Willard City Officials once again looking for dollars out of the property which provides the city’s watershed. They want to take the value ($) now but allow the gravel company to remove the material in 40 years.

One city official mentioned, we aren’t going to be around in 40 years anyway. A true statement for myself, and several in the audience. Yet, it is sad to have our city fathers base their decisions on such opinions.

In 2014 a different set of Willard Officials wanted to sell the same property. Back then the money was needed to pay for the sewer bond, so they wouldn’t have to raise Willard’s sewer rates. They got by, (negotiating down the bond fees) withdrew their application, and no rates were raised.

Now the issue is water storage, needed for more development, it is a never-ending cycle. If Willard City gets into the gravel business this time, it will be a free-for-all opening pits east of town, the bench already owned by gravel companies. If the citizens come out and stop this, like we did last time, it will probably be some other need later on, maybe money to expand Willard City’s Cemetery.

Adding water storage for future growth, with the parasitic activity higher on the mountain than any existing pit, may discourage growth instead.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail passes through this same gravel rich area that is currently owned by gravel companies. Our state representatives have shown an interest in the expansion and preservation of this trail (S.1222). Our city should not inspire further destruction of it.

Willard City will be having a Public Hearing on this issue November 10, 2022, at 6:30 pm.

I would encourage teenagers to attend this meeting, representing those who will be here 40 years from now, bring your family. If the city Officials see enough young faces in the crowd, maybe they will plan a better future for you.

Clyde Westley

Willard

Newsletter