DeSoto City Council Opens Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Highlights

During the recent DeSoto City Council meeting held on September 2, 2025, city officials discussed key elements of the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget, emphasizing a balanced financial plan and community engagement initiatives. The council is set to adopt the budget, tax rate, and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on September 16, 2025, following a public hearing that opened during the meeting.

City staff highlighted that the proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate of 0.684934 and includes a 2% cost of living adjustment for employees, along with a 3.5% step increase. Notably, the budget also outlines plans to enhance sanitation customer service through a one-stop shop, set to be implemented in 2026, and continues progress on the CIP, which includes the onboarding process for the golf club and the anticipated opening of the aquatics and recreation center in March or April 2026.

Public participation was marked by comments from resident Nicole Rafael, who raised several concerns regarding the budget. She questioned the potential duplication of roles within the city’s community engagement efforts, particularly regarding the coordination of grants and communication. Rafael also advocated for increased community engagement from the arts sector and suggested that funds be allocated to refresh the local library to better compete with neighboring facilities.

The council addressed various inquiries, including a clarification on the public utility fund budget, ensuring transparency in the proposed changes to utility rates. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn, reflecting a collaborative effort among council members to engage with community feedback and prepare for the upcoming budgetary decisions.

As DeSoto moves forward, the discussions from this meeting underscore the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community involvement, setting the stage for future developments that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents.