The Best Southwest cities are moving through September with important developments in public safety, city budgets, community programs, and infrastructure. Here’s the latest from DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster.
DeSoto
DeSoto will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 property tax rate Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at Town Center. The proposed rate of $0.684934 per $100 valuation is above the no-new-revenue rate but remains slightly below the voter-approval threshold.
City services are also expanding with the launch of MyDeSoto eServices, a new online portal for permits, licenses, and registrations.
Residents in select neighborhoods are participating in the city’s Bulk and Brush Pickup pilot program, which began Sept. 1 and continues through Nov. 30. A full rollout across DeSoto is planned for January 2026.
Public safety is under the spotlight after a Sept. 4 shooting outside a sports bar on West Belt Line Road left one person hospitalized. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill is preparing to host its Annual Neighborhood Summit on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Traphene Hickman Library. The free half-day event will focus on “The Evolution of Neighboring” and feature workshops and community resources.
The City Council recently reviewed the FY 2025-26 budget, which includes a recommended property tax reduction to $0.636449 per $100 valuation. Final action is expected later this month.
In response to positive West Nile Virus mosquito samples, Dallas County coordinated ground spraying across impacted neighborhoods earlier this month.
Adding to the positives, Cedar Hill was honored as 2025 Community of the Year by the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association.
Duncanville
Duncanville’s cultural programming received a boost as the City Council approved the first round of Arts Grants recommended by the Duncanville Arts Commission.
The city will also host the Best Southwest Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Armstrong Park. The celebration, organized in partnership with DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Lancaster, will feature live music, food, and family activities.
City leadership remains in transition following the earlier decision to place City Manager Douglas Finch on paid administrative leave in July. The council continues to evaluate next steps.
Lancaster
Lancaster officials confirmed positive mosquito samples for West Nile Virus this month, prompting overnight spraying in affected neighborhoods. Residents are urged to follow preventive steps such as using repellent, wearing long sleeves, and draining standing water.
Construction has begun on Taylor Street between Interurban and Edwards, with work expected to last about four weeks, weather permitting.
The city is also hosting its annual Civic Leadership Academy, a program designed to give residents an inside look at local government. Weekly sessions began Sept. 11 and will run through early November, culminating in a graduation ceremony on Nov. 10.
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