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Willard council hears first readings on water, sewer and EMS fee changes amid water-plant updates
Summary
City Manager cited rising chemical and electric costs when presenting proposed utility changes; council heard first readings of three ordinances that would raise water rates, adjust capital fees and set EMS transport charges.
The Willard City Council on Nov. 17 heard first readings of three ordinances proposing changes to water, sewer and emergency medical services fees as the city continues upgrades at its water treatment facilities.
City Manager (name not specified in the minutes) told council the cost of chemicals and electricity for water treatment has increased and outlined a package of rate changes. He described a proposed $0.25 flat capital increase described for sewer and water, a $1.90 per-unit increase in the water commodity charge, a $5.60 base charge for accounts using under one unit, and a $0.20 charge to cover recycling and brush grinding. The manager said there would be no increase in sewer rates in the plan as presented to council. The manager said revenues from the capital increase would be used for capital projects such as replacing water lines; the city has been replacing clarifiers and updating electronics at the river intake as part of an ongoing water treatment plant project expected to be completed around February or March 2026.
Clerk read three ordinances by title only for first reading: Ordinance No. 6013-25 would amend Chapter 925 to provide for the 2026 water service rate increase; Ordinance No. 6014-25 would amend Chapter 923 related to sewer rates for 2026; and Ordinance No. 6015-25 would establish a schedule of fees for emergency medical services and ambulance transport effective Jan. 1. Council did not adopt the ordinances at the meeting; they were presented for first reading only.
Councilmembers did not record a final vote on the rate ordinances at this meeting. The managerrecorded several operational improvements that the proposed revenues would support, including replacement of two clarifiers already completed and work to permit removal and maintenance of 30-foot pumps at the reservoir. Additional public hearings or readings will be required before any rate changes take effect.
Background and next steps -Ordinance No. 6013-25 (water rates) and Ordinance No. 6014-25 (sewer rates) were presented by title only as first readings; no final action was taken at the Nov. 17 meeting. -Ordinance No. 6015-25 (EMS/ambulance fees) was presented as a first reading; the ordinance would take effect Jan. 1 if adopted. -Council will need to schedule further readings or hearings before any rate increases are enacted.
