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Willard holds public interviews for new water and sewer advisory board; no appointments made
Summary
At its March meeting the City of Willard conducted public interviews for a newly created Water and Sewer Advisory Board. Councilmembers heard from residents and utility workers about transparency, communications and infrastructure planning. No appointments were made; the board will return later with a five-member shortlist and staggered terms.
The City of Willard conducted public interviews at its March meeting for applicants to a newly created Water and Sewer Advisory Board, hearing from residents and former utility employees about transparency, communication and infrastructure priorities. Mayor Troy Smith said, “we're not gonna vote on anything tonight,” and the aldermen did not make appointments; the council plans to return with a list of five finalists for formal selection.
The advisory board is intended to be an advisory body only, not an operational or complaint-resolution office, and will include members from both in-city and non-incorporated service areas. “This committee wouldn't be the one that people should come to if their sewer is backing up,” a city staff member said during the discussion; applicants and aldermen repeatedly emphasized the distinction between advisory work and operational response.
Applicants described a mix of technical experience and community ties. Angie Wilson, who said she has worked in utility departments in Springfield for 17 years, told the board she sought the position to improve visible accountability after recent rate increases and to help residents understand how additional rate revenue is used: “I double checked that it's not a conflict of interest, because City Utilities does not handle the sewer system,” Wilson said, adding that she wants residents to “have a voice” and see clearer information such as online usage and billing details.
Kim Reed, who described a 28-year career in water engineering and operations, emphasized reliability and communication during outages. “With today's technology…people want to know something right now,” Reed said, urging the board to consider text notifications and clearer outage messaging. Reed also noted long-term concerns such as fair rates, reliability and core infrastructure condition.
Kelly Davis, a Willard resident of decades and a former City Utilities employee, and other applicants raised forward-looking concerns about growth and system capacity. A candidate who identified himself as a prison chaplain and longtime manager said good information prevents community frustration: “If we have good information, guess what? We can make good choices.” Another applicant who works in insurance and moved to Willard in 2016 said the advisory role is to “listen, ask questions, make informed recommendations,” noting prior board experience.
Board members and staff described next steps and selection logistics. The council will return at a future meeting with the five candidates it intends to appoint; initial terms on the board will be staggered and the maximum initial term is four years. Staff said the city will provide training where needed and that the administration will coordinate confirmations and term assignments.
Though applicants differed in technical background, several speakers urged a balance of skills on the advisory panel — some members with technical expertise and others who can communicate with neighbors and represent customers’ concerns. The mayor and aldermen thanked the applicants for volunteering and said they would review materials and resumes before making any appointments.
No formal action or appointments occurred at the meeting. The council asked staff to return with a slate of candidates and term recommendations at a later date.
