Haslet council continues discussion on rejoining Metroport Chamber; asks for presentation on benefits
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Summary
Councilmembers debated the merits of rejoining the Metroport Chamber of Commerce, noting potential networking benefits but questioning a roughly $12,000 annual cost; the council voted to continue the item to the May meeting and requested a presentation and written materials from the chamber.
The Haslet City Council on April 7 discussed whether to rejoin the Metroport Chamber of Commerce and voted to continue the discussion to the May meeting to allow the chamber to present what membership would offer.
Mayor Pro Tem Morrow introduced the item and said she had asked for it after reviewing economic development reports and receiving business input. "I think of growth as if you don't manage it, it will manage you," Morrow said, arguing that a chamber relationship could provide networking, visibility and business advocacy.
Other council members questioned the return on investment. Council members and staff noted that membership in 2022 cost the city more than $12,000 a year and that a regional chamber that serves several cities may dilute benefits for Haslet specifically. City staff member Mr. Schwenke told the council he has found more value in single‑city chambers than in regional chambers: "The only the only time where I've had Chamber of Commerce's help is when they've been specific city chambers of commerce's, not a regional chambers of commerce," he said.
Council members asked the Metroport Chamber to provide written materials detailing services and measurable outcomes for the annual fee, and some said they would like the chamber president to appear in person. Councilmember comments also asked for a basic ROI analysis tied to sales tax expectations and clarity on which fund would pay for membership (the general fund was cited).
Councilwoman Morrow moved to continue the discussion and schedule it for the council's May meeting so members could review written materials and hear from the chamber; the motion was seconded and approved. Council instruction included asking the chamber to provide documentation on benefits to municipalities that currently belong and to outline services for a fee of about $12,000 per year, which council members discussed as a reference amount during the meeting.