💧 A Fresh Look for the Meadows Water Tower! 💧
If you’ve driven through the Meadows area recently, you’ve probably noticed the transformation is significantly far along now at the south water tower.
The tower has now been thoroughly cleaned, extensive maintenance has been completed both inside and out, and we’re happy to report there’s not a trace of the mildew that had become so noticeable over recent years.
And the best is still to come.
In the coming weeks, the tower will receive a fresh coat of paint along with the return of the Willard name and our community's recognizable flying “W” giving this important piece of infrastructure a look the community can be proud of.
We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to Viking for their outstanding work and for helping develop a maintenance plan that allowed this project to move forward sooner rather than later.
This isn’t just about appearances. It’s part of a long-term commitment to maintaining our water system. The current plan is to rehabilitate the school water tower in the next few years, followed by the downtown tower the year after. Once all three towers have been addressed, we’ll transition to a regular maintenance schedule designed to keep these critical assets operating safely and efficiently for many years to come.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue investing in Willard’s infrastructure.
If you’ve driven through the Meadows area recently, you’ve probably noticed the transformation is significantly far along now at the south water tower.
The tower has now been thoroughly cleaned, extensive maintenance has been completed both inside and out, and we’re happy to report there’s not a trace of the mildew that had become so noticeable over recent years.
And the best is still to come.
In the coming weeks, the tower will receive a fresh coat of paint along with the return of the Willard name and our community's recognizable flying “W” giving this important piece of infrastructure a look the community can be proud of.
We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to Viking for their outstanding work and for helping develop a maintenance plan that allowed this project to move forward sooner rather than later.
This isn’t just about appearances. It’s part of a long-term commitment to maintaining our water system. The current plan is to rehabilitate the school water tower in the next few years, followed by the downtown tower the year after. Once all three towers have been addressed, we’ll transition to a regular maintenance schedule designed to keep these critical assets operating safely and efficiently for many years to come.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue investing in Willard’s infrastructure.
♻️ Recycling Update! ♻️
Our new recycling containers have arrived!
As part of the City's new trash and recycling contract, our previous recycling provide regrettably collected their containers a little earlier than we expected. The good news is that GFL has now placed a new recycling container at the site and it's ready for use. A second container is expected later today to provide additional capacity.
Even better news: the new containers are single-stream (co-mingled) recycling. That means you no longer have to separate your recyclables. Just place your approved recyclable materials in the container, and GFL will handle the sorting for you. If you notice they are full before we do, please let us know as GFL has said they will come swap out containers promptly for us!
A quick reminder: please recycle responsibly. If too much non-recyclable material ends up in the container, the entire load may have to be disposed of as trash instead of being recycled.
Finally, we'd like to ask for a small favor.
During the brief period when the containers were unavailable, some recyclable materials were left on the ground around the site. We are confident the person(s) doing this were just so excited to recycle they didn't notice the containers had been removed. City crews had to divert time from other projects to clean up the area, and those materials ultimately went to the landfill.
If you ever arrive and the containers are temporarily unavailable or full, the best solution is simply to hang onto your recyclables and come back another time. Our already busy Parks and Public Works crews will appreciate it, allowing them to spend more time maintaining parks, streets, and other City services instead of cleaning up avoidable messes.
Thanks for helping keep our recycling site clean, our crews focused on serving the community, and Willard looking its best!
Our new recycling containers have arrived!
As part of the City's new trash and recycling contract, our previous recycling provide regrettably collected their containers a little earlier than we expected. The good news is that GFL has now placed a new recycling container at the site and it's ready for use. A second container is expected later today to provide additional capacity.
Even better news: the new containers are single-stream (co-mingled) recycling. That means you no longer have to separate your recyclables. Just place your approved recyclable materials in the container, and GFL will handle the sorting for you. If you notice they are full before we do, please let us know as GFL has said they will come swap out containers promptly for us!
A quick reminder: please recycle responsibly. If too much non-recyclable material ends up in the container, the entire load may have to be disposed of as trash instead of being recycled.
Finally, we'd like to ask for a small favor.
During the brief period when the containers were unavailable, some recyclable materials were left on the ground around the site. We are confident the person(s) doing this were just so excited to recycle they didn't notice the containers had been removed. City crews had to divert time from other projects to clean up the area, and those materials ultimately went to the landfill.
