In a recent special meeting of the DeSoto City Council, significant discussions centered around the budget allocations for various departments, particularly the police department and code enforcement. The meeting highlighted a notable $2.4 million budget change between 2025 and 2026, raising questions about the distribution of funds among different areas.

One of the primary concerns raised was the increase in funding for the CARES team, which is set to receive an additional $200,000. This team operates under a separate grant and is expected to expand its services in the coming year. The council members expressed confusion regarding this increase, especially in light of the reduction in the code enforcement budget. Code enforcement, which addresses numerous code issues within the city, is facing a budget cut, a decision that left some council members shocked given the pressing need for compliance in the community.

The budget adjustments were explained as necessary reductions across all departments, with code enforcement being one of the areas affected. Despite the decrease, there was a commitment from city officials to revisit the code compliance budget and assess the reasons behind the cuts. The council plans to collaborate with the police chief and other relevant personnel to better understand the implications of these budgetary changes.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the increase in funding for school resource officers (SROs), attributed to a planned pay raise. While the operating expenses for SROs will not see an increase, the overall budget for this area is set to rise by approximately $150,000.

As the council prepares to make further decisions regarding the CARES team and code enforcement, the discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing budgetary constraints with the needs of the community. The council's commitment to revisiting the code enforcement budget suggests a recognition of the importance of maintaining effective oversight in this area, even amid financial adjustments. The outcomes of these discussions will be closely monitored as the city moves forward in addressing its budgetary priorities.