WILLARD, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) – A state audit of the city of Willard found no evidence of fraud but identified significant problems with the city’s water system and overall management practices, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced Wednesday.
The audit, which was launched at the request of 406 residents, gives the city a “fair” rating. Residents requested the audit amid concerns that fraud committed by former Mayor Corey Hendrickson may have extended to city finances.
“I know the people of Willard were concerned that the fraud perpetrated by Corey Hendrickson at his place of employment may have spilled over to the city, but our audit of the city has found no evidence that he misused taxpayer dollars,” Auditor Fitzpatrick said. “There are, however, many areas where the city can improve the way it operates, and that includes city officials taking action to mitigate the extreme amount of water the city’s system is losing each year. In order to keep utility rates down for its citizens, the city needs to figure out why it is losing tens of millions of gallons of water each year, and take steps to keep that from happening in the future.”
Water loss
The audit found the city’s water system is losing water at a rate well beyond state standards. In 2024, the city lost nearly 72.7 million gallons — 24% of the nearly 300.6 million gallons pumped. In 2025, that figure increased to nearly 82 million gallons, or 26% of the nearly 315.2 million gallons pumped…