preference for online learning, COTC has seen a decrease in the use of its physical classroom space in Mount Vernon. Recognizing the opportunity to better utilize its facilities, COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, has engaged the community in discussions about potential partnerships during recent town hall meetings.

At the same time, the City of Mount Vernon has been actively seeking a new, centrally located space for its municipal operations. The convergence of these needs has led to a collaborative solution: the City will occupy the lower level and first floor of the building located at 236 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, while COTC will continue to offer in-person classes and student services on the second floor.

“This partnership is a win-win for both the college and the community,” said Berry. “It allows COTC to maintain a strong presence in Knox County while supporting the City’s need for a modern, accessible facility in the heart of downtown. The proceeds from the transaction will be held at the Knox County Foundation dedicated to benefit the students from Knox County.”

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr echoed the sentiment: “The City has been actively exploring options to relocate administrative services. When the opportunity to partner with COTC emerged, it presented a fiscally responsible and mutually beneficial solution. While the City had been considering the Administration Building at Heartland Commerce Park, relocating to the COTC facility will provide tremendous savings and enable us to complete the move within this calendar year.

“The building already contains much of the necessary infrastructure to support City Hall operations. It is accessible, functional, and allows us to redirect resources toward other long-term priorities, such as advancing the East End fire station project sooner than anticipated. Additionally, this partnership strengthens natural collaboration between the City and COTC, opening the door for future student engagement and internship opportunities in public service.”

While the terms are still being finalized, the agreement is expected to take the form of a long-term lease, with plans for eventual transfer of ownership of the building from COTC to the City.

This partnership underscores both institutions’ commitment to serving the evolving needs of Mount Vernon and Knox County residents and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and effectively.