Lemont holds public hearing on FY2027 budget; residents ask where video-gambling proceeds will go

The Lemont Village Board opened a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget and heard public questions about where gambling revenues would be spent.

Mayor Stapleton opened the hearing and Darshana, staff overseeing the budget process, told the board that staff began work in November and that the proposal shows roughly $46,000,000 in total revenues and $44,000,000 in total expenditures. The board scheduled a more detailed budget review for its March 23 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting.

A resident identified in the record as Laura Bridal (the transcript later records a similar commenter as Laura Regal; the record is inconsistent) asked where the village will account for more than $500,000 in video-gambling receipts and where that money appears in the budget. Darshana replied that the revenue is recorded in the village general fund and is spent from general operating appropriations. She said the largest single expense category is police and public safety payroll.

Trustees did not take action at the hearing; the board closed the public hearing after public comment and will review budget details at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. The hearing record includes a public question about whether gambling-derived revenue is being earmarked for specific projects; staff response noted the receipts are general-fund revenue and subject to the village’s normal budgeting and appropriation process.

The village’s proposed numbers are presented as staff estimates and subject to change before final adoption. The board will consider the detailed operating budget and capital program at the March 23 meeting.