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, escalating a political conflict that has brought attention to the city's long-standing issues with crime, corruption, and financial instability. 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 transparency. The Tribune has reported that the town has lost millions in taxpayer funds due to questionable deals, including one that led to an ongoing FBI investigation. This has fueled concerns about how public money is being managed. Under state law, Harvey must pass a property tax levy ordinance by December 29, which determines how much the county clerk will collect in taxes—essential for the town's budget. If the ordinance isn’t approved, the town could lose most of its revenue, putting it on the brink of financial collapse. Four of the six council members have refused to approve any financial measures, including the tax levy, until the mayor recognizes the committee structures they voted to create earlier this year. They argue that without these oversight committees, they can't ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly, especially after years of questionable spending. Some are even willing to block the tax levy if necessary. "This isn't the city's money—it's the taxpayers' money," said Alderman Christopher Clark, one of the four council members. "We represent the people. Passing the levy and giving the money to the mayor's administration without knowing how it will be spent, especially after years of misuse, would be irresponsible." Kellogg has accused the four council members of obstructionism, claiming their actions are putting the town in danger. His spokesman, Sean Howard, said the mayor wants to avoid layoffs but believes the council is blocking the process. He warned that police staffing could drop from 72 to 36 officers, and firefighters from around 40 to 20. "The mayor supports the levy and doesn’t want to lay anyone off," Howard said. "It’s up to those four aldermen to change course." The two sides met behind closed doors last Thursday but failed to reach an agreement on the committee structure. The council then voted down the tax levy ordinance. On Friday, Alderman Donald Nesbit told the Tribune that the council had proposed a compromise: splitting control of key committees. One would be chaired by a Kellogg supporter, with two critics as members, while the other would be led by a critic, with two supporters. However, the proposal was rejected. Clark and his allies claim they have a legal right to control the committees, but Kellogg refuses to recognize them. Now, they say, the mayor is forcing them to vote on a $15 million tax levy without proper review. This latest conflict is part of a broader political battle. Opponents of the mayor have sent letters to federal and state agencies, requesting investigations into alleged misconduct, and are involved in a pending lawsuit alleging that the mayor and clerk have kept the council powerless while fighting questionable spending in a town with little financial accountability. Thanks, Dan Screw Flight & Auger Shaft,Spur Gear Shaft,Auger Shaft,Screw Flight Ningbo COMBINE Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.combine-harvester-parts.com
July 07, 2025