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Council tables sewer-ownership ordinance after residents raise notification, repair concerns
Summary
After public comments about homeowner responsibility and unmarked laterals, the Willard City Council tabled Ordinance 2025-13, which would shift lateral ownership to the mainline; further revisions and clearer marking procedures were requested.
The Willard City Council on June 26 tabled Ordinance 2025-13, which would amend municipal code to define sewer lateral ownership as extending to the mainline and connecting apparatus rather than stopping at the property line. Staff said the change aligns Willard with common practice in other cities but several residents and council members urged more clarity on homeowner obligations and notification.
"The ordinance would clarify that lateral ownership goes to the mainline and the connecting apparatus of the mainline," City Manager Jeremy Kimpton said during the public hearing. Resident Doug Younger said it "seemed unfair for property owners to be responsible for repairs under the road," and Planning Commission member Ken Ormond raised concerns about homeowners not being notified under blue-stake procedures and a lack of lateral marking.
Council discussion focused on how to word responsibility for repairs — for example making property owners responsible up to the street while reserving city responsibility for installation faults — and on improving marking and notification for laterals. Council Member Rod Mund moved to table the ordinance for further revision; the motion passed unanimously.
