The City of Harvey, Illinois, is embarking on a transformative journey after years plagued by financial mismanagement. This shift comes on the heels of a momentous vote by the City Council, which has left the community grappling with uncertainty about their financial future.

In an extraordinary session held Thursday night, the Harvey City Council made the critical decision to seek “Financially Distressed City” status from the state. This move, prompted by the city’s staggering $140 million debt, effectively places the city in a state of temporary shutdown.

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As the city navigates these uncharted waters, many residents and officials are questioning what this new designation will mean for the immediate future. The day following the council’s decision has brought more questions than answers, leaving the community on edge.

In an interview with ABC7 on Friday morning, Mayor Christopher Clark shared his commitment to addressing the city’s long-standing issues. “We’re here to clean up the house,” he stated, acknowledging the decades of financial mismanagement that have brought Harvey to this critical juncture.

With the city’s financial stability hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Harvey as it attempts to navigate this challenging chapter in its history. The outcome of this restructuring will inevitably shape the future of Harvey and set a precedent for other cities facing similar fiscal woes.

“This is political suicide, but I believe in my heart of hearts, I’m a lifelong resident of Harvey, and I must do what’s in the best for the citizens of Harvey, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Mayor Clark said.

On Friday, two alderpersons told ABC7 they have been getting calls and texts asking what will be impacted.

“It really makes it hard to explain a situation that you a part of it but you really don’t know what’s going on,” 4th Ward Ald. Tracy Key said.

“It’s a very confusing tale on what exactly is going on in the City of Harvey,” 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman

They supported to vote for state oversight and hope it leads to more transparency about city finances.

On Monday, Harvey hosted a free event “Fall into Praise Gospel Concert.” Some question why the city would host the free event if the it’s facing a financial crisis.

“We didn’t get a definitive answer about what services would be cut,” Harvey resident Amanda Askew said. “Is it senior services? Is it access to city hall? Is it youth services?”

Askew is a third generation Harvey resident who works in finance.

“My main concern is that I live in a city that’s is functional and that is running properly and that the people we elected are making the best decisions not just for themselves but also for the residents and the legacy that’s coming after us,” Askew said.

Earlier Friday, the mayor said meetings were in progress to determine what exactly would be shut down. The only exemption that was clear Thursday night was that first responders would be paid for now.

City council meets again October 27.