Fire Department Proposal and Public Scrutiny Dominate Desoto Council Meeting
Residents press for answers after discussion surfaces online while city leaders outline a proposed management contract and approve multiple development items
What began as a routine Desoto City Council meeting evolved into a lengthy discussion about the future of the city’s fire department, public transparency, and the role of Councilman Todd Mahn in advancing a proposed management agreement with the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District.
The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a full chamber. Council members first recognized resident Patsy Westhoff for her volunteer efforts decorating the City Hall Christmas tree each year. Officials noted she coordinates lights and ornaments and works alongside city staff to ensure the display is ready each holiday season. She was presented with a plaque in appreciation of her continued service.
Public Concern Over Fire Department Management Proposal
The tone shifted during public comment when a resident raised concerns about a proposal that had surfaced publicly through Councilman Todd Mahn’s Facebook page. The resident referenced statements made by Mahn indicating that the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District could potentially manage the city fire department under what he described as a management arrangement. According to the resident, Mahn stated the city would not need to purchase new fire trucks, there would be no new taxes, and the city would maintain full use of rural personnel and equipment.
The resident questioned why the public first learned about the possibility through social media rather than during an official city meeting. She asked detailed questions about liability, command structure, equipment ownership, and how emergency resources would be prioritized if calls occurred simultaneously in city and rural jurisdictions. She also expressed frustration that when she publicly asked Mahn online for cost breakdowns and documentation, he directed her to call him privately rather than responding publicly. The speaker emphasized that decisions involving emergency services and taxpayer dollars should be discussed openly and formally, not piecemealed through personal posts.
Councilman Todd Mahn at the Center of Debate
Councilman Todd Mahn has been an active proponent of exploring the management contract. According to remarks referenced during the meeting, Mahn has studied the possibility for several years and publicly stated that such an arrangement could save the city significant money by avoiding the immediate need to purchase additional fire apparatus.
Mahn, who is currently running for reelection, has also recently faced allegations unrelated to the fire proposal. While those allegations were not discussed in detail during this portion of the meeting, a later public speaker urged residents not to rush to judgment and to allow due process to unfold.
That speaker, identifying herself as a former alderman and small business owner, defended Mahn’s character and long history in the community. She pointed to his family business, which has operated locally for more than a century, and said decades of leadership and service should not be overshadowed by unproven claims. She suggested the timing of the allegations, occurring during a reelection campaign, warranted careful scrutiny.
City Explanation of the Fire Management Plan
City officials later addressed the fire department issue directly. They described the proposal as a management contract with DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District Chief Fitzgerald to oversee day to day operations and training for the city fire department. Officials stressed that the departments would not merge. City firefighters would remain city employees, city trucks would remain city owned equipment, and rural personnel and equipment would remain under rural control.
Officials said there would be no new taxes imposed under the arrangement. Residents in the rural district would continue paying the same rural real estate tax, and city residents would continue paying the existing sales tax. The city also said the annual management cost would be roughly equivalent to what the city historically paid for a fire chief salary and benefits, approximately $90,000 annually. City leadership stated the agreement would include a 60 day termination clause allowing either party to end the contract if it proves unsuccessful.
Supporters argued the arrangement would improve operational consistency because city and rural crews already respond together frequently. They emphasized Chief Fitzgerald’s experience and leadership, describing it as difficult to replace quickly through a traditional hiring process. Still, questions lingered among residents about oversight, accountability, and long term implications. One council member indicated support for holding a future town hall meeting dedicated solely to the fire department to allow residents to ask questions in a more structured public forum.
Development Votes and Other Business
Beyond the fire department debate, council approved several items tied to growth and events. Council approved an annexation ordinance for property at 4720 State Road H following a prior planning and zoning hearing. Staff said they received calls about the annexation, including inquiries connected to data center concerns. The meeting also included discussion of a minor subdivision request involving acreage being split for a future sale, and a separate subdivision proposal near Highway 21 that includes infrastructure requirements such as a turn lane.
Council also approved a request to temporarily close a portion of Main Street in April for an event, closing the street from Miller to Stone. Staff reviewed bids related to a tent purchase and recommended awarding the project to the low bidder.
Public Records Policy Updates
The council also discussed updates to city policies related to public records requests, including clarifying fee practices for unusually large requests that require significant staff time and for vague requests that require follow up clarification.