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Willard consultant recommends steep water and sewer rate increases; board schedules public presentation
Summary
A consultant presented a rate analysis recommending roughly 35.3% higher water revenue and 29.6% higher sewer revenue; the board agreed to present the study and hold a public hearing at a regular meeting so residents can ask questions.
A consultant hired by the City of Willard has recommended significant rate increases for the citys water and sewer utilities, and the Board of Aldermen agreed to schedule a public presentation and hearing.
City staff summarized the consultants findings for the board, saying the plan would raise water revenue by about 35.3% and sewer revenue by about 29.6%, with some cost recovery captured through capacity fees. The consultant also recommended rebalancing rates so that customers outside the city pay relatively more than those inside the city.
City staff framed the recommendation as an effort to rebuild reserves, pay for deferred maintenance and planned capital projects (towers, equipment replacement and capacity upgrades). The presenter said the proposed approach is intended to reduce future "rate shock" by considering automatic, predictable annual adjustments tied to projected costs.
Board members asked about public notice and timing. Staff said the recommendation could be presented at a normal board meeting with a light agenda and that the consultant would be available to explain details and answer questions. Staff and an alderman discussed whether a separate community meeting would be preferable; the board settled on including the consultants presentation in an upcoming regular meeting and scheduling the official public hearing with required notice.
The board did not adopt the rate changes during this meeting; it agreed to provide the public an opportunity to review the consultants analysis and to hear public comment before any vote. The consultant will appear at a meeting to present details and respond to resident questions prior to any formal action.
