Willard council debates truth‑in‑taxation, emergency service fees and faces sewer operator staffing shortfall

Willard — Councilors spent substantial time reviewing options to fund city services, including truth‑in‑taxation (property‑tax) hearings, a potential public‑safety/emergency services fee and adjustments to sewer funding, as staff warned about hiring challenges and operating costs.

Staff and councilors discussed the timing rules for truth‑in‑taxation public hearings and whether the city should instead pursue a targeted emergency/public‑safety fee tied to service users. Staff noted legislative uncertainty — some fees considered during the session had been dropped or remain under review — and that a fee study would be required to set defensible amounts.

Council members also discussed system demands and costs tied to ambulance and emergency services. The mayor said the city is mandated to provide ambulance service and that either taxpayers or user‑fees will need to cover those costs. Staff flagged that adding a second ambulance would add roughly $60,000 a year to costs and that the budget spreadsheet needs more granular detail.

On the sewer front, officials described repeated difficulties filling the certified operator position, causing reliance on backup staff and inter‑city assistance; the council discussed pre‑treatment requirements for high BOD dischargers and potential fines and infrastructure investments to mitigate load spikes. Tentative sewer budget increases were discussed and staff said they would return with more detailed spreadsheets and potential rate revisions.

No formal decisions to change tax rates or adopt a fee were made; council directed staff to schedule required public hearings (target window discussed) and to provide detailed budget line items and fee studies for later action.