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Haslet park board asks city to clarify permitted uses of water-bill donations
Summary
Board members questioned whether optional $1 donations on water bills (Park Fund) are being used in line with the ordinance — which lists parkland, equipment and facility improvements — and asked city finance to clarify how the funds are being accounted for and spent.
During its March 18 meeting, the Haslet Park Board raised questions about how donations collected through the optional $1 water-bill contribution (Park Fund) are being allocated and whether current spending aligns with the ordinance that created the fund.
A board member noted that the ordinance describes funds "shall be used for the purchase of park land and equipment and development of facilities improvements and improvements for park and recreation," and questioned whether spending on event supplies such as Easter-egg purchases fit that description. Staff referenced an amended ordinance language that includes "recreational activities," and said the city’s finance office had provided guidance, but the board requested clearer written confirmation of permissible uses and accounting details from city staff.
The board did not take formal action other than to request that staff (via Marcy, the referenced city finance contact) provide a clearer explanation and documentation of how donations are recorded and how matching funds are applied. Members suggested that, if the ordinance language or accounting practices do not match donor expectations, the council should consider an amendment or clearer fund reporting.
Staff said the donation dollars are placed in the park fund and that current practice allows spending on parkboard events and recreation-related expenses, but board members asked that the city supply definitive written guidance to reduce confusion and maintain donor trust.
