DeSoto County Board of Supervisors Approve Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Celebrate 21 Years without a Tax Millage Rate Increase
DeSoto County, MS – At a time when many communities across the nation are grappling with rising taxes and shrinking services, DeSoto County continues to set a standard for fiscal responsibility and community growth. With the approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the Board of Supervisors proudly extends its remarkable 21-year streak without a tax rate increase, all while enhancing public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life for its residents.
“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.
Commitment to Public Safety
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.”
The Board of Supervisors remain 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.
“Preparedness is key to protecting our residents in times of crisis. We are committed to ensuring our emergency services are fully equipped and ready to respond to any situation,” added Supervisor Gardner.
A Road to Success
Ensuring that DeSoto County drivers can travel safely and efficiently remains a top priority.
“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 4 Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “These road projects are vital to our community’s growth and will significantly improve the quality of life for everyone,” added Supervisor Medlin.
The Board of Supervisors has approved funding for several ongoing and new road projects, including:
- Widening of Star Landing
- Extension of Nail Road
- Extension of Commerce Street from Della to Jaybird
- Getwell Road & Pleasant Hill intersection improvements
Enhancing Quality of Life
The Board is also focused on enhancing the quality of life for DeSoto County residents.
“Our new Agri-Education Center and Arena is set to open by late spring 2025,” said Supervisor Caldwell. “Not only is it in the geographic center of the county, but we believe it will also become the heart of the community.”
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.
Bridging the Digital Divide
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 Supervisor Caldwell. “While county employees oversee the buildout, it is being funded through federal and state grants, as well as investments from internet providers.”
“I was one of the more than 11,600 people that did not have access to internet at the start of 2024. I finally got internet a few months ago, and it is a game changer,” said Supervisor Denison.
Support for County Employees
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of county employees, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget also includes a pay increase of up to 3%.
“Our county employees are the backbone of our community,” said Supervisor Foster. “Supporting our county employees is essential to maintaining the high standard of service our residents deserve.”
With the approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to responsible governance, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for all its residents.
CONTACT: Christie Barclay
Desoto County Community Resource Director
Email: cbarclay@desotocountyms.gov Cell: 662-449-6449
