Chief Todd Maxton told Johnson County commissioners the Northwest Consolidated Fire District will present a maintenance-level 2026 budget and a flat mill levy even as development in the district sharply increases service demand.

Maxton said the district protects roughly 70 square miles and that 72% of its property valuation sits inside the city of DeSoto. “About half of the district's valuation is under some type of tax incentive,” Chief Todd Maxton said, noting that tax incentives and PILOT agreements limit the district’s ability to convert new development into ad valorem revenue.

The proposal holds the district’s mill levy at the current rate; Maxton said proposed 2026 expenditures total about $6.51 million, down from a reported $7.61 million in 2025 because the prior year included the locally reported value of an aerial apparatus funded directly by a partner (Panasonic). Personnel remains the largest expense (about 82% of operating costs). Maxton said the district added seven full-time positions in the past two years, paid in part by a community improvement district and private partner support; the new aerial is now on site and a new station is nearing completion.

Commissioners and the chief discussed reserve targets. Maxton said the district projects roughly 14% reserves in 2026 and that his board’s goal is to reach 20% and ultimately 25%. He described a constrained capital posture: frontline apparatus are currently in good shape, but other stations and vehicle replacements are being delayed because of cost inflation and supply lead times.

Why it matters: Rapid industrial growth, large new warehouses and more than 1,500 housing units in the pipeline are driving a need for strategic planning, additional stations and staffing even as much of the new valuation is subject to incentives. Maxton asked for cooperative fiscal solutions with the City of DeSoto and said the city has agreed to explore forecasts with third‑party advisors.

Ending: Maxton said the district will continue to seek partner support and alternative funding mechanisms while keeping the levy flat for 2026. He asked county leaders to continue coordinating on strategic planning and on how tax‑incentive decisions affect emergency service funding.