Canton Hills budget meeting reveals $500K police department funding gap concerns

The Village Board of Campton Hills held a meeting on April 15, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the police department's budget and staffing challenges. The meeting highlighted the complexities of managing police resources amid rising costs and staffing shortages.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the police department is currently short two full-time officers, which has impacted the budget. The chief noted that while overtime costs have decreased, the overall budget for the police department is set to increase by approximately $500,000. This increase has raised concerns among board members, particularly regarding the lack of clarity surrounding the budgetary changes.

Trustee Burson expressed frustration over the unexplained increase, emphasizing the need for a detailed breakdown of the budget to understand the factors contributing to the rise. The chief acknowledged that salary increases and pension costs are significant contributors to the budget increase, but the board members sought further clarification on the specifics.

The discussion also touched on the transition from part-time to full-time officers, with the chief noting that the department is struggling to recruit part-time officers willing to work for lower wages. This has led to a reliance on full-time officers working overtime, complicating the budget further.

In conclusion, the board is grappling with the implications of the increased police budget and the ongoing staffing shortages. As the village moves forward, board members are calling for more transparency and detailed financial data to better understand the budgetary decisions affecting the police department. The next steps will involve further discussions and clarifications to ensure that the police department can operate effectively within the new budget constraints.