City Of Willard -

🎥 Freedom Fest 2025 Recap Video!

Our PIO Rebecca Hansen spoke with Parks & Rec Director Jason Parks for a quick recap of Freedom Fest 2025. We think you might be surprised by a few of the facts he shares about this year's event!

From setup to turnout to the logistics of pulling off one of Willard’s biggest events of the year, this short interview gives you a glimpse of what went into Freedom Fest 2025.

📲 Watch the recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/KRM12NCscMs

💧 The Hunt Continues... 💧 Public Works is still hard at work tightening up our sewer system, and the latest discovery? A hole on Arrowhead Road big enough to fit a coffee maker and a few random household items. (Not that we recommend storing things there.) Don't worry nothing leaked out of the hole! Crews are actively repairing this infiltration point, but the search doesn’t stop there. The City is committed to reducing I&I (inflow and infiltration), and we need your help too. 🛠️ Here's how you can do your part: Have a plumber check your lateral lines for cracks or breaks. Disconnect sump pumps and downspouts from the sewer system. Report unusual wet spots or soggy areas near sewer lines. Every little fix helps protect our system, reduce treatment costs, and keep things flowing right.💪 #DoYourPartWillard #PublicWorksInAction

As we celebrate Independence Day 2025, please keep safety first when setting off residential fireworks:

Fireworks are permitted from 12pm on July 4th until 12:30am on July 5th.
Consumer fireworks (1.4G and smaller) are allowed inside the city limits of Willard.
Supervision is required for those under 17 years old.
Complaints about hazardous activities or violations may lead to seizure of fireworks or prosecution.


Did you know that violations can result in fines of up to $500 and jail terms up to 90 days?

For those interested in city finances, or just looking for some bedtime reading, our 2024 Independent Audit, May 2025 Budget Scorecard, and May 2025 Financial Report are all now available. You can find these items and more in our Transparency section located at https://www.cityofwillard.org/o/cw/page/transparency, or via the transparency button on our city website's homepage. Our next focus will be working on Parks and Recreation reporting to support ongoing discussions in that area.

Fireworks aren't always fun for everyone. Some animals, children, combat veterans, and others might appreciate time to prepare for "bombs busting in air". Our City Code provides that time by limiting fireworks to the time between 12pm on July 4th until half an hour after midnight. Let's celebrate together, Willard! And we'll continue to work together to be good neighbors! (Please remember that consumer fireworks should NOT be ignited over Freedom Fest weekend. Come enjoy the city fireworks show instead!)

🚨 New! Manager’s Minute Video 🎥 We’re trying something new! Short, 60-second updates to help keep you in the loop on what’s happening around Willard. Our first “Manager’s Minute” highlights a recent sewer system improvement by Public Works that’s saving the community money. 💧💰 Got an idea for a future topic? Let us know! These videos are designed to be quick, focused, and accessible; because we know your time is valuable. 📲 Watch the first video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/6kbwvggeHWk #WillardMO #ManagerMinute #CityUpdates #PublicWorksWin

Willard city offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday.

PUBLIC NOTICE: UPDATE: The Public Hearing for the Mixed Use Subdivision has been Cancelled for both Planning and Zoning on July 1, 2025 and the Board of Alder's on July 14, 2025. Notice is hereby given that the Willard Planning and Zoning Commission shall meet on July 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. and the Willard Board of Aldermen shall meet on July 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to conduct a public hearing to consider the rezoning request for The City of Willard parcel of property from R-1 Single-Family Residential District to MU Mixed Use. These 2 parcels are located at approximately 122 N State Highway Z and 111 N Main, further identified by Greene County Assessor as Parcels #0723401049 & #0726102001. The Commissions will take public comments at this meeting. If you are unable to attend the meetings, you are welcome to send any comments in support of, in opposition to, or general inquiries regarding this request for the proposed zone change to Mike Ruesch, Director of Planning and Development at: City of Willard P.O. Box 187 Willard, MO 65781 (417) 742-5310, planning@cityofwillard.org. If you have special needs, which require accommodation, please notify City personnel at City Hall. Accommodations will be made for your needs. Representatives of the news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting the City Clerk at (417) 742-5302.

