BELLEVILLE (AP) — St. Clair County may sue the state of Illinois to try to get millions in state funding that’s not being distributed because of the budget impasse.

Board Chairman Mark Kern says Illinois owes the county $5.8 million. That includes money to pay for 911 service.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports the county board on Monday authorized taking legal action against the state. St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly says a lawsuit could be filed in the next month.

Cellphone users pay a monthly surcharge to cover 911 costs. That money is routed through the state’s coffers then distributed to local emergency telephone system boards.

Illinois Commerce Commission spokesman Bob Gough says local 911 boards were notified last month they won’t get payments until lawmakers agree on a state budget.

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