HARVEY, Ill. — Facing more than $100 million in debt and ongoing state financial seizures, the city of Harvey is temporarily furloughing nearly 70 municipal workers, including police officers and firefighters, in a sweeping response to a “growing financial emergency,” NBC Chicago reported.
The move follows the Harvey City Council’s unanimous vote to officially declare the city “financially distressed.” According to a statement released Monday, 69 out of 167 city employees are being placed on unpaid leave. Critical operations will continue with a reduced staff of 98.
“This was not an easy decision,” Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark Clark stated. “It was one of the hardest we’ve had to make. But as mayor, my responsibility is to make sure this city survives, not just today, but for the future of the people who live and work here.”
The furloughs span 13 city departments, including fire, police, public works, water and finance, according to the report. The city said the action was driven by the need to preserve core services and prevent irreversible job cuts.
Clark emphasized that every impacted employee plays a vital role in city operations.
“These are people who fix our streets, answer our calls, protect our neighborhoods, and serve our community every day. This decision was made to prevent permanent layoffs and to make sure Harvey can survive this crisis. Our goal is to bring our team back as soon as possible.”
At least one of the city’s three fire stations will close temporarily, according to the fire department.
Key departments, including Fire Station No. 1, police, water and public works, will remain operational under an emergency staffing plan. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to offer law enforcement assistance if needed, and mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments are in place for emergency calls, according to the report.