If you ever arrive and the containers are temporarily unavailable or full, the best solution is simply to hang onto your recyclables and come back another time. Our already busy Parks and Public Works crews will appreciate it, allowing them to spend more time maintaining parks, streets, and other City services instead of cleaning up avoidable messes.
Thanks for helping keep our recycling site clean, our crews focused on serving the community, and Willard looking its best!
City of Willard – Independence Day Holiday
As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, the City of Willard wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!
Please note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
The Willard Recreation Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you're celebrating with fireworks, we encourage everyone to:
-- Follow all City ordinances regarding the use of fireworks.
-- Be considerate of neighbors, pets, and veterans.
-- Never leave fireworks unattended, and keep water nearby.
-- Clean up any debris after your celebration.
Let's celebrate America's 250th birthday responsibly and help make it a safe and memorable holiday for everyone.
From all of us at the City of Willard, Happy Independence Day!
As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, the City of Willard wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!
Please note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
The Willard Recreation Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you're celebrating with fireworks, we encourage everyone to:
-- Follow all City ordinances regarding the use of fireworks.
-- Be considerate of neighbors, pets, and veterans.
-- Never leave fireworks unattended, and keep water nearby.
-- Clean up any debris after your celebration.
Let's celebrate America's 250th birthday responsibly and help make it a safe and memorable holiday for everyone.
From all of us at the City of Willard, Happy Independence Day!
Water Service Alert – Meadows Area
City crews are currently responding to a major water main break in the Meadows area.
The location of the break has been identified, and crews are on site actively working to make repairs and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, we do not have an estimated time for restoration. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while our crews work to resolve this issue. Thank you for your support.
City crews are currently responding to a major water main break in the Meadows area.
The location of the break has been identified, and crews are on site actively working to make repairs and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, we do not have an estimated time for restoration. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while our crews work to resolve this issue. Thank you for your support.
Did you know?
Following the incredible rainfall we experienced last week, we've received several questions about who is responsible for maintaining driveway culverts.
Private driveway culverts are the responsibility of the property owner to install, maintain, repair, and replace. Only culverts that are part of City-owned infrastructure are maintained by the City.
Although the City is not responsible for private driveway culverts, our Public Works Department may, as a courtesy and when schedules permit, assist with clearing a blockage or replacing a culvert, but the property owner must provide all the necessary materials. If we perform the install, the City will only restores the driveway with gravel. Any concrete replacement is the responsibility of the property owner.
If you're experiencing drainage issues and aren't sure whether a culvert is private or part of City infrastructure, or you'd like us to take a look, please contact our clerks at Public Works. We're happy to help determine the appropriate next steps as time permits.
Following the incredible rainfall we experienced last week, we've received several questions about who is responsible for maintaining driveway culverts.
Private driveway culverts are the responsibility of the property owner to install, maintain, repair, and replace. Only culverts that are part of City-owned infrastructure are maintained by the City.
Although the City is not responsible for private driveway culverts, our Public Works Department may, as a courtesy and when schedules permit, assist with clearing a blockage or replacing a culvert, but the property owner must provide all the necessary materials. If we perform the install, the City will only restores the driveway with gravel. Any concrete replacement is the responsibility of the property owner.
If you're experiencing drainage issues and aren't sure whether a culvert is private or part of City infrastructure, or you'd like us to take a look, please contact our clerks at Public Works. We're happy to help determine the appropriate next steps as time permits.
⚠️ Public Awareness Notice
We have become aware of an attempted scam involving an individual being asked to send a $4,000 wire transfer in connection with a City board process in another municipality.
We wanted to remind everyone in our community that Willard does not charge fees simply because your matter is being heard before the Board of Adjustments, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Aldermen, or any other public board or commission.
If you receive an email, phone call, text message, or other communication claiming to collect fees on behalf of the City related to a public hearing, board meeting, or commission action, do not send payment or provide financial information.
If you are ever unsure whether a fee or payment request is legitimate:
• Call City Hall before making any payment.
• Review the City's Code of Ordinances for fee details, or contact the appropriate department for clarification. Reach us by calling our main number during normal business hours 417-742-3033
In nearly all cases, the City accepts payments via check, credit/debit card, or in-person payment. While the City may initiate ACH transactions with approved vendors in limited circumstances, we do not request wire transfers from residents or applicants as part of our normal business process.
