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Haslet council declines outside-counsel probe into HCEDC-related allegations
Summary
The council voted unanimously to deny hiring outside counsel to investigate allegations concerning the proposed conveyance of HCEDC property at 210 Main Street, citing cost concerns and the limited scope presented; staff had earlier provided confidential proposals and estimated investigation time of 40 to 50 hours.
The Haslet City Council voted Monday to deny a request to retain external investigators to examine public allegations about conduct tied to a proposed conveyance of Haslet Community and Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) property at 210 Main Street.
City staff had solicited estimates from five law firms that perform white-collar and internal investigations; staff told council the firms expected an initial fact-finding phase of roughly 40 to 50 hours, with potential additional time if the inquiry broadened. Staff provided the council with confidential summaries of firm qualifications and initial timeline/cost estimates; council members said the proposals included hourly rates and possible additional expenses.
Public commenters and some council members expressed concern about potential six-figure costs if an investigation expanded, and emphasized that any probe could become lengthy and costly. The mayor said he requested the investigation to address public allegations and clear any names implicated; other members argued the city should not expend substantial taxpayer funds without clearer evidence or a narrower, defined scope.
After discussion, the council made and seconded a motion to deny hiring outside counsel for the investigation; the motion passed unanimously. Council recorded that staff and the city attorney may continue to compile relevant records but that the city would not initiate an outside-firm investigation at this time.
