The annexation of South Willard into the City of Willard will cost $1.4 million according to a financial analysis, conducted by Zion’s Bank Public Finance has found. This cost will cover the establishment of public works services, such as sewer and water lines, road construction and law enforcement services.
Once these essential services are established, it will cost an additional $825,000 per year to maintain these and other services to the newly annexed portion of the City.
The Box Elder County Commission retained Zion’s Bank to look at the cost of incorporating South Willard into the already established city of Willard. While the ultimate decision to annex South Willard remains in the hands of its residents, the Commissioners felt it would be helpful to know how much the annexation would cost as citizens made their decision.
In order to be annexed, fifty-one percent of South Willard private property owners need to sign and submit a formal petition in favor of the annexation. Additionally, the combined property value owned by the signers would have to total at least one-third of the total private property value of South Willard.
Once a petition is submitted, the Willard City Council would have 14 days to accept or reject the petition. If accepted, South Willard would be officially annexed.
Residents of South Willard are divided on the idea of annexing with many citing concerns with Willard’s current zoning issues and the possibility of higher taxes. Others like the idea of having more local representation and access to city services, such as police and fire rescue.
Willard City mayor, Kenny Braegger, has promised that the annexation will not happen unless it is a “win-win situation” for both sides.
