Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: Harvey is facing a crisis as Mayor Eric Kellogg threatens to lay off nearly half of the town's police force and other essential workers, deepening a political conflict that has exposed long-standing issues of corruption, financial instability, and lack of transparency. The mayor’s administration has informed union leaders that layoffs are imminent for employees in the police, fire, public works, and water departments. For months, Kellogg has been at odds with a majority of City Council members who are pushing for greater accountability. According to the Tribune, the town has lost millions in taxpayer money through questionable deals, including one that has led to an ongoing FBI investigation. The council members argue that without proper oversight, they cannot ensure that public funds are used responsibly. Under state law, Harvey must pass an ordinance by December 29 that tells the county clerk how much to levy in property taxes — the main source of revenue for the city. If this isn’t done, the town could lose most of its budget. However, four of the six council members have refused to approve any financial measures, including the tax levy, until the mayor agrees to establish oversight committees they previously approved. "It's not the city’s money — it's the taxpayers’ money," said Alderman Christopher Clark, one of the four council members opposing the mayor. "We represent the taxpayers. Passing the levy without knowing where the money will go, especially after years of questionable spending, would be irresponsible." Kellogg has accused the council members of obstructionism, claiming their actions are putting the town on the brink of financial collapse. His spokesperson, Sean Howard, stated that if the levy isn't approved, the town will be forced to cut services, potentially reducing police officers from 72 to 36 and firefighters from 40 to 20. "The mayor supports the levy and doesn’t want to lay anyone off," Howard said. "This is on the four aldermen." Despite a closed-door meeting between the two sides, no agreement was reached on the committee structure. The council then voted down the tax levy ordinance. On Friday, Alderman Donald Nesbit revealed that his side had proposed a compromise: splitting control of key committees. A Kellogg supporter would chair one, while the other two members would be critics, and vice versa for the second committee. However, Clark and his allies believe they have a legal right to control these committees, which Kellogg refuses to acknowledge. The battle continues as both sides dig in. Council opponents have already sent letters to federal and state agencies asking for investigations into alleged misconduct by the mayor’s office. A lawsuit is also pending, claiming that the mayor and clerk have unlawfully prevented the council from overseeing spending in a town with minimal financial transparency. Thanks, Dan Pto Shaft,Agricultural Drive Shaft,Primary Drive Gear,Starter Drive Gear Ningbo COMBINE Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.combine-harvester-parts.com
July 07, 2025