Sep 6, 2024 – DeSoto County officials Friday released details of its Fiscal Year 2025 budget the Board of Supervisors approved earlier in the week.
Supervisors set a budget without a millage increase, making 21 consecutive years without an increase.
“Twenty-one years without a tax rate increase is a significant achievement, and I’m proud to have voted for all 21 of those budgets,” said District 1 Supervisor Jessie Medlin.
The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget maintains the tax levy rate at 41.02 mills, ensuring that residents will not face increased ad valorem taxes on their homes, vehicle tags, utilities, or business fixtures and equipment, unless the assessed value of their property rises in the upcoming fiscal year.
A significant portion of the projected $168 million total budget revenue is dedicated to public safety, with notable increases in funding for the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office budget has increased from $37 million in 2024 to $42 million in 2025.
“Ensuring that the Sheriff has the resources necessary to keep DeSoto County residents safe has always been a priority,” said District 2 Supervisor Mark Gardner. “We’re proud to have school resource officers in every school to protect our children.”
Additionally, the County’s funding for the District Attorney’s Office has risen from approximately $583,000 in 2024 to more than $942,000 in 2025.
“The District Attorney’s office is a state entity but is not fully funded by the state,” explained District 5 Supervisor Robert Foster. “That’s why the County steps in to ensure the DA has the prosecutors, staff, and resources needed to keep criminals off our streets.”
In reacting to the new budget, District Attorney Matthew Barton said the increase is a 62 percent rise for the Fiscal Year 2025 year, which he described as “historic.” The District Attorney’s Office will now be able to hire additional staff, including a new prosecutor.
“I am profoundly thankful to the County Supervisors for their confidence in our office and their commitment to keeping DeSoto County safe,” Barton said. “This substantial budget increase will allow our team to make a significant dent in our caseloads, keep drugs off our streets, and put violent criminals behind bars.”
The Board of Supervisors also remained committed to expanding and upgrading the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, the Juvenile Detention Center, the new Emergency Operations Center, and the new E-911 tower.
Ensuring that DeSoto County drivers can travel safely and efficiently remains a top priority, county officials said in releasing budget details.
“Our investment in road infrastructure goes beyond paving—it’s about ensuring that our residents can travel safely and efficiently, no matter where they need to go in DeSoto County,” said District 5 Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “These road projects are vital to our community’s growth and will significantly improve the quality of life for everyone,” added Medlin.
County Administrator Vanessa Lynchard details past year accomplishments in budget discussions with the Board of Supervisors. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
In approving the budget, the Board of Supervisors approved funding for several ongoing and new road projects, including:
Widening of Star Landing Road
Extension of Nail Road
Extension of Commerce Street from Della to Jaybird
Getwell Road & Pleasant Hill intersection improvements
Caldwell has also been in the front of the construction for the new Agri-Education Center and Arena on Star Landing Road, which she said is set to open during the coming year.
“Not only is it in the geographic center of the county, but we believe it will also become the heart of the community,” Caldwell said.
The Agri-Education Center will feature walking and equestrian trails, indoor and covered arenas, RV parking, ball fields, tennis courts, and a community building that will house 4-H, the Extension Office, and Soil & Water offices. Other community projects include the extension of Johnson Creek Greenway, improvements to walking trails at Eudora Park, and new bathroom facilities at Lewisburg Park.
“A sense of community is a key component of a good quality of life, and parks help build that sense of community,” said District 3 Supervisor Ray Denison.
DeSoto County is on track to achieve something few counties in Mississippi have accomplished: high-speed internet access for all residents. The Broadband Connectivity Program, set to conclude in the coming months, marks the culmination of 12 years of collaboration with internet providers to ensure every resident has access to high-speed internet.
“Internet service has become as essential as the road in front of your house,” said Caldwell. “While county employees oversee the buildout, it is being funded through federal and state grants, as well as investments from internet providers.”
For county employees, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget also includes a pay increase of up to three percent.
“Our county employees are the backbone of our community,“ said Foster. “Supporting our county employees is essential to maintaining the high standard of service our residents deserve.”
