Despite court ruling, Harvey library board vacates trustee seat over delinquent property taxes

The Harvey Public Library District removed vocal critic Chapelle Hooks from the board for property tax delinquency at her Turlington Ave. home after it passed a resolution indicating delinquency results in seat vacancy.

In March, the board called a special meeting to pass the resolution, stating the board “shall declare a vacancy in the office of trustee when an elected or appointed trustee has failed to pay the library taxes.” The resolution specifically references property taxes Hooks still owes from 2023 and 2024. Three months later, the board appointed Bruce Starks to Hooks’ seat.

In Illinois, an individual cannot take the oath of office or file nominating papers if they are indebted to that government entity, according to state law. But property taxes are not considered applicable, the Illinois State Supreme Court court ruled in 2012 in Jackson v. Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. While bills may include taxes levied by local governments, justices ruled, Cook County ultimately sends bills and collects payments — not individual taxing districts.

President Anthony McCaskill, who ascended to presidency by vacating his critics’ seat and appointing allies, is himself delinquent, county records show. McCaskill still owes $124.52 from the 2024 tax year and $2,299.65 from the 2025 tax year home on 143rd St. and Park Ave., according to county records.

That fact invited public confusion from residents at the board’s meeting on July 9. Ryan Sinwelski “I looked up a property that is owned in your name in Harvey,” he told McCaskill, “and it is also listed as delinquent for the last tax bill in public record.” 

McCaskill did not respond to Sinwelski’s comment.

July president’s report

During the July 9 president’s report, McCaskill shared that the Harvey Public Library District was granted $67,177 by the office of Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-15). The library is one of 26 across Illinois’ 15th District to receive funding through the Illinois Secretary of State for library services and enhanced programming. That breaks down to a $34,550.80 per capita award and a $32,625.84 equalization grant.

In a press release, Senator Harris said, “These grants help ensure libraries in every corner of Illinois have the resources they need to keep shelves stocked, expand access to technology and continue serving as trusted community anchors for families, students, job seekers and lifelong learners.”

President McCaskill also said that at the end of the month, his company will pay for flowers to be installed in front of the library. Finally, the library had a children’s outing to Brookfield Zoo on July 8, where 56 children attended, McCaskill said.