Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Willard council adopts FY 2026–27 budget after debate over rapid police spending growth
Summary
Willard City Council on June 25 approved the FY 2026–27 operating and capital budgets but voiced concern about several years of steep police budget increases. Council also certified the property tax rate, approved a retirement contribution pickup for Tier 2 public safety employees, and passed midyear amendments.
Willard — The Willard City Council adopted the city’s final operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2026–27 on June 25, approving Resolution No. 2026‑08 after a discussion that centered on several consecutive years of above‑average increases to the police budget.
Mayor Travis Mote told the council the police budget has risen much faster than the city’s population growth and inflation in recent years, citing year‑over‑year increases of about 19%, 16%, 13.9%, 25% and a proposed 9% for the coming year. He said the city must balance maintaining quality police services with fiscal restraint.
Police Chief Theron Fielding responded that much of the growth reflected salary adjustments intended to keep the department competitive; he noted no new vehicles were included in this year’s budget and said grant programs that could cover up to 75% of wages for new officers in their first two years are being considered as a cost‑management tool.
Despite the debate over police spending, the council approved the FY 2026–27 budget by roll call vote (4–0). Councilmembers voting yes were Jordan Hulsey, Rex Christensen, Mike Braegger and Jacob Bodily.
The meeting also produced several companion fiscal votes. The council approved proposed FY 2025–26 budget amendments covering reclassifications and line‑item adjustments (for example, an added $35,000 for street‑cut fees and a $25,000 reclassification of professional fees). The city certified the property tax rate for 2026–27 with no change (Resolution No. 2026‑10), and approved Resolution No. 2026‑09 to authorize employer pickup of member contributions for the Tier 2 Public Safety and Firefighter Retirement System; staff said the FY 2026–27 budget reflects the pickup election.
Finance Representative Corey Urie presented the city’s annual Fraud Risk Assessment, noting Willard scored 325 out of a possible 395 points (a low‑risk rating) and recommending two improvements: establishing a formal audit committee and retaining copies of governing‑body members’ ethics training certificates. City Attorney Amy Hugie advised the council that an annual ethics statement is also required.
The council also approved the Perry‑Willard interlocal wastewater budget (now branded the Perry‑Willard Regional Water Reclamation Facility). Councilmember Rex Christensen described specific FY 2026–27 items: $17,331 estimated for IFAS (Integrated Fixed‑Film Activated Sludge) repair and parts, $7,000 for gear oil supplies, $4,000 for IFAS gearbox oil, and a step‑screen billow replacement estimated at roughly $15,000 (a long‑life capital item expected to reduce recurring annual maintenance of about $5,000). Willard’s contribution was noted to increase from roughly $266,000 to an estimated $299,000; the council approved the budget but asked staff to confirm final numbers with Perry City finance and prepare any necessary amendments.
What happens next: staff will finalize and publish adopted budget documents; the council indicated it will continue to monitor police‑related spending trends during future budget cycles.