If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and contact us first. We're always happy to verify whether a request is legitimate before you make a payment.
Thank you for helping protect yourself and others in our community.
We have become aware of an attempted scam involving an individual being asked to send a $4,000 wire transfer in connection with a City board process in another municipality.
We wanted to remind everyone in our community that Willard does not charge fees simply because your matter is being heard before the Board of Adjustments, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Aldermen, or any other public board or commission.
If you receive an email, phone call, text message, or other communication claiming to collect fees on behalf of the City related to a public hearing, board meeting, or commission action, do not send payment or provide financial information.
If you are ever unsure whether a fee or payment request is legitimate:
• Call City Hall before making any payment.
• Review the City's Code of Ordinances for fee details, or contact the appropriate department for clarification. Reach us by calling our main number during normal business hours 417-742-3033
In nearly all cases, the City accepts payments via check, credit/debit card, or in-person payment. While the City may initiate ACH transactions with approved vendors in limited circumstances, we do not request wire transfers from residents or applicants as part of our normal business process.
If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and contact us first. We're always happy to verify whether a request is legitimate before you make a payment.
Thank you for helping protect yourself and others in our community.
💧 Utility Billing Reminder – Missouri Primacy Fee
You will notice an annual "Primacy Fee" on this month's utility bill.
This is not a City of Willard fee. The Primacy Fee is established by Missouri law and is collected by public water systems across the state to fund drinking water testing, inspections, compliance activities, and other programs required to ensure safe drinking water.
The annual fee is:
• $5.28 for customers with a 5/8" to 1" water meter
• $21.00 for customers with a water meter larger than 1"
The fee is billed once each year. While the City is responsible for collecting the fee through your utility bill, all of the funds are remitted to the State of Missouri for the administration of drinking water programs.
If you have questions about the Primacy Fee or your utility bill, please contact City Hall.
City Hall will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, June 22.
We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, June 22.
We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.
ICYMI! The pool is full, the pumps are running, and the water is looking great!
Everything remains on track for a June 22 opening, and our team is hard at work completing the final preparations for the season.
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Willard Aquatic Center and hope to see you there! 🏊☀️
Everything remains on track for a June 22 opening, and our team is hard at work completing the final preparations for the season.
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Willard Aquatic Center and hope to see you there! 🏊☀️
📢 ICYMI! Work on the Meadows Water Tower is well underway.
"We've heard it before."
That's what some residents told us when we discussed plans for the Meadows Water Tower earlier this year. And honestly, we understood the skepticism.
The difference is that today the crews are onsite, the work is underway, and the tower is finally getting the attention it needs.
Crews are currently completing internal repairs, maintenance, surface preparation, and repainting to help extend the life of this critical piece of our water infrastructure.
Keep an eye on the tower over the coming weeks as it receives a fresh, mildew-free look. The project is expected to take at least eight weeks to complete.
This project, along with other water system improvements, is being made possible through the utility rate adjustments approved to address long-term infrastructure needs and invest in the reliability of our water system.
Sometimes progress isn't flashy. Sometimes it's repairing, maintaining, and investing in the infrastructure that keeps the water flowing every day. This is one of those projects—and we're excited to finally see it happening.
"We've heard it before."
That's what some residents told us when we discussed plans for the Meadows Water Tower earlier this year. And honestly, we understood the skepticism.
The difference is that today the crews are onsite, the work is underway, and the tower is finally getting the attention it needs.
Crews are currently completing internal repairs, maintenance, surface preparation, and repainting to help extend the life of this critical piece of our water infrastructure.
Keep an eye on the tower over the coming weeks as it receives a fresh, mildew-free look. The project is expected to take at least eight weeks to complete.
This project, along with other water system improvements, is being made possible through the utility rate adjustments approved to address long-term infrastructure needs and invest in the reliability of our water system.
Sometimes progress isn't flashy. Sometimes it's repairing, maintaining, and investing in the infrastructure that keeps the water flowing every day. This is one of those projects—and we're excited to finally see it happening.
Pool Update
We're excited to report that the safety components have arrived and water is now going into the pool.
