Overview
- The move places 69 of 167 employees on unpaid leave this week, with 98 essential staff maintaining core operations.
- Two fire stations—Nos. 2 and 3—will close temporarily, and city offices will run on limited hours for key departments including City Hall, Water, Public Works, and Building.
- A Public Safety Continuity Plan is in effect, with the Cook County Sheriff available for policing support and neighboring fire departments notified for mutual aid.
- The City Council recently sought designation as a financially distressed municipality under state law, and officials are pursuing $30 million in relief through House Bill 4024, which remains in committee.
- Leaders blame years of mismanagement and heavy debt as the Illinois Comptroller continues seizing city funds, and the city says furloughed workers will be paid through the end of the month.