Mount Vernon, NY, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard says the city's police are using vans as patrol vehicle because "sector cars" are not available. (Photo: Fox 5 screen shot)
The city of Mount Vernon, NY, has declared a State of Emergency over what could be a looming safety and public health crisis, with everything from police to fire vehicles and garbage trucks being pulled out of service.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard says the blame lies with Comptroller Deborah Reynolds, who allegedly has not paid nearly $500K in equipment bills, leaving the city unable to repair its dilapidated cars and trucks.
"We have bills going back to September, October, November. For car parts, tires that she has not paid," Patterson-Howard said.
FOX 5 NY attempted to speak with the comptroller, but the Department of Finance was closed Friday. Emails and phone calls went unanswered.
