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DeSoto’s Tetuan Moffett Channels Military and Media Expertise to Serve Community

Tetuan Moffett is doing his part to make the world a better place. And if you’d like to watch him do so, just turn on your TV or computer.

“Empowered by my experiences in the military and the media industry, I am driven to make a positive impact in my community and beyond,” Moffett, a DeSoto resident, said.

“The numerous awards and recognition I have received are a testament to my unwavering dedication to excellence and my passion for serving others.”

Moffett is the oldest of three siblings, with one sister and one brother, who reside in Hampton, Virginia, with his mother. His late father, Councilman Will Moffett, served in the community, government, and politics.

He is married to Shayna E. Moffett, a native of Flint, Michigan, and a registered nurse. They have a blended family of eight children and three dogs.

Military Reporting

Moffett was a public affairs specialist for the Navy during his last five-year tour in Japan. He was responsible for producing a weekly news magazine show called “Yokosuka Report.”

He anchored the weekly news, conducted interviews, and worked as the weekend sports and special events reporter. He was also the producer of “Commanders Call,” a live community show that was aired on Armed Forces Network Radio in Japan.

In addition to reporting for the Navy, he left Japan and went to Virginia to work for Joint-Base Langley-Eustis. He was a broadcasting supervisor and managing editor for the Peninsula Warrior Military News publication.

“I believe reporting for the military news shares several similarities with civilian news reporting, despite the unique context and environment in which military news operates,” he said, citing some key similarities:

  • Both strive to provide accurate, factual, and unbiased information.
  • The fundamental principles of storytelling.
  • Research and verification and ethical standards.

“The distinct differences may be context, audiences, and access to information,” he said. “One thing for sure is that the military audiences may have specific sources they trust, such as official military communications and established veteran organizations.

“Civilian audiences may rely on a broader range of news outlets, leading to varying levels of trust in different media sources. However, the differences are essential for effectively communicating with and serving the needs of both military and civilian news audiences.”

Video Production

Moffett entered the world of video production and found success with involvement in such works as:

  • ESPN “30 For 30: No Crossover, Allen Iverson” – Camera operator/videographer.
  • “Trojan Horse 1: The Truth Behind Holy Hip Hop” – Executive producer/director/editor.
  • “Trojan Horse 2: The Pride of Life” – Executive producer/director/editor.
  • “Operation Black 2: The Light ‘Hades Seven'” – Executive producer/director/editor.
  • “Project 1619: History and Legacy of Enslaved Africans” – Producer/editor.

Among those with whom he has worked is Steve James, director of the Oscar-winning documentary “Hoop Dreams.”

“Working with Steve James was nothing less than an honor and privilege. I met Steve James, a native of Hampton, Virginia, through David Squires, who is currently a lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of N.C. A&T State University,” Moffett detailed. “My role with Steve James was a contract via ESPN, and I was responsible for a great portion of the videography for the documentary ’30 For 30 No Crossover. ‘ I filmed interviews with Iverson, family moments, press conferences, and hours of footage of him engaging his fans and supporters.

DeSoto City Council Discusses Budget, Final Hearing On September 17

DESOTO – The DeSoto City Council spent a good part of the meeting Tuesday night discussing the upcoming FY 2024/2025 budget.

There was one citizen comment, 34-year resident Anna Williams who thanked the DeSoto Police Department regarding city safety. Williams mentioned a former local Sheriff having said “Thank you for the most thankless job in America” adding “quite often that happens in DeSoto. Chief Costa and his policemen and policewomen, they are great and they do an amazing job in helping us in DeSoto to clean up crime, to clean up gambling that should not have been here, but they have done that and they have done an amazing job and I hope they continue to stay with us and with the citizens.”

Bernadine Harrison did not speak, but noted on a public comment card she was confused on how agenda items are presented.

The budget item was a discussion-only public hearing with no residents speaking.

The adoption of the Budget, Tax Rate, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and Council Business Plan is set for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 7 p.m.

DeSoto City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry said regarding the budget that staff was able to maintain the existing tax rate, and create a balanced general fund “as well as focusing to achieve the business plan priorities and strategic plan finally investing in areas identified as high priorities with citizen survey results while focusing on implementing large and prioritizes capital projects.”

The proposed budget, including the CIP, was first presented to the council on July 11 with two budget workshops held at the end of July.

The next steps will be for the council to prepare the draft and finalize its business plan during its upcoming summer retreat.

In staff notes it was pointed out the tax rate necessary to pay the debt obligations and provide the level of operating services as proposed in the budget is 68.4934 cents per $100 valuation, which is slightly lower than the tax rate in Tax Year 2024. The proposed rate is comprised of the Debt Service and Maintenance & Operations rates. The Debt Service rate is 18.1000 cents per $100 valuation, 0.0607 cents lower than Tax Year 2024. The Maintenance and Operations rate is 50.3934 cents per $100 valuation, 0.0449 cents higher than the Tax Rate in 2024. Adopting this tax rate will lower the overall tax rate by .000158 and enable the City to cover additional personnel compensation, salary, and associated benefits increases, supplies and equipment costs, contractual services, and professional fees.

The City is not required to hold an election with the proposed tax rate equal to the voter approval tax rate. The FY2024-25 budget is projected to raise more total revenue taxes than last year’s budget by $6,389,424 or 13.87%. Of that amount, $1,067,228 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

The Public Utility Fund Budget for FY 2024-25 has proposed a 9% increase in the water base and volume rates from the current base rate of $10.64 to $11.60 and the current volume rate of $3.70 to $4.03. The fund also has proposed a 9% increase in the sewer base rate from the current rate of $12.87 to $14.03 and a 9% increase in the sewer volume rate from the current rate of $12.87 to $14.03. The increase is proposed to cover the costs of contract water and wastewater treatment services, maintain current service levels, and continue capital improvements.

The Sanitation Fund Budget for FY 2024-2025 proposes a 5% increase in the sanitation rate from the current $29.97 to $31.47. The increase is proposed to maintain current service levels and cover the cost of the City’s new waste hauler contract with Republic Services.

Place 2 councilmember Pierette Parker had several questions about the increase $11.64 average of residential accounts proposed increase for water and sewer. Staff emphasized these costs are not controlled by the city and are passe

09/06/2024 - The Link Church- 10-Year Anniversary Homecoming X Gala


 
The Link Church is thrilled to extend a special invitation to you for our highly anticipated 10-Year Anniversary Homecoming X Gala! Your support has been vital to helping us fulfill our mission of linking people to Christ and linking people together, and we would love to celebrate this milestone together.
 
Join us on September 6th, at 7:00 PM at the DeSoto Civic Center for an unforgettable evening. We are planning a black-tie, kid-free event, featuring a live house band, comedy, dinner, and dancing. It will be a night filled with fun, laughter, and the opportunity to connect with the community that has been a crucial part of our journey.
 
The cost is only $50 per person, and we are excited to welcome you, your colleagues, and anyone associated with your organization until we reach capacity. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so don’t wait!
 
 
We look forward to celebrating with you and making this a night to remember!
 

 
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