Council reviews draft Steambank Erosion Mitigation ordinance with $500,000 allocation and $10,000 homeowner share

The City of DeSoto reviewed a draft Steambank Erosion Mitigation Program ordinance on Sept. 14 that would let the city design, bid and manage erosion control projects on private residential property. Director of Development Services Ahmed Akasey said the draft—prepared by the city attorney—incorporates council direction for $500,000 in annual drainage-fund allocation, a $10,000 homeowner contribution (flat rate) and in‑house project management, and that the city will handle design, procurement, construction oversight and a two‑year contractor warranty.

Councilmembers pressed staff on whether the $10,000 payment would be secured with a lien; Akasey said the city attorney recommended holding residents accountable through contract‑breach proceedings rather than an automatic lien, with a lien as a later option if litigation progresses. Council raised implementation questions—application timing, contingency allowances, project caps given the $500,000 program allocation—and asked staff to return with clarified timelines and possible financing referrals for residents; several members asked that the ordinance be finalized before the city accepts applications.