The Willard Board of Alders on Monday approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a government-relations agreement to pursue state funding for a new sewer connection north of town.

City Administrator Wesley and outside consultant Ryan Deboof told the board the city is limited by aging infrastructure and lacks a direct sanitary sewer connection the board wants to build. Deboof, a partner in a Jefferson City-based government-relations firm, described pursuing state-directed appropriations and working with state agencies and legislators to secure budgeted funds.

"We will be spending the time between now and the beginning of legislative session in January to develop our relationships with legislators and explain the project to them," Deboof said. He cited past municipal successes in the state budget process and described a contract structure that covers the legislative session and stops if funds are not secured.

Why it matters: Willard officials say extending sewer capacity and creating a direct connection to regional infrastructure would enable growth north of town and reduce reliance on existing regional lift stations.

Deboof outlined a typical timeline: relationship-building and project definition in the months before session, legislative work during session, then appropriations and any potential veto management with the governor's office. He noted that with a new governor the political environment is less predictable than in recent years and that the city should be prepared to manage a more active appropriations process.

Board action: The board approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement for government-relations services with "Honda Book Government Relations" (as read into the record) and voted in favor; aldermen present voted unanimously yes.

What was said about costs and commitments: Deboof described a common contracting approach for appropriation-guided work: the city would contract through the legislative session; if money did not end up in the budget the firm would not continue billing for additional work after that phase. If funds are appropriated, the firm would continue through any veto or implementation steps. The motion and resolution approved execution of the agreement itself; specific contract fees were not stated on the public record during the meeting.

Ending: City staff said the government-relations effort is one component of a broader financing strategy that includes state grants and other state agency programs; staff will return with contract details and next steps for the project if needed.