DeSoto City Council Recognizes Atmos and Encore Energy for Community Project Contributions

The DeSoto City Council convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss key developments affecting the community, including the presentation of a balanced budget and recognition of local corporate partners contributing to the Aquatic and Recreation Center project.

During the meeting, City Manager Miss Sutton presented a budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, highlighting a surplus of over $400,000 in the general fund. The budget maintains the current property tax rate of 0.684934 and proposes a 2% cost of living adjustment for city employees, along with 3.5% step increases based on a recent salary survey. The plan also includes improvements to sanitation services and ongoing capital improvement projects, signaling a commitment to enhancing community services without tapping into reserve funds.

In addition to budget discussions, the council recognized Atmos Energy and Encore for their significant contributions to the Aquatic and Recreation Center at McCallum Park. Atmos Energy was commended for absorbing costs related to surveys and inspections, saving the city over $80,000, while Encore's efforts contributed to a total savings of nearly $180,000. These partnerships were celebrated as vital to the timely progress of the project, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the city and local businesses.

Mayor Rachel Proctor emphasized the value of these corporate partnerships, stating, "Progress moves at the speed of relationships." The commendations reflect the city's appreciation for the support that enhances the quality of life for DeSoto residents.

As the council continues to prioritize community needs and fiscal responsibility, the outcomes of this meeting set a positive tone for future developments in DeSoto. The next steps will involve further discussions on the budget and continued collaboration with community partners to ensure the successful completion of local projects.