Harvey Poised For 'Massive' Layoffs Of Cops, Firefighters

HARVEY, IL — City leaders in a southern Chicago suburb say financial troubles could lead to "massive" layoffs of local police officers and firefighters.

Harvey Mayor Eric Kellogg held an emergency meeting Monday after a judge ruled that the Illinois Comptroller's Office appropriately withheld $1.4 million to cover shortfalls in the city's pension fund.

City officials say they're worried there's not enough money to cover payroll expenses for first responders. The mayor says Harvey "has never undergone massive layoffs like the ones we're expecting."

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza's office says it acted appropriately in response to state law that lets pension funds certify to her office that municipalities haven't made required payments.

An email from The Associated Press to the mayor's office asking about the status of the layoffs Tuesday wasn't immediately returned.

Firefighters battle a house fire in Harvey on Tuesday, Jan. 2. (Photos by Todd Sherman | Northern Illinois FireGround Photos)