The Willard Board of Alders on Monday approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to award 20 $50 utility bill credits as an incentive for residents to participate in the city's comprehensive plan outreach.

Staff said the comprehensive-plan steering committee is seeking broad public participation and that the city will set up an outreach booth at a school football game on Aug. 29. To qualify for the randomized drawing residents must show they downloaded the city's app and submit contact information on an online form; winners' bill credits will be applied directly to their utility accounts rather than paid in cash.

Staff clarified that city employees are ineligible to receive the credits. The resolution was amended during the meeting to specify 20 utility credits at $50 each; the board approved the amended resolution on a recorded vote.

Why it matters: The credits are a small budgeted incentive to boost public input on the city's future land-use and transportation plans; staff said the approach is designed to collect contact information to keep residents informed about future public meetings.

Board action: The board approved the resolution as amended to provide 20 bill credits of $50 each; staff will administer the random selection process and apply credits to utility accounts.

Ending: Staff said they will create a transparent randomizer for the drawing and will publish details on eligibility and how winners are selected.