Title
A resolution authorizing the City Manager to finalize, execute, and administer the Interlocal Agreement for Mobile Food Unit Inspections between Dallas County, on behalf of Dallas County Health and Human Services, and the City of Mesquite for the purpose of Mesquite being an authorized inspection and permitting location site for mobile food units and roadside vendors seeking a Dallas County Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Permit and authorizing the City Manager to enter into Memorandum of Understandings with other Dallas County cities to grant reciprocity for the purpose of recognizing another jurisdiction’s fire safety MFU inspection and authorizing the City Manager to take such other actions and execute such other documents as are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the agreement(s).
Body
During the 2025 Legislative session, the State of Texas adopted Senate Bill 1008, which places additional limitations on the fees that cities and counties may charge mobile food unit (MFU) permit applicants and affirms Dallas County as the sole authority for issuing county-wide MFU permits. This includes designating Mesquite as a County-wide authorized site for mobile food unit inspections and permits and incorporating provisions for compliance with SB 1008 (Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025) relating to fee limitations for mobile food unit applicants.
Under House Bill 2878 (2023), the County assumed responsibility for mobile food unit permits, while cities retained authority to inspect units and enforce local ordinances related to their operation.
This updated Interlocal Agreement allows the City of Mesquite to perform MFU inspections and process permit applications on behalf of Dallas County. The City forwards completed applications and inspection records to the County, which makes the final determination to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke permits. Permits issued through this process are valid county-wide. City-specific requirements, such as zoning, may still be enforced independently from the County’s permitting authority. Dallas County provides standard application forms and the official permit document.
Financial Implications
For each MFU permit processed, the City of Mesquite will collect permit fees according to the County’s FY 2026 fee schedule, which is set to comply with limitations established by SB 1008. The total fee for each permit may not exceed the State’s maximum allowable charge, which is currently $258.00 for mobile food units. The City remits an administrative fee of $50.00 per permit to Dallas County each month and retains the remainder. This arrangement ensures permit applicants are charged consistent, lawful rates and that Mesquite retains funds to offset inspection and administrative costs, as required by the new Interlocal Agreement.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Drafter
Adam Bailey
Head of Department
Adam Bailey