Harvey To Vote On Police Department Audit By Cook County Sheriff
HARVEY, Ill. (STMW) -- Facing a massive financial crisis, the Harvey City Council on Monday will vote on an ordinance that would allow the Cook County Sheriff to conduct an audit of its police department in what appears to be a revolt by aldermen against Mayor Eric Kellogg.
The ordinance recommends that the sheriff review the police department's policies and procedures, organizational structure, budget allocations, towing procedures, personnel training, case management, files, criminal investigations and collection and maintenance of evidence, the Southtown Star is reporting.
"All city officials, employees and contractors shall cooperate fully with the (sheriff's office)," the ordinance states, adding that "failure to cooperate shall be deemed in infraction subject to disciplinary procedures..."
Kellogg, who has ruled Harvey with an iron fist, has resisted all previous efforts at outside intervention.
The city is under a federal investigation related to the alleged theft of money from a bond issued to build a hotel.
In addition, the City of Chicago has sued Harvey for $15 million to $20 million in unpaid water bills.
Aldermen have said that the city may soon be unable to make payroll unless immediate measures are taken to cut its budget and get spending under control.
Under the ordinance, the Cook County Sheriff's office would be "provided access and copies of any and all requested records," "access to all facilities" and "city officials and employees (made) available for interviews."
The sheriff would have 90 days within enactment of the ordinance to complete the assessment of the police department.
A spokesman for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said the sheriff's office is willing to conduct the audit of Harvey as soon as the ordinance is passed.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)