The village of Dolton is confronting an estimated $8,000,000 budget deficit, the finance chair said in opening remarks, even as officials point to recent personnel changes and a decline in pending lawsuits.

"We are to say, yeah, we're in a $8,000,000 deficit," the finance chair said, adding that staff are "working diligently to make strides to get it down." The official said the process will take time and involves catching up on audits and responding to new vendor bills.

The finance chair highlighted recent hires as part of a broader rebuilding effort, saying the village has secured "a new police chief, a new fire chief, [and] a new superintendent" whom the speaker described as working "in the best interest of our community." The speaker also noted the village's mayor was elected April 1 during the period of change.

On legal exposures, the finance chair said the number of pending lawsuits has fallen: "At the beginning of the year, we had about 80, what, 84 lawsuits. We're down to less than 37." The official presented that decline as a measurable improvement while cautioning that financial recovery will not be immediate.

The finance chair said some street paving has occurred and projected a positive budget development in the first quarter: "I believe first quarter, you guys may get some really good, really good announcement financially for the village." The official urged residents to take part in oversight and advocacy: attend advertised meetings to get information and, if needed, contact state senators and representatives to help ensure state-allocated funds reach Dolton.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in these segments. The finance chair closed by thanking staff and residents and asking for continued community support as officials pursue the next steps.