Willard Board adopts flat-rate increases for water and sewer after public comment

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Willard, Missouri, voted to increase both water and sewer charges under a single flat-rate structure during a municipal meeting; the board chose the flat-rate option over keeping a roughly 10% surcharge on customers outside city limits.

Board members and staff said the decision follows a year of study and public input. A staff member summarized the history to the meeting: “Suggestions provided were, unpalatable, I think, to the community and to the board. So there was a decision made to reassess and look at 2 different models,” referring to a previously commissioned rate analysis and the two primary options under consideration.

Why it matters: Officials said the change aims to stabilize revenue for system maintenance, capital work and future improvements as the city addresses aging mains and system capacity. The board created a water advisory board and plans to present appointments and begin informal meetings in February to set priorities and track progress.

Public comment influenced debate. Jenny Williams, a resident who lives outside city limits, told the board she was unsure the rural/inside differential was fair because “we're actually pumping a majority of that water from The Meadows into Willard.” Kelly Davis, also a rural resident, pressed for visible improvements tied to rate increases: “Would be nice just to have a couple extra hydrants if we could get them in there.” Another Meadows resident, Slaton, urged “1 rate for everybody.”

Board discussion and votes: Members debated both approaches in sequence. After a motion to consider the 10% surcharge model failed to carry a majority, the board then considered and approved moving forward with a flat-rate increase for both water and sewer and completed the required second readings. The second reading for water rates was read as an ordinance amending Title 7 (utilities), chapter 7.05, and the board approved it on a roll-call vote. The sewer ordinance (Title 7, chapter 7.10) was likewise approved on motion and roll call.

Implementation and oversight: City staff said they will seek grants and federal/state funding where possible, and that a previously prepared capital-improvement list will guide spending decisions. The city administrator said an appointed water advisory board will meet in February to set meeting frequency, expectations and to provide community-facing updates. Staff also emphasized that winter water usage (January–March) is used to set sewer charges tied to water consumption.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance: Amend Title 7 utilities chapter 7.05 (water rates) — Outcome: approved (second reading adopted). Roll-call excerpted from the transcript: Alderman Billinger: Yes; Alderman Hill: Yes; Alderman King: No; Alderman Lancaster: No; Alderman Swatosh: Yes; Alderman Wilson: Yes. - Ordinance: Amend Title 7 utilities chapter 7.10 (sewer rates) — Outcome: approved (second reading adopted). Roll-call excerpted from the transcript: Alderman Billier: Yes; Alderman Hill: Yes; Alderman Keane: No; Alderman Lancaster: No; Alderman Swatash/Swartosh: Yes; Alderman Lawson: Yes.

What the meeting record shows and does not show: The board voted on motions and completed readings at the meeting. The transcript records attendees asking whether increased revenue will be used for capital improvements and additional hydrants; staff replied that a capital improvements list exists and that staff will pursue grants. The transcript does not specify the exact dollar amounts of the rate increases in the adopted ordinances.

Next steps: Staff will prepare implementation materials, pursue external funding where appropriate and present advisory-board appointments in February. The board asked that the advisory board help communicate progress back to the community and to surface any implementation problems.