SPRINGFIELD - Add this to the list of problems a tight state budget is causing: Some transit systems throughout Illinois haven't received the cash they're due from the state, leaving local officials wondering how to keep their buses running.

Without the state help, some local transit leaders might have to decide whether to borrow money, cut services or find some other solution to keep their fleets operating.

"We have no idea when the payments might be coming," said Paul McChancy, administrator of mass transit in Decatur.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Transportation told transit systems their next payment could be delayed.

Illinois Department of Transportation spokeswoman Paris Ervin called the letter a "courtesy" to warn transit agencies of the state's financial problems.

On Thursday, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes announced that the state was behind in paying $4 billion worth of bills and that payment could take 60 days. The transit bills fall in that category. The state's backlog of bills could reach $5 billion by March, according to Hynes.

"It's a horrible situation," Hynes spokeswoman Carol Knowles said. "There are more demands than there are revenues."

That means, for Decatur at least, the city might have to seek loans to keep things going until the state money comes, said Ron Neufeld, Decatur finance director.

Neufeld said he'll be asking the city council for that permission Monday. He said borrowing money can keep the buses running, but the move likely would cost the city more money to pay interest on those short-term loans.

"It would be another expense we hadn't counted on," Neufeld said.

More than 60 percent of the Decatur bus system's money comes from the state.

In Bloomington-Normal, the transit system apparently was closer to the top of the list than Decatur. The Bloomington Normal Public Transit System received its latest payment and has the state money it needs through the end of December.

"I guess they like us," said Peter Weber, general manager.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865