The filling process will take a few days, followed by additional time to balance water chemistry and complete final preparations. During that time, we will also be preparing staff and ensuring everything is ready for a safe and successful opening.
At this time, we are tentatively planning for a June 22 opening. However, if everything comes together ahead of schedule, we will absolutely open sooner.
We appreciate everyone's patience throughout this process and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the pool very soon. As always, we'll continue to share updates as progress continues.
We're excited to report that the safety components have arrived and water is now going into the pool.
The filling process will take a few days, followed by additional time to balance water chemistry and complete final preparations. During that time, we will also be preparing staff and ensuring everything is ready for a safe and successful opening.
At this time, we are tentatively planning for a June 22 opening. However, if everything comes together ahead of schedule, we will absolutely open sooner.
We appreciate everyone's patience throughout this process and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the pool very soon. As always, we'll continue to share updates as progress continues.
Utility Deposit Credit Program Now Underway
The City has begun implementing its updated utility deposit policy approved by the Board of Alders.
As part of this program, utility deposits will be returned to customers who have demonstrated a consistent history of on-time payments. Staff recently completed a review of customer accounts and identified those eligible for the first round of deposit credits.
To qualify, an account must have maintained the following during the previous 12 months:
• No late fees
• No returned checks
• No payment agreements
For our initial review, the City evaluated account activity from May 31, 2025, through May 31, 2026. Eligible customers will see their water and sewer deposit applied as a credit to their utility account.
Going forward, the City will conduct this review each month. For example, the June 2026 review will evaluate account activity from June 30, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Customers who meet the Board-approved criteria will have their deposit automatically applied to their account as a bill credit.
No action is required from eligible customers. Deposits will be credited automatically as accounts qualify.
If you have questions regarding your utility account, please contact City Hall at (417) 742-3033.
The City has begun implementing its updated utility deposit policy approved by the Board of Alders.
As part of this program, utility deposits will be returned to customers who have demonstrated a consistent history of on-time payments. Staff recently completed a review of customer accounts and identified those eligible for the first round of deposit credits.
To qualify, an account must have maintained the following during the previous 12 months:
• No late fees
• No returned checks
• No payment agreements
For our initial review, the City evaluated account activity from May 31, 2025, through May 31, 2026. Eligible customers will see their water and sewer deposit applied as a credit to their utility account.
Going forward, the City will conduct this review each month. For example, the June 2026 review will evaluate account activity from June 30, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Customers who meet the Board-approved criteria will have their deposit automatically applied to their account as a bill credit.
No action is required from eligible customers. Deposits will be credited automatically as accounts qualify.
If you have questions regarding your utility account, please contact City Hall at (417) 742-3033.
Pool Update
We wanted to provide a quick update on the progress at the Willard Aquatic Center.
At this time, we are awaiting the arrival of several safety components for the pool that have been on backorder. We have been advised that the parts should be available for pickup on Thursday.
Once these components are installed, we hope to be able to take the next major step toward opening for the season....getting it filled up.
We appreciate everyone's patience throughout this process and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
We wanted to provide a quick update on the progress at the Willard Aquatic Center.
At this time, we are awaiting the arrival of several safety components for the pool that have been on backorder. We have been advised that the parts should be available for pickup on Thursday.
Once these components are installed, we hope to be able to take the next major step toward opening for the season....getting it filled up.
We appreciate everyone's patience throughout this process and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
What: Road Closers
When: Monday 5/18/2026 and Tuesday 5/19/2026 - Weather Permitting
Time: 8:30 am to 2:000 pm.
The eastbound turning lane at Jackson and Farmer (Hwy AB).
The westbound lane of Jackson and Hwy Z east side of intersection.
The northbound lane of Hwy Z at Jackson st intersection
This in regards to the work Spire will be performing in Willard for our main reinforcement project. Thank you
When: Monday 5/18/2026 and Tuesday 5/19/2026 - Weather Permitting
Time: 8:30 am to 2:000 pm.
The eastbound turning lane at Jackson and Farmer (Hwy AB).
The westbound lane of Jackson and Hwy Z east side of intersection.
The northbound lane of Hwy Z at Jackson st intersection
This in regards to the work Spire will be performing in Willard for our main reinforcement project. Thank you
We’re aware of ongoing discussion regarding a proposed development near AB and EE, and we appreciate the range of perspectives being shared.
