DeSoto council adopts FY2026 budget, raises utility and sanitation fees and sets 2025 tax rate

The DeSoto City Council on Sept. 16 adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026 operating budget and set the 2025 tax rate at 0.684934 per $100 valuation, while approving a series of related fee and ordinance changes meant to fund operations and capital needs.

Interim Finance Director Lakita Sutton told council the tax rate “required to fund debt obligations and maintain a proposed level of operating services is 0.684934 per $100 of taxable value,” unchanged from the prior year. She said the adopted budget would raise about $5,093,723 more in property tax revenue than last year’s budget (a 10.17% increase), including $778,901 from new property added to the tax roll.

Why it matters: the budget funds public safety, capital projects and utility operations while preserving a city reserve that council members said provides multi-month stability. The council approved several fee adjustments intended to help cover utility and contract costs.

Key measures approved - Budget adoption (ordinance): Council adopted the FY2026 annual operating budget and capital improvement plan. Vote: 6–1 (Parett Parker voted no). Motion: “I move that we approve the budget as presented.” - Property tax rate ratification and adoption: Council ratified and adopted the tax rate of 0.684934 per $100 valuation. Motion language included: “I move that the…