Willard state audit finds no fraud but flags major water losses

A state audit of Willard, Missouri, found no evidence that former city official Corey Hendrickson misused taxpayer funds, despite resident concerns following his conviction in an unrelated private-sector fraud scheme. While the audit cleared the city of fraud, it issued an overall rating of “fair” and identified significant operational issues.

A primary concern is the city’s water system, which experienced substantial losses. In 2025, Willard lost approximately 82 million gallons of water, representing 26% of the total volume pumped. This figure significantly exceeds the 10% loss standard established by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Additional findings include deficiencies in utility collections, with 324 disconnected accounts owing over $41,000. The audit also flagged concerns regarding employee compensation, outdated ordinances, financial controls, and compliance with the Sunshine Law. Mayor Troy Smith stated that the city welcomes the recommendations and is prioritizing leak detection and infrastructure improvements to address water loss.