08/03/2026
Over the past several days, I've received messages from citizens asking whether certain individuals or organizations going door-to-door in Haskell have the proper permits. I wanted to take a moment to share some information that may be helpful to everyone.
Many people don't realize that the City of Haskell's Solicitors Ordinance (Article 5.03 – Peddlers, Solicitors and Itinerant Merchants) establishes rules for commercial door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, and itinerant merchants. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of our citizens while providing a process for legitimate businesses that wish to conduct door-to-door sales. It also recognizes exemptions for bona fide religious organizations and certain charitable and noncommercial solicitations.
If someone comes to your door selling goods or services, you have every right to ask to see their City of Haskell solicitor's permit. Individuals who are required to have a permit must carry it with them while conducting door-to-door solicitations.
If you would like to verify whether a solicitor has obtained the proper permit, you are always welcome to contact Haskell City Hall at 940-864-2333. Our staff can verify whether a permit has been issued and answer any questions you may have.
It's also important to remember that if your property is posted with a "No Soliciting" sign, commercial solicitors are required to respect that notice. You are also never obligated to answer your door or continue a conversation with anyone you are not comfortable speaking with.
I completely understand why many people post on Facebook when they see unfamiliar individuals in their neighborhood. Social media can be a valuable way to keep neighbors informed, and I'm certainly not discouraging anyone from looking out for one another.
However, I also want to encourage everyone not to rely solely on social media. If someone makes you uncomfortable, refuses to leave your property, appears to be trespassing, or simply doesn't seem legitimate, please contact the Haskell County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 940-864-2345. If you believe a crime is occurring or you are in immediate danger, always call 911.
Law enforcement cannot investigate suspicious activity or prevent crime if they don't know something is happening. Reporting concerns directly to law enforcement allows deputies to respond, verify identities, determine whether permits are in order, and address any issues before they become larger problems.
As your Mayor, I want our community to continue looking out for one another while also using the proper channels to report concerns. Working together helps keep Haskell safe, protects our residents, and ensures that legitimate businesses and organizations are treated fairly.
If you would like to read the ordinance for yourself, it can be found in the City of Haskell Code of Ordinances, Article 5.03 – Peddlers, Solicitors and Itinerant Merchants.
Thank you for helping make Haskell a community that stays informed, stays engaged, and works together to keep our neighborhoods safe.
