Harvey, Illinois (CBS) — South suburban Dalton recently A chaotic confrontation in the village hallThe ongoing investigation into spending has led to frequent clashes between Mayor Tiffany Henyard and residents.
Tensions were similarly high Thursday in south suburban Harvey, where business owners complain they are being charged unnecessary fees but city leaders say they need the funds.
Venecia Gonzalez is one of the business owners who has complained.
“It may be a small store for us, but it's where it all began for us,” she said.
Gonzalez has been unable to operate his auto repair shop, Harvey Auto Center, since May.
“All of a sudden, we were forced to close and they put this sign in the window,” she said, pointing to the “Closed” sticker.
The store, which has been run by Gonzalez's family for more than 20 years, was denied renewal of its license due to unpaid property taxes.
“I'm doing everything I can to pay the taxes that are left, but I'm only 24 so I'm just doing what I can,” she said.
A similarly situated Harvey business owner was offered a settlement agreement with the city to pay $2,500 a month to keep his business open.
CBS 2 spoke with Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark on his way home from a special meeting of the Harvey City Council on Thursday.
“All we're asking is for these businesses to pay their property taxes and not use city services for free,” Clark said.
But Harvey City Councilman Colby Chapman (Ward 2), a vocal critic of Mayor Clark, questioned the practice.
“It's unethical,” she said. “I wouldn't say it's illegal, but I certainly think it's unethical.”
Chapman also said underserved suburbs can sometimes be dysfunctional.
Meanwhile, Pastor Jonathan Johnson said he was in disbelief when he was told his church would have to register for a business license.
“It was almost $700. I said, 'Where is this coming from?' We're exempt from federal and state taxes,” Johnson said, “and it feels more like a dictatorship here in Harvey at this point.”
A few minutes into the City Council meeting, at Mayor Clark's command, police removed a person from the viewing area, handcuffed the man, and escorted him outside City Hall.
“I am the Speaker and it is my responsibility to maintain order,” Mayor Clark said. “If any members of the audience or council wish to maintain order, they will be removed.”
Chapman hopes Illinois needs to get involved.
“I call on all state officials: We need help,” she said. “We need strong oversight.”
Mayor Clark said churches need business licenses for safety reasons. Without a license, the city can't inspect churches, he said.
