City of Harvey to lay off 10% of workers next month

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) -- The City of Harvey will lay off about 10% of its municipal workers amid a financial crisis.

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The city said the layoffs will not impact the core safety functions within the police and fire departments. But it could cause disruption to other city services.

Mayor Christopher Clark blamed a "lack of sufficient tax revenue," specifically unpaid commercial property taxes.

"Harvey residents have borne the brunt of rising costs and unfair tax practices for too long," Clark said. "It is unconscionable that 465 commercial property owners have failed to pay their taxes while benefiting from police, garbage removal, water, and other critical services. These layoffs are a direct consequence of their failure to contribute their fair share."

The workers' last day will be August 23, 2025.