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Willard aldermen approve water advisory board amid split over new water-rate model
Summary
The Board of Aldermen voted to form a Water Advisory Board and held competing first‑reading votes on two water-rate approaches: a flat-rate proposal emphasizing equity and a 10% in‑city vs out‑of‑city differential favored by others for fiscal reasons; sewer-rate first readings followed the same models.
The Board of Aldermen in Willard on an evening meeting approved creation of a Water Advisory Board to provide residents and staff an ongoing forum for reviewing water infrastructure, rates and related policy.
Staff presented two rate options for water: a differential model that maintains a 10% surcharge framework (producing the reported examples: an in‑city minimum monthly charge near $14.18 and per‑1,000‑gallon rates shown in staff materials, and an alternate scale with higher minimums and per‑unit charges), and a flat‑rate model under which all customers would pay the same monthly minimum and per‑1,000‑gallon charge. The presenter said the models were designed to meet required reserve targets while reflecting known capital needs and cautioned they are based on current estimates, not future emergency replacements.
During debate, one alderman argued the differential is standard in nearby communities and reflects that in‑city customers contribute through local tax base and density; that speaker said a 10% differential aligns Willard with surrounding utilities. Another alderman urged a flat rate on equity grounds, stating, “It became a Willard Water Tower, and as such, everybody who uses it should be paying the same amount,” and pressed for a community‑wide approach.
The board recorded competing first‑reading motions. The flat‑rate motion was moved and seconded and put to roll‑call; members split in their votes. The board subsequently recorded a first‑reading motion for the staff’s Model 5 (the 10% differential model) for water and an analogous motion for sewer. Staff and board members noted that a second reading will include finalized percentages, explicit rate figures, and an effective date before any rates take effect.
The board’s action to create the Water Advisory Board was moved, seconded and approved; staff was directed to collect applications and proceed toward a second reading on related ordinances. The city administrator said the board will seek roughly five members and will advertise and accept applications ahead of the second reading.
Next steps: the board will carry the first readings forward to a second reading where the final rates, legal language and effective dates will be inserted in the ordinances before a final vote.
