The DeSoto City Council unanimously approved a $4.2 million transfer from city reserves during the Aug. 4 city council meeting to fund future vehicle purchases and three drainage projects.
The budget amendment transfers $2.2 million from the General Fund to the city’s equipment replacement fund for vehicles scheduled to be replaced during fiscal year 2027.
Another $2 million will move from the Drainage Fund to a capital improvements fund. The money is designated for three projects:
- $1 million for Silver Creek drainage improvements
- $800,000 for Wolf Creek Estates drainage improvements
- $200,000 for the Young Boulevard culvert repair project
The city’s fiscal year 2025 audit showed the General Fund held approximately $33.8 million in reserves, about $5.1 million above the maximum established by the city’s financial reserve policy.
The Drainage Fund held approximately $4.14 million, about $3.65 million above its policy maximum. City policy allows excess reserves to be used for one-time investments, including capital projects and equipment replacement.
Auto-repair permit denied
In a separate 6-1 vote, the council denied a specific-use permit for a proposed minor automobile repair shop at 1027 E. Belt Line Road.
The approximately 0.81-acre property is zoned general retail, but a specific-use permit is required to operate a minor automobile repair business at the location.
City planning staff recommended denial because the city’s future land-use plan designates the area for medium-density residential development. Staff also identified potential conflicts involving noise, traffic and the property’s proximity to residential neighborhoods.
The applicant, Yazen Elhamad of White Dove Capital, told the council the family-owned business would perform only minor repairs, close by 7 p.m. and not store vehicles overnight. The proposed site plan also included landscaping and a children’s play area.
The DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted 5-0 to recommend denial. City staff reported receiving one letter opposing the request by the night of the council meeting.
Delinquent PID assessments
The council voted 6-1 to approve an agreement with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP to collect delinquent property assessments in the Danieldale Homestead Public Improvement District.
The council separately approved a 20% collection penalty on delinquent assessments. Councilmember Pierette Parker voted against both measures.
The additional penalty will be charged to property owners with delinquent assessments and used to compensate the law firm for its collection services. City documents state that the agreement will have no direct financial effect on the city.
Annual assessments in the district are collected by TxGov Solutions, but city staff said the city did not have a mechanism to pursue delinquent balances.
Dog parks eligible for development credit
The council unanimously amended the city’s parkland-dedication ordinance to allow qualifying dog parks to count toward residential developers’ parkland requirements.
Under the ordinance, eligible dog parks must cover between one-half acre and 2 acres. They must include fencing, a double-gated entrance, drinking water for dogs and people, seating, shade, bilingual rules, waste bags, covered trash receptacles, drainage and pedestrian access.
The change does not require residential developments to include dog parks or commit the city to building new dog parks. It allows developers to receive parkland credit when a proposed dog park meets city standards and receives approval.
Federal grant and Human Resources funding
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved a $260,011 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan for fiscal year 2026-27.
The federal funding is allocated as follows:
- $119,008 for the city’s home repair program
- $20,801 for transportation assistance
- $18,200 for child care, financial literacy, senior assistance and other eligible public services
- $52,002 for program administration
- $50,000 for sidewalk and neighborhood infrastructure improvements compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The city is not required to provide matching funds.
The consent agenda also included three General Fund amendments totaling $69,101 for the Human Resources Department.
The council approved $14,540 for an independent employee-relations investigation, $34,181 for current and prior-year costs associated with the NeoGov PowerDMS policy-management platform and $20,380 for the WorkShield employee-relations investigation service.
City documents do not identify the employee, department or allegations associated with the independent investigation.
Council members also met in executive session to discuss Dallas County magistration requirements and matters involving Thorntree Golf Club. Mayor Rachel Proctor announced that the council took no action on either matter.
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