Harvey seeking $1.6 million loan from Cook County due to property tax bill delays

Correction, 09/17/2026: An earlier version of this report incorrectly referred to Harvey special projects manager Dante Sawyer by another title. This report has been updated to correct his title.

The Harvey City Council authorized a tax anticipation warrant on Aug. 24 for an interest-free loan provided by Cook County’s bridge fund program amid property tax bill delays.

The county has lagged in delivering property tax bills in recent years due to overhaul in its technical system. The first installment of 2025 tax bills was delayed by a month, and the second installment was delayed by two months. Second installment bills were mailed out to property owners on Sept. 1 with payments due on Oct. 1.

The delays have affected multiple local taxing districts who rely on property tax revenue to fund essential services, including Harvey. According to comptroller Louis Williams, about a third of the city’s budget comes from real estate taxes. Without them, the city is in a “cash flow crunch.”

In response, the county reopened and expanded its $300 million Property Tax Bridge Fund Program to help eligible taxing districts manage the cash flow gap through interest-free loans. Eligible districts must be reliant on property taxes for at least half of their total revenues, excluding enterprise funds. Additional consideration will be offered to disinvested communities that do not meet that criteria based on availability.

Williams said the warrant is for $1.6 million in anticipation of the tax revenue the city will receive. The city can use the money to pay bills and meet payroll, and the county will hold back $1.6 million when the city receives its tax revenue. 

“As money starts coming in in October, the first $1.6 [million] will go to the county, but we have the benefit of the float,” Williams said. “[Cook County] is only loaning us a percentage of the taxes they anticipate we’ll collect, so there’s actually very little possibility of a default.”

Continued partnership with South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority

The council voted to renew and amend the city’s original intergovernmental agreement with South Suburban Bank and Development Authority. Council members also appointed interim City Administrator Crystal Richardson as a Harvey representative for the Land Bank.

Established in 2012, the Land Bank helps cities and villages across the Southland to reclaim and restore abandoned properties. Harvey entered an intergovernmental agreement with the Land Bank in June 2020.

Hazel Crest Village Manager Dante Sawyer presented the two resolutions to the council. As part of the original agreement, Sawyer explained, the city could appoint a local director to represent Harvey in Land Bank meetings. Richardson was recommended for the role upfront. 

The amendment to the city’s original intergovernmental agreement grants the Land Bank authority to inspect properties and file abandonment petitions on the city’s behalf. The Land Bank can also hold on to the property under judicial deed, which places property maintenance responsibilities on the Land Bank such as cutting grass and fixing broken windows. It also allows them to scrub back taxes, fines, and liens on properties for easier redevelopment. 

“The Land Bank is another tool that we have available to us to help us address what is an abandoned or underused property,” Sawyer said. “It doesn’t mean the city can’t do it on its own … but the Land Bank provides us a resource that has the professional acumen and the processes and efficiencies.”

Harvey joins Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network

The council approved an intergovernmental agreement for Harvey to participate in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. For a $250 annual fee, the city can request assistance from member communities when needed and assist others when able. 

Richardson said the city’s involvement will reinforce the city’s commitment to intergovernmental cooperation. “Most importantly, it helps ensure that we can continue to protect our residents, maintain critical infrastructure, and deliver essential services during times of need.”

Harvey introduces filming permit

Harvey will begin issuing permits to major production companies requesting to film in the city. Drewenski said the city has allowed parties to film in Harvey for free when “every other community has a fee.” The city has already received several filming requests since she’s been in office, Drewenski added.

Communications Director Alexia Hall said that the city referenced Chicago and Long Beach, California when determining fee amounts. Agencies will have to pay a $25 application fee and a $250 non-refundable filming permit fee. For filming in public spaces, the city will charge from $500 to $2,000 per day based on production size. Fees can be waived or significantly reduced for students and nonprofits.

“These are million-dollar productions… and they make it very clear to us that they don’t mind [paying] us. We just never had a policy in place to ask for a certain amount,” said Hall.

Meeting adjourns abruptly

Due to a dispute between a resident and the mayor, the mayor called for a vote to adjourn the meeting before mayoral and aldermanic comments.