The City of Mount Vernon is in uncharted territory as it enters a new year without a budget in place. City lawmakers are playing the blame game, with many pointing fingers at outgoing Mayor Clinton Young, who in turn is blaming Mount Vernon Comptroller Maureen Walker. The city's charter does not say how the city will be run without a budget. City attorneys say they are looking at how to proceed. The current proposed budget includes a tax hike of just under 5 percent, and does not include layoffs. Mayor-elect Ernie Davis will have two weeks to vote on that budget after he takes office on Sunday.Mount Vernon City Council members ask for $5K raiseErnie Davis reclaims seat as Mount Vernon mayorWalker, Davis square off in Mt. Vernon mayoral debate