Haslet City Council members voiced urgent concerns during the recent budget workshop about the town's stagnant sales tax revenue and the lack of retail options for the significant traffic passing through. Council members highlighted that despite the high volume of vehicles, the city is missing opportunities for these drivers to stop and spend money, which could benefit local finances.

One council member pointed out that Haslet has struggled for decades to attract retail businesses, noting that the city is surrounded by competitive retail developments in nearby areas like Alliance, Texas, and Presidio. This competition makes it challenging for Haslet to meet the specific criteria that retail developers look for when considering new locations.

In a review of occupancy permits issued since 2000, it was revealed that out of 38 businesses, only three were retail establishments, with the majority being healthcare-related. This raises questions about the city's ability to diversify its economic base.

The council also discussed the concept of "daytime population," which refers to the number of people in the city during working hours. Haslet's daytime population is approximately 4.2 times its residential population, indicating a significant number of workers who are not utilizing local services, primarily due to a lack of dining and shopping options.

As the council continues to explore solutions, the need for strategic marketing and development efforts is clear. The discussions underscore the importance of attracting businesses that can cater to both residents and the influx of daytime workers, which could ultimately enhance the city's economic landscape.