Willard Council Reinstates Transit Tax, Adopts Interlocal Agreement With UTA

Willard City Council on March 26 voted to repeal Ordinance 2024‑03, reinstate Ordinance 2007‑B(Rev) and adopt an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) after a public hearing and legal briefing.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Braegger outlined the background: the city attempted to repeal the transit tax about two years ago, later learned the repeal was not legally effective, and faced potential UTA pursuit of back taxes. Mark Murphy, a resident, told the council he was frustrated that a promised UTA transit stop for Willard moved from 2030 to 2035 and urged the city to consider litigation; Councilmember Rex Christensen said Perry City’s unsuccessful legal challenge meant the city had limited legal recourse. "Not a happy yes," Councilmember Rodney Mund said as he cast a reluctant vote in favor of the motion.

The council handled the repeal, reinstatement and interlocal agreement as a single motion. City Manager Jeremy Kimpton confirmed the items could be considered together. Roll-call votes recorded in the meeting minutes were: Councilmember Jacob Bodily — Yes; Councilmember Rodney Mund — "Not a happy yes"; Mayor Pro Tem Mike Braegger — Yes; Councilmember Rex Christensen — Yes; Councilmember Jordan Hulsey — Yes. The motion carried.

Why it matters: City officials said reinstating the tax and signing the interlocal agreement preserves Willard’s legal compliance with UTA and avoids exposure to back‑tax claims while the city explores other avenues. Residents who spoke at the hearing expressed distrust toward UTA’s timetable for local transit service and urged more accountability.

What’s next: The ordinances and the interlocal agreement will be implemented consistent with the law and the agreement terms; council members said they would continue to examine options but did not identify a pending legal filing at the meeting.