DeSoto Parish approves proposed 2026 budget for public review after jurors add small nonprofit grants
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Summary
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to present a proposed 2026 budget for public review — including an amendment to add small grants for two churches — while jurors voiced concern about an estimated $1,002,770 drop in tax revenues and potential cuts across funds.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to approve the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget for public advertisement, after jurors amended the proposal to add funding requests for local nonprofits including Saint Mark Baptist Church and Mount Canaan Church.
During discussion of the budget, parish staff told jurors the plan is largely the same as prior years but includes modest adjustments for the 911 transition and potential cybersecurity protections. The administrator said, “It’s practically the same as what we've been operating… we made a few adjustments for potential things,” and later reported an estimated tax revenue loss across all funds of $1,002,770.
Why it matters: the vote sends the draft budget to the required public-advertising phase and schedules final adoption in December, giving residents time to review and comment while officials finalize spending priorities amid declining revenues.
Jurors debated several specifics before the vote. Concerns raised included cumulative cuts across funds (general fund, roads, solid waste), travel line items that have historically exceeded estimates, and whether certain one-time allocations should move forward while the county’s fund balance is projected to decline. One juror summarized the fiscal constraint: “Our general fund balance is going to decrease $2,400,000 at the end of the year than at the beginning,” and urged tighter control on discretionary spending.
Among amendments approved during the session, jurors agreed to add small grant requests from Saint Mark Baptist Church and Mount Canaan Church (discussed in meeting comments as $5,000 requests), and to incorporate a previously approved Keych Eye Water System nongovernmental grant into the amended proposed budget. The treasurer clarified procurement and contract details for certain equipment purchases tied to the grant and noted that some items were available on state contract while others required competitive quotes.
The vote to present the proposed budget passed by voice vote; jurors were reminded the formal adoption will occur at the December meeting after the public-review period and any additional adjustments required by law. The chair said the amended proposed budget will be advertised and returned for adoption on Dec. 15.
The treasurer also outlined next steps for public review and state-required advertisement. Officials encouraged jurors and citizens to review the posted budget materials prior to the adoption vote.
