HCEDC board approves FY2026–27 Type B budget, raises land and beautification allotments

The Haslet Community and Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) Type B board voted July 15 to approve its fiscal year 2026–27 budget after agreeing to several changes to project and contingency lines. The motion to adopt the budget was moved by a board member and seconded; the chair called the vote and announced the measure passed unanimously.

The board raised the land-purchase line to $1,000,000 and increased the beautification and landscape program from $50,000 to $100,000 to reflect uncertainties about potential parking-lot lighting and electrical work, which staff warned could require tearing up pavement and costly electrical upgrades. "It seemed like it would be much more work than I anticipated," a board member said while arguing for a larger allotment for beautification to cover unknown site work.

The draft budget also includes a transfer to the general fund to cover the Metropore Chamber membership fee ($13,200 annually) and one-third of the salary and benefits for a potential economic development director (listed in the worksheet as $51,006.67 for the one-third share). Staff said the city council had not yet confirmed cost-sharing and that the EDC should be prepared to cover a larger share if council declines to contribute. "We have not received word from either way," staff told the board, urging the board to consider the transfer while leaving room for later adjustment.

On the property-insurance line, staff agreed to verify with Marcy whether the EDC should carry that expense; staff noted the EDC does not own structures that would typically require property insurance and that the line might be zeroed out. "We can verify that with Marcy," a staff member said, and the board agreed to make the budget approval contingent on confirming that figure.

Other decisions captured in the approved worksheet include a $30,000 allocation (in the packet) for small-business signage and an expanded small-business promotion concept that may include a business exchange/farmers market and social-media promotion. Board members asked staff to reflect promotional and marketing details in project descriptions that will appear in public-hearing notices.

The board also discussed and retained a $1,000,000 placeholder for a park in East Haslet (variously described as Caraway/Sweetgrass or "East Haslet" park) so the EDC can show commitment while reserving flexibility on specific site designation. Staff said projects will be brought back with more detail and publicly noticed for hearings once the budget process advances. The meeting minutes state staff will confirm property-insurance numbers before final reporting to city council.

The budget motion was made by a board member and seconded; the chair called the vote and announced the motion passed unanimously. The board identified future agenda items including updating the business directory, scheduling training for new members, and verifying TEDC training signups before adjourning at 8:22 p.m.