About the city of Willard.

Willard is the biggest small city in Huron county with a railroad and farming history that rivals the best in the country and state of Ohio. A small community that has committed toward  a fresh new future in all areas.
Willard is located just 35 miles south of Lake Erie and Sandusky, Ohio. It sits 80-90 miles from three larger metropolitan areas such as Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo in northern Ohio. With the help of private partnerships this small town of 6200 the town has seen about 350-400 million dollars of new construction in all areas the last ten years and is looking toward the future in the following areas.

Education:
A newer school building that accommodates all grades in one location. The second largest type school building in the state of Ohio with the staff to take Willard students well into this century.

Healthcare: Mercy Health- new building circa 2014-2015.
A 25 bed hospital with the latest technology to provide for residents health needs.

Business & Manufacturing:

​Star of the West Mill- The company founded in 1870. The corporation owns and operates five flour mills, 10 grain elevators and two fertilizer plants. A flour mill capable of producing one million pounds of flour per day in Willard, Ohio.  This new plant opened up in the fall of 2016. Expansion of this plant is being considered as well.

Stanley Tool-Black and Decker (Modern Tool and Dye -MTD)- Recently bought out by Stanley Tools -Black and Decker.  A major leader in the outdoor power equipment field. Many Years ago, one of the founding fathers stated “ The Past We Inherit, The future We Create”. In Willard since 1953.
 
Pepperidge Farm – Recently expanding and adding new lines along with the Star of West Mill to ensure future growth, business and jobs in Willard. Baking since 1937. “Baking to them is more than just a job”.
 
Atlas Holdings owned LSC Communications 
A world leader in the printing industry. Corporate Award winning company. LSC- Ranked #258 in the 2015 Fortune 500 listing of America’s largest corporations. Ranked # 47 in the 2015 Information 500 list of most innovative users of Business Technology by information Week.
 
Guardian manufacturing Company- Providing chemical protective gloves for the military since 1982.
 
Transportation:
 
CSX Railroad  - Meeting America's shipping needs.

Willard city airport  - Boasting a 4400 foot runway. Ready to be used by new business ventures.

Agriculture:
One of the best agricultural growing areas in the country.  Four family names with a century of farming history in Celeryville, Ohio producing crops from about April to November trucking these vegetables to all parts of the country.

The Arts:
The first small town of its size in a 40 mile area to have an art gallery with the Art Junction in New Haven, Ohio just outside Willard. This small gallery treats the area with art work and showings by local and area artists and more.

Willard City Amenities:
The city offers an impressive 4 city parks all across town covering 60 acres. Soccer and softball fields, skate park, city pool with water aerobics from June to August and more.  ​

Community Garden available to Willard residents. New in 2021.
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Recycling program for leaves and grass waste. Perfect for residents.

​CITY OF WILLARD, OHIO- from their webpage.
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA
​In 2017, the City of Willard partnered with Huron County Development Council and worked to pass an ordinance creating a Community Investment Area (CRA).  The entire City was designated for this area and there are three areas that benefit from this.

1.  Residential, owner occupied housing.  If you build a residential dwelling containing not more than two (2) owner occupied housing units, the owner of each unit is eligible for a tax exemption on the increase in the assessed valuation resulting from the improvements for a period of 15 years.  This would apply to single family homes or condominium with up to two (2) owner occupied dwellings.  Dwellings that are rentals are not eligible.

2.  Remodeling of Existing Commercial and Industrial Facility.  The CRA covers up to, and including, twelve (12) years and up to, and including, one hundred percent (100%) for the remodeling of existing commercial and industrial facilities where the cost of such work is over $5,000.  The terms and percentages shall be negotiated on a case by case basis in advance of the remodeling occurring.

3.  Construction of New Commercial or Industrial Facilities.   The CRA covers up to, and including, fifteen (15) years and up to, and including, one hundred percent (100%) for the construction of new commercial or industrial facilities.  The terms and percentages shall be negotiated on a case by case basis in advance of the construction occurring.

Please contact the Public Work's Department at 419.935.6555, for more information.  

Willard is a welcoming town, family and business friendly. We welcome you to start your new venture here, build a new future here.