Property owner proposes beef processing facility in W.S.

A Pomona resident who owns parcels of land near Davis Bridge outside Willow Springs approached the board of aldermen last week with plans to launch a beef processing facility. His request to the board of aldermen was a voluntary annexation of his property into the city limits. 

 

Thursday’s meeting was preliminary, in property owner Rob Verral’s words, “an ice breaker to trying to bring another business into the Willow Springs community.”

 

Verrall introduced himself, and his wife Crystal, as two veterans who are active in their church. The couple, who have resided in the Pomona area for more than three years, have eight children. 

 

Their plan for a USDA certified processing facility addresses what they see as, “a shortage of these services in the area”, Verrall said. Their design includes plans to treat wastewater on site, refrigeration for waste, and garbage collection multiple times a week to prevent noxious odors. Verrall’s presentation mentioned low-stress animal handling procedures and the intent to dispatch animals on the same day they are delivered to the facility. The impact to local traffic is estimated to be 200 vehicles per week, according to the presentation. 

 

Mayor Adam Webb asked for a timeline, which Verrall answered is dependent on USDA certification, but expects to sell product within a year and to be fully certified within 24 months. Webb mentioned he has ,“heard a lot of conversations around wishing we had,” a beef processing facility. Alderman Andy Roberts called Verrall’s plans to prevent noxious odors, “top notch.”

 

City Administrator Beverly Hicks outlined the process of voluntary annexation, which is governed by state statute. Under RSMo 71.012, the proposed piece of land is eligible for annexation.

 

To achieve annexation, Verrall must file a petition with the city. The city has 60 days from the date of his petition to hold a public hearing, which will be duly published in a newspaper. If more than five percent of the city’s registered voters object in writing to the annexation, the only way to move forward is by election. In the absence of these objections, the city may annex the property via ordinance. 

 

This particular parcel would require rezoning by the Planning & Zoning Committee to allow for the beef processing facility. 

 

At Thursday’s meeting, the aldermen took no formal action, but generally voiced support for the plan.

 

“Bring your overalls,” said Alderwoman Jennifer Owens, welcoming Verrall to town.