Willard council reinstates prior UTA tax ordinance to avoid legal exposure

Willard’s council voted to repeal Ordinance 2024‑03 and reinstate Ordinance 2007‑b related to the city’s local transit tax and to adopt a local cooperation agreement with the Utah Transit Authority.

During debate, Mr. Freeman said the city learned it could not legally maintain the repeal without risking retroactive tax liability and that reinstating the prior ordinance was necessary to avoid exposing the city to back taxes. He told colleagues the administration had negotiated an outcome that would prevent the city from having to pay previously unpaid amounts while the city proceeds through the proper statutory steps.

A resident in the public-comment period urged the council to consider legal action against UTA for what he described as broken promises on project timelines and local stops. The resident argued that the authority had 'reneged' and suggested the city consult lawyers; Mr. Freeman and councilors responded that staff and city attorneys had assessed legal options but recommended reinstatement to keep the city compliant in the near term.

The motion to repeal Ordinance 2024‑03 and reinstate Ordinance 2007‑b (and adopt the local cooperation agreement with UTA) was made, seconded and carried; the council confirmed the motion and proceeded to sign the paperwork after the meeting.

The action leaves the prior ordinance in effect and directs staff to finalize the local cooperation agreement with the Utah Transit Authority. The council noted that further legal options or challenges about UTA commitments could be pursued separately, but that reinstatement was needed immediately to address the legal position and potential back-tax exposure.