City Treasurer says Hometown lost over $3.7M in state distributions; outlines budget tweaks

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti told the City Council Committee of the Whole on April 14 that the city has "lost over $3.7 million in the last 10 years" in distributed funds and said he has updated insurance and reviewed accounts through March as part of work on the draft 2026 budget. He reported the police allocation was reduced to $1.29 million and noted that video gaming revenues are performing well; he also said the city expects a red light update "in a day or two."

Alderman Barnhouse asked whether the budget includes a new roof for the Roberton building and what the plan is for replacing or acquiring trucks for Public Works. Mayor Finnegan said he has contacted attorney Joe Cainkar about pursuing a 30-year guaranteed bond for truck financing and that he would present additional information to the council when it becomes available. Treasurer Roti urged council members to review the budget and raise further questions before a final approval vote.

Why it matters: the Treasurer framed the adjustment as a response to a multi-year reduction in state distributions that has constrained local revenue; specific line-item changes (police at $1.29 million, inclusion of a roof for the Roberton building) and financing options for capital equipment were identified as issues requiring follow-up. The presentation did not include a final vote to adopt the budget; the council will consider any outstanding questions before taking formal action.

Proper names and figures mentioned in the meeting include Governor Pritzker (as the official whose policy changed distributions), a reported $3.7 million in lost distributed funds over 10 years, a police allocation of $1.29 million, and the Roberton building (roof work noted in the budget).