Harvey library board swears in new trustees and approves tax levy as leadership boasts improved fiscal health
“I’ve never seen the bank account that stout,” president Anthony McCaskill said.
The Harvey Public Library District board of trustees swore-in longtime residents Angelette Taylor and Felicia Powell-Johnson at its Dec. 12 meeting, the last of the year. The two were appointed in November.
Taylor and Powell-Johnson joined the board surrounded by friends and family in the gallery.
Taylor is a retired nurse. She was inspired to join the board by her five children growing up going to the library for summer reading and other activities. She wants to make sure all kids in Harvey are aware of the resources available to them there — from paper, pencils and computers to librarians ready to help with homework.
“I just want it to be a safe place [where] people want to learn,” Taylor told the HWH. “I want to get the kids more inspired into reading books, into having trips to the library so we can show them how to use the computers.”
Official business
All trustees were present except Charwana Morgan. The board moved to approve its minutes from both its Oct. 10th and special Nov. 12th meeting minutes unanimously.
The board unanimously approved its 2025 tax levy of $1,000,735.72. According to president Anthony McCaskill, this proposal includes no tax increase to Harvey residents. Secretary Chappelle Hooks will sign off on the levy, then e-file it with the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
The board passed its official 2025 calendar with mixed votes. Trustee Powell-Johnson and vice president Price voted down the motion due to the library being closed on the same day as the schools. The library is closed for 13 days throughout the year in observance of federal holidays.
“The only problem I have is October, which is Columbus Day, because if the schools are closed and we’re closed, there’s nowhere for the kids to go,” McCaskill said.
The board approved a motion to change the library’s banking account and information as its previous bank, First Merchants in South Holland, closed. McCaskill suggested exploring locally accessible options like a nearby Chase Bank.
Treasurer’s report
The cash balance for the Regions Bank account as of Oct. 2024, was $3,170,455, according to treasurer Tamika Price.
McCaskill commended the library board for its account balances. “I’ve never seen the bank account that stout,” he said.
No one offered a public comment at the meeting.
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