The DeSoto City Council held a special meeting on July 24, 2025, focusing on the budget and the future of the city's care team and emergency services. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the current status and funding of the care team, which consists of seven employees. Concerns were raised about the lack of expansion plans in the budget, with members expressing the need for continued support for the care team, especially given its critical role in community safety.

Council members highlighted a recent incident where the care team successfully intervened to prevent a potential tragedy, underscoring the importance of their services. One member shared a personal account of stopping traffic to assist a young man walking in the street, emphasizing that the care team's timely response saved a life. This prompted further discussion on the necessity of funding for the care team, with calls for proactive measures to ensure its sustainability.

The council acknowledged that the current grant funding for the care team would end in October, leaving a gap in financial support. Members discussed the need to explore alternative funding sources to maintain the team's operations and enhance their effectiveness in addressing community needs.

Following the care team discussions, the meeting transitioned to budget considerations for the fire department. The council reviewed proposed changes, including the addition of a part-time administrative assistant and an EMS training officer position. The fire department's budget also included plans for a new full-time fire marshal in the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting continued with updates from various departments, including IT and human resources, with no major changes reported. The council also addressed non-departmental expenditures, including liability insurance and joint ventures.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed a commitment to ensuring that the care team and emergency services receive the necessary support to effectively serve the DeSoto community. The council plans to continue discussions on budget allocations and explore potential solutions to secure funding for essential services in the future.