Reductions in state subsidies are one reason for Decatur’s predicament, but long-running pension woes are an even larger source of pain.

As local leaders reach an agreement with the city’s public safety unions, the retirement security of Carbondale’s police and fire workers slides further out of reach.

The Lake County village will tap into its savings account to help cover the costs.

East St. Louis’ police and fire pension funds experienced large funding shortfalls in 2016, putting the city at risk of revenue garnishment from the state comptroller’s office.

The proposed $100.8 million budget will spend millions on police and fire pensions as well as a 3 percent pay raise for city workers.

In 2017 alone, Lake County billed homeowners $1.8 billion in property taxes. Owners of a median-valued home in Lake Forest received a $13,600 property tax bill.

A joint service agreement between two fire departments could save Lake Bluff more than $500,000 over five years, once fully implemented. The plan would be a welcome change of pace for residents, as Lake County homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

Fixing what ails the state requires Illinoisans of all political stripes to be honest about how they got here.

A 2018 budget proposal for Elgin includes a new gas tax, an increase in water and sewer rates, and other tax hikes.