Aldermen eye beef facility, 2027 budget
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The Willow Springs Board of Aldermen heard proposals for a new commercial beef processing facility, reviewed a state highway cost-share paving project and scheduled upcoming 2027 budget workshops during its regular monthly meeting on Thursday.
Mayor Adam Webb presided over the meeting with aldermen Mike Tooley, Andy Roberts, Jennifer Owens and Bryan Hogan in attendance.
BEEF FACILITY ANNEXATION
Developer Rob Verrall presented plans to council members regarding the construction of a future beef processing facility on Davis Drive. The proposal includes a request for voluntary annexation of the property into the Willow Springs city limits.
City Administrator Beverly Hicks outlined statutory requirements governing voluntary annexations under Missouri law. Aldermen expressed general support for the development, though no formal vote was taken following the presentation.
HIGHWAY 137 PAVING PROJECT
Hicks informed the board of an upcoming Missouri Department of Transportation project to resurface Missouri Highway 137 from the Texas-Howell county line to the four-way stop within city limits.
Under a proposed municipal cost-share agreement, Willow Springs would pay an estimated $29,465 to cover shoulder repaving from the city limits to the four-way intersection. MoDOT will oversee bidding, contracting and construction, which is projected to begin in mid to late 2027.
A formal reading of the ordinance to authorize the agreement was postponed to the November regular session to correct a typographical error in the bill text.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATES UPDATED
Aldermen voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance amending the municipal code to bring city election laws into compliance with state statute.
City Clerk Heather Tooley explained that Senate Bill 1871, signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe and effective Aug. 28, changed candidate filing windows for municipal elections. The ordinance update aligns the city’s filing schedule with state law.
WELCOME SIGN, ‘BEAR CITY’ DESIGNATION
Hicks presented a progress update on a planned community welcome sign to be placed near the northwest corner of the three-way stop near Love’s Travel Stop and McIntosh Trucking.
The project is backed by a $12,000 contribution from West Plains Bank & Trust Company, with $8,000 allocated for the physical sign and $4,000 dedicated to landscaping. The city is finalizing site approvals with MoDOT.
Hicks also noted the Missouri Department of Conservation’s designation of Willow Springs as “Bear City,” adding that state Rep. Lisa Durnell will assist in seeking a formal legislative designation.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Kelli Neel and Tommi Hagen addressed the board on behalf of Christos House. Webb issued and signed an official proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Willow Springs.
Hicks led an initial discussion on priorities for the fiscal year 2027 municipal budget, including capital improvement planning, utility rate structures, staff retention, public purpose requests and electric purchased-power adjustments.
A formal budget work session is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Monday. At the council’s request, Hicks will bring her recommendations to the meeting.
Willow Springs aldermen will next meet in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the council chambers at city hall.
