Willard tables Perry boundary-change measure after council seeks wider survey and removal of one parcel

Willard City Council on Jan. 22 discussed but did not act on Ordinance 2601, a proposed boundary-line change between Willard and neighboring Perry. At Perry's request the council tabled the item to the next meeting so staff and council could review broader survey maps and ensure legal descriptions are ready for simultaneous approvals.

City staff and the city attorney explained that both jurisdictions would have 30 days after approval to submit final material to the lieutenant governor's office, and if the platting process takes too long the lieutenant governor's office could restart the process. Council members said they need to see a wider survey or plat showing how the proposed change would sit relative to the railroad tracks, the inland port/waystation and other Willard boundaries before voting.

Several council members raised fiscal concerns about the swap: the city would forgo future impact fees, sewer fees and some property tax revenue in exchange for territory Perry will serve in the future. One councilmember said, "I don't see where Willard City is winning here," and urged a clearer cost-benefit analysis. Staff said engineering review indicates the area could be served but would require additional uphill infrastructure.

Multiple council members signaled support for excluding a particular parcel (the Barker family parcel) at the family's request; staff said Perry asked that Willard not make a decision tonight and that if Willard wants to exclude the parcel Perry would likely need to revise its ordinance and plat accordingly. Rob made a motion to table the item to the next meeting; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will request from Perry an updated plat that excludes the Barker parcel (if that remains the council's direction) and provide a broader survey map showing Willard and Perry boundaries at the same scale for council review before the council votes.