In a packed City Council meeting on March 4, 2025, the DeSoto City Council addressed a wide range of issues, from infrastructure improvements to economic development, while celebrating local students’ achievements and planning for upcoming community events.
Community Events and Announcements
The council also highlighted several upcoming community events, including the Easter Egg Extravaganza on April 12, 2025, which will feature an egg hunt, food trucks, bounce houses, and face painting. Other events include the Night of Jazz on April 26, the Mother and Son Dance on May 3, and the Shamrock Shake 5K Run/Walk on March 15.
In addition, the council announced a Teen Expo on April 19, aimed at engaging local teens in volunteer opportunities, and free financial literacy classes on March 16, which will cover topics such as estate planning and financial education. The council also promoted a Property Tax 101 Workshop on March 13, where residents can learn about property tax evaluations, exemptions, and appeals.
Citizen Concerns: Hampton Road and Church Property Purchase
During the citizen appearances portion of the meeting, resident Scott McDonald voiced concerns about the Hampton Road Character Code project and the city’s recent purchase of a church property. McDonald questioned the financial risks associated with the project, particularly the city’s reliance on federal funding to cover future payments.
“You’re playing Russian roulette with taxpayer money,” McDonald said, urging the council to reconsider the financial implications of the project. His comments sparked a broader discussion about fiscal responsibility and transparency, themes that would resurface throughout the meeting.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
One of the key agenda items was the approval of a $10.1 million contract for the Westmoreland Pump Station Rehabilitation Project. The pump station, which serves 72% of the city’s treated water, is in need of significant upgrades after nearly 40 years of operation. The council awarded the contract to CLW Water Group, LLC, with construction expected to take 16 months. Public Utilities Director Brandon Lacy assured residents that the project would not result in water outages or disruptions.
The council also approved the issuance of certificates of obligation to fund a variety of infrastructure projects, including street repairs, traffic signal upgrades, and the construction of an aquatic and recreation center. The total amount authorized was approximately $49 million, with funding coming from various sources, including property taxes, water and sewer revenues, and hotel occupancy taxes. The resolution passed with a 5-2 vote, reflecting some council members’ concerns about the city’s growing debt.
Economic Development: Allied Stone Expansion
In a major win for local economic development, the council approved a Chapter 380 agreement with Allied Stone, Inc., a leading manufacturer of cabinetry and countertops. The agreement provides up to $600,000 in incentives to support the company’s expansion of its DeSoto facility, which will include new equipment, increased production capacity, and the creation of additional jobs.
“This is a great example of business retention and expansion,” said Antoine Long, DeSoto’s Economic Development Manager. “Allied Stone has already expanded twice in the last decade, and this third expansion will bring more high-quality jobs to our community.”
The expansion is expected to create both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, including positions in administration, marketing, IT, and finance. The council also discussed the potential for workforce development programs in partnership with local schools and colleges to ensure that DeSoto residents benefit from the new job opportunities.
Technology Upgrade: Office 365 Contract
The council approved a three-year contract for Office 365 and hosted Exchange services from SHI, along with the purchase of 175 perpetual Office licenses and professional services from Global Asset. The total cost of the contract is $589,793, with funding coming from the city’s electronic equipment replacement fund. The upgrade will modernize the city’s IT infrastructure, improve collaboration among staff, and provide access to advanced tools like SharePoint and Teams.
For more information on upcoming events and city initiatives, visit the City of DeSoto’s official website at www.desototexas.gov.