The Haslet City Council on Aug. 18 approved an ordinance reinstating the position of city administrator and moving some administrative duties away from the mayor. The council’s vote came after hours of public comment and a split between residents who backed a professional manager and others who said the change undercuts voters’ choice of mayor.

Why it matters: Reinstating a city administrator changes the city’s operational structure by giving day‑to‑day administrative authority to a hired official rather than the elected mayor. Several residents and commenters said they view the move as counter to voters’ intent; council proponents said it will provide professional administrative capacity.

Ordinance and staff explanation
City attorney Jeremy Page presented a draft ordinance that codifies an administrator job description and reinstates administrative duties previously included in Haslet’s code of ordinances. Page said the language largely mirrors earlier ordinances from prior council actions and includes transitional language while an administrator is hired.

Legal and public concerns
Multiple residents — both at the podium and in submitted written comments — urged the council not to reassign functions away from the elected mayor. One resident said the vote was equivalent to "handing over all responsibilities for running the city ... to an individual who has not been selected or approved by the citizens vote." Others argued a full town‑hall process or public vote would be the appropriate route for so fundamental a change.

Council action and aftermath
Council members moved and seconded the ordinance; the council approved the change in a recorded motion. The meeting record shows lengthy public opposition during the hearing, including written comments submitted in advance and multiple speakers who asked the council to respect the voters’ prior elections. Council supporters said a professional administrator will provide continuity and operational expertise as the town grows.

What to watch next
Council members and staff did not announce a hiring timeline at the meeting; the ordinance includes a transitional phase and assigns staff and council oversight responsibilities. Residents asked that the council outline qualifications, search and evaluation procedures; several requested that any job description include minimum education and experience standards and a clear evaluation process. The city attorney advised the council that state statutory mayoral duties remain unaffected by the ordinance and said the drafted language is intended to comply with governing law.

Public comment highlights
Speakers opposing the change said the mayor was elected by voters and that installing a hired administrator would reduce direct electoral accountability. Supporters said the workload and complexity of a growing city require a professional manager. The debate was a central issue in a meeting that also adopted the fiscal 2025–26 budget.