DeSoto council approves budget amendments including police license‑plate cameras, AI tools and a utility truck

The DeSoto City Council on April 1 approved a package of budget amendments that add equipment and service spending across several city funds, including three Flock license‑plate cameras and a portable radio for the police department, a two‑year contract for Placer.ai analytics in parks and recreation, and a fleet truck for the public utilities division.

The items were presented on the consent agenda as amendments to the fiscal year 2024–25 budget. After council members pulled three consent items for separate consideration, the council approved the remaining consent items by voice vote and then voted individually on the pulled items. The motion to purchase the new fleet truck (consent item F‑1) passed 6–1; other pulled items passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The amendments direct one‑time and grant funds toward public‑safety technology, recreation analytics and vehicle fleet needs. The council vote formalizes purchases and allows staff to proceed with procurement and deployment.

The council packet listed specific adjustments. Among them: - Public Utilities Fund (05/2002): $50,000 to purchase a truck for a newly created assistant manager of utility services position. - General Fund (010/2001): $29,519 for increased costs tied to the…