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Willard council hears promising income tax receipts, service updates and forms sidewalk committee
Summary
Council received a positive finance report, updates on police renovations and the water plant, learned the Fire Department won a $14,280 grant, approved staff report items including two wastewater certifications, and agreed to form a sidewalk committee; the council later entered executive session on contract negotiations.
The Willard City Council on March 16, 2026 received a positive financial update and a series of operational reports from the City Manager.
The Finance Director told council that income tax collections are "looking promising" and presented the February 2026 packet (monthly cash reconciliation, pooled cash report, fund balance report, treasurer's report, budget report and income tax receipt summary); council approved the report unanimously.
City Manager updates included an Annual Report for review and community-service items: Arbor Day on March 24 (staff will plant new trees in the fall; the west-side City Hall flowering pear trees were removed because flowering pear varieties are now illegal to plant in Ohio), and a food giveaway scheduled the next day from 3:00–4:30 p.m.; the most recent giveaway served 312 families. An Easter Egg Hunt is set for March 28 at 11 a.m. at the Soccer Complex, with crafts from the library and food trucks; the rain date is March 29.
Public works and facilities: Police Department renovations are ahead of schedule (rough framing complete; inspection pending before drywall; façade removals underway). The Water Plant is nearing completion but two items remain delayed (a load cell on the PAC building and an electrical panel); all three river pumps will be operable though typically only one runs at a time. The Maintenance Department is preparing a waterline replacement between Third and Fourth streets and used a vacuum truck to identify service-line types. Crews will make a single pass to pick up storm-related brush piles on each street.
Public safety and personnel: The Fire Department received a grant of $14,280 to purchase masks. Eleven employees attended the Ohio Safety Congress for safety training. The City reported that Officer Cox submitted his resignation and the city has hired Officer Cerritos, a Willard native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The City Manager announced wastewater certifications for Jared Hutchison (Class II Wastewater Collection License) and Gavin Lindsey (Class II Wastewater Distribution License).
Council questions and next steps: Councilperson McKenzie asked about a planned safety zone at the First Street railroad tracks; the Manager said permission from the Ohio Rail Commission has been obtained. Council President David Sattig raised concerns about electric bikes traveling 20–25 mph on sidewalks; the Law Director is researching applicable rules for different e-bike types and registration issues. Councilmember Daniel volunteered to convene a sidewalk committee to finish sidewalks (Councilpersons Babcock and Vanichek also volunteered); residents interested in serving were asked to notify the City Manager. The Law Director said the city appears responsible for sidewalks beneath the North Main underpass while the railroad is responsible for the bridge structure; council emphasized the sidewalk is a safety concern.
The council later moved into an executive session to discuss pending contract negotiations and adjourned to that session.