This property is not within the City of Willard, and the City is not in a position to annex it at this time. Therefore, the proposal is being considered by the Greene County Planning & Zoning Board.
If you have strong feelings (whether in support, opposed, or seeking changes) we encourage you to attend the public hearing and share your perspective. Public input is important and helpful, especially when it is constructive and clearly communicated.
As discussed in prior rate hearings, responsible growth can help expand the utility ratepayer base and support long-term infrastructure needs. At the same time, we recognize that growth brings questions and concerns.
Willard takes pride in being a strong, close-knit community, and we remain committed to ensuring that development within our city limits reflects community expectations and supports a well-planned future.
This property is not within the City of Willard, and the City is not in a position to annex it at this time. Therefore, the proposal is being considered by the Greene County Planning & Zoning Board.
If you have strong feelings (whether in support, opposed, or seeking changes) we encourage you to attend the public hearing and share your perspective. Public input is important and helpful, especially when it is constructive and clearly communicated.
As discussed in prior rate hearings, responsible growth can help expand the utility ratepayer base and support long-term infrastructure needs. At the same time, we recognize that growth brings questions and concerns.
Willard takes pride in being a strong, close-knit community, and we remain committed to ensuring that development within our city limits reflects community expectations and supports a well-planned future.
✅ FR 106 Closure Update
Work is currently on track. We anticipate reopening FR 106 later this week, once the concrete has fully cured and the area is ready for safe travel. We strongly expect it to be available in time for school runs next week! 😊
Thank you for your patience as this work moves forward.
Work is currently on track. We anticipate reopening FR 106 later this week, once the concrete has fully cured and the area is ready for safe travel. We strongly expect it to be available in time for school runs next week! 😊
Thank you for your patience as this work moves forward.
It has come to our attention that there has been some speculation surrounding the recent departures of members of the Parks team. We want to provide simple and direct clarity.
These departures were personal career decisions. In each case, the individuals have told us they are moving on to opportunities that represent professional growth. There has been no organizational upheaval.
Jason, our most recent departure, shared with me his enthusiasm for new opportunities ahead last Friday and we truly wish him the very best in his new journey. Each of these team members contributed meaningfully to the City of Willard during their time here, and we are grateful for their efforts.
We understand that in communities with a history of leadership turnover, transitions can sometimes raise questions. Transparency matters, and we want to be clear: these were professional advancements, not disruptions.
The City remains stable, focused, and moving forward. We hope you will join us in wishing each of them the very best as they continue their professional journeys.
These departures were personal career decisions. In each case, the individuals have told us they are moving on to opportunities that represent professional growth. There has been no organizational upheaval.
Jason, our most recent departure, shared with me his enthusiasm for new opportunities ahead last Friday and we truly wish him the very best in his new journey. Each of these team members contributed meaningfully to the City of Willard during their time here, and we are grateful for their efforts.
We understand that in communities with a history of leadership turnover, transitions can sometimes raise questions. Transparency matters, and we want to be clear: these were professional advancements, not disruptions.
The City remains stable, focused, and moving forward. We hope you will join us in wishing each of them the very best as they continue their professional journeys.
✅ FR 103 Closure Update
Concrete has now been placed at the FR 103 and FR 106 connection, and crews are allowing it time to properly set. This is an important milestone, and the road reopening remains on schedule.
We are currently on track and anticipate reopening FR 103 later this week, once the concrete has fully cured and the area is ready for safe travel.
Thank you for your patience as this work moves forward.
Concrete has now been placed at the FR 103 and FR 106 connection, and crews are allowing it time to properly set. This is an important milestone, and the road reopening remains on schedule.
We are currently on track and anticipate reopening FR 103 later this week, once the concrete has fully cured and the area is ready for safe travel.
Thank you for your patience as this work moves forward.
🎥 New Manager’s Minute Available
We’ve posted a short update on the Meadows Sewer Project — what’s started, the project cost, and an important reminder about the road closure at FR 103 & FR 106.
Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/rVqSUPDqqiY
We’ve posted a short update on the Meadows Sewer Project — what’s started, the project cost, and an important reminder about the road closure at FR 103 & FR 106.
Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/rVqSUPDqqiY