💧 Willard Water Advisory Board – First Meeting Recap 💧 The newly formed Water Advisory Board held its first meeting last night ; and it was a great one! Members asked thoughtful questions and officially appointed their leadership team, selecting a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 5:30 PM at Willard City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Topics selected for discussion at the next meeting include: • An update on the water towers and upcoming maintenance planning • Clarification on utility bill deposits • A broad overview of the system, including equipment challenges and priorities • A high-level look at funding and planning options for the future of Willard’s utility services We’re excited about the work ahead and grateful for this group’s service to the community!

Independence Day is coming up! Celebrate and stay safe!

Coffee Hour from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Friday May 30 at The Hive. Have thoughts on Willard’s future? Ideas for things you'd like to see? Concerns, hopes for our community, or something else you'd like to discuss? Come chat over coffee! This is a great opportunity to share what’s on your mind—whether it’s a challenge you see, an idea you’d love to explore, or just a wish for our city. Let’s talk, connect, and work together to keep Willard moving forward. See you there!

For those wanting to pay their city utility bill by credit card, the credit card processor is back up. Thank you for your patience.

Severe weather is predicted this afternoon/evening. City Offices will close at 4pm today, for the safety of employees and residents. The community storm shelter is New Life Baptist Church, located at 414 E New Melville Rd. in Willard. Stay safe, stay up-to-date, and check on your neighbors, as needed.

🚗 Click It or Ticket is Back! 🚨 From May 19 – June 1, Willard Police will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide for the Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. Seat belts save lives, and they’re your best defense in a crash. Yet more than 6 out of 10 people killed in Missouri crashes last year were not buckled up. Let’s change that. 👮 Officers will be stepping up enforcement during this campaign. 🎯 Make the smart choice: Buckle Up. Day & Night. Learn more: SaveMoLives.com #ClickItOrTicket #BuckleUpMissouri #ArriveAlive

Heads Up, Willard Utility Customers! Our card processing system is currently down for the count—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can still pay with cash/check (which has the added bonus of being fee-free), or take this as the perfect opportunity to set up ACH (auto-draft) and skip: The 6.6% “convenience” fee (not very convenient, is it?) The monthly pilgrimage to City Hall or the post office Stamps, envelopes, and payment stress ACH is easy, secure, and saves you time and money every single month. For now, swing by with cash/check or contact us to get set up with ACH and never think about it again. We’ll let you know as soon as card payments are back online. Thanks for your patience!

📬 Willard’s Annual Community Survey is live! Your voice matters — this quick survey helps guide city decisions, shape priorities, and improve services. Whether it’s parks, streets, safety, or growth, we want to hear from you. 👉 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/Huic1N47fn5SuXyF6 Let’s shape the future of Willard, together.

Due to the recent storm, the City will be accepting utility payments through Wednesday, April 30. Utility shut-offs will begin Thursday, May 1. Stay safe and check on your neighbors.

DEA National Drug Takeback 2025 is TOMORROW APRIL 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm At: Pillbox Pharmacy. 304 E Jackson St. Please visit deatakeback.com for more information.

Official election results are in, please visit our new feed for more information.

📢 Election Update We have not yet received the official election results from Greene County. We were informed just a few minutes ago that results should be available to the City by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow—or possibly Wednesday. As soon as we have the certified results, we’ll share them with the community via our website, app and social media channels. Regarding the write-in candidate for Ward 3, please note that once we receive the results, the City must take additional steps to: 1️⃣ Confirm the candidate wishes to serve, and 2️⃣ Verify they meet eligibility requirements. This process will take a little extra time, and we appreciate your patience while we work through it. We cannot begin that process until we are officially notified of the write-in outcome though. Thank you for your understanding!