Willard Utility Board candidates emphasize accountability and communication improvements

The City of Willard's Board of Aldermen meeting on March 24, 2025, featured significant discussions surrounding the formation of a new advisory board focused on utility services. The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement and communication in addressing residents' concerns about water and sewer services.

Angie Wilson, a long-time resident and City Utilities employee, expressed her desire to serve on the advisory board, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability regarding utility rate increases. Wilson advocated for better communication methods, suggesting improvements such as clearer online billing information and more proactive outreach to residents about service outages.

Kim Reed, another applicant with extensive experience in water engineering, echoed Wilson's sentiments, stressing the importance of reliability and fair pricing for utility services. He noted that effective communication during service disruptions is crucial for maintaining public trust and reducing frustration among residents.

Kelly Davis, a 45-year resident of Willard and former City Utilities employee, also shared his commitment to customer service and community engagement. He highlighted the need for a diverse advisory board that includes both technical experts and community members to ensure a well-rounded perspective on utility issues.

The discussions underscored a shared goal among the applicants: to enhance the relationship between the city and its residents regarding utility services. The board members acknowledged the importance of selecting individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in the community's well-being.

As the city moves forward with establishing this advisory board, the focus will be on fostering open communication and ensuring that residents feel heard and valued in decisions affecting their utility services. The next steps will involve reviewing the applications and determining how best to integrate community feedback into the utility management process.