Haslet EDC to fund $500,000 playground replacement; council okays $20,000 reimbursement for Metroport Chamber dues

The Haslet Community and Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) proposed two projects that the City Council approved on Dec. 15: (1) a project designation to fund up to $500,000 to replace older playground equipment and surfacing at Community Park/Nance Field; and (2) a request to reimburse the city $20,000 for initiation/re‑joining dues to the Metroport Chamber of Commerce.

Mister Swanky, representing the EDC, explained that the $500,000 project is intended to replace aging play equipment and to provide improved fall‑zone surfacing similar to other parks. The council voted to authorize the EDC to amend its budget and proceed with the project designation; the EDC must publish notice and there will be a 60‑day waiting period followed by a public hearing. Swanky noted that if 10 percent of registered voters submit a petition against the project it would proceed to referendum.

Council members and staff said they expect few objections but noted the statutorily required publication and waiting period. The reimbursement of $20,000 for Metroport Chamber dues was approved under the same process and likewise subject to the 60‑day waiting and public‑hearing requirement.

Why it matters: The HCEDC funding will pay for park improvements that the parks board requested; the reimbursement will restore funds to the city’s general accounts for the chamber membership program that the city recently rejoined.

What’s next: EDC will publish the required notice and hold a public hearing after the 60‑day waiting period; if no referendum petition is successful the projects can proceed.