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4B Sales Tax Proposal

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1. Are there other ways to fund Economic Development?

Yes, but after considering several other options, the City Council chose to propose the creation of a Section 4B Sales Tax.

2. Will approval of a Section 4B Sales Tax make my Property Taxes Increase?

Unknown. The City Council of the City of Huntsville is required annually to adopt a budget and a property tax rate prior to October 1. Property taxes are a function of the value of property, as well as the rate charged by the four taxing entities in the City of Huntsville. There are several factors that can result in a property owner paying more or less property taxes in any given year. Ordinance #_ is a proposition related to sales tax. As of the budget adopted by the Council for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year, sales tax comprised a total of % in the General Fund. To attribute any increase in property taxes solely to the creation of a Section 4B Sales Tax is difficult.

3. Can a Section 4B Sales Tax be used to incentivize retail development?

Not directly. A Section 4B Sales Tax may be used to fund expenditures found by the board of directors to be required or suitable for infrastructure necessary to promote or develop new or expanded business enterprises of many types. However, the infrastructure improvements are limited to streets and roads, rail spurs, water and sewer utilities, electric utilities, gas utilities, drainage, site improvement, and related improvements, telecommunications and Internet improvements. Section B offers advantages not found in other programs. (See item 4 below).

4. What other ideas did the City Council consider in addition to a Section 4B Sales Tax?

The City Council considered budgeting an annual amount for Economic Development, calling for a non-binding election for the dedication of a specific amount of funds for Economic Development. There is also a Section 4A Sales Tax available to choose. However, the laws governing the Section 4A Sales Tax are more rigid and allow fewer eligible uses of funds than Section 4B.

5. Who decides how the money is spent?

State Law requires the establishment of a non-profit corporation to hold the dedicated sales tax that is to be overseen by a Section 4B Board of Directors. This Board must include at least 7 members, is appointed by the Council and serves under the authority of the City Council.

6. How could someone apply for Section 4B Funds?

With voters’ approval, the City Council will create and appoint a 4B Sales Tax Board (Board of Directors). Typically, a 4B Board will establish a set of bylaws for Board governance, which also establishes the process of how requested projects would be considered. After the Board agrees on a proposed use of available funds, a written explanation and application for the use of funds is required for review by City staff to verify project eligibility under state law. After all of these steps have been successfully completed, the City Council must appropriate the funds to complete the process.

7. What restrictions does the 4B Sales Tax Board have on proposed uses of funds?

There are three primary restrictions:
a. The first is state law governing the use of funds.
b. The second is that City Council retains authority to approve all programs and expenditures of the Board through the appropriation of the funds.
c. Third, the Section 4B Board must conduct at least one public hearing on a proposed use of funds and must publish the proposed project in the official City newspaper. Once the project has been considered at a public hearing, and after 60 days have passed since publication, the Section 4B Board can approve and recommend the use of funds to the City Council.

8. How many other cities have a Section 4B Sales Tax?

To date 485 Texas cities have adopted a Section 4B plan for their location, per Texas Municipal League current statistics.

9. Is it proven to be effective in recruiting and/or retaining businesses in a community?

It is very difficult to answer that question in an objective manner simply because the term “economic development” means different things to different people. As a result, what one community might deem an important economic development project, another might deem it unnecessary. In the end, the best approach may be for the informed voter to explore and consider some resources and come to their own determination. See #11 below for some resources for your review.

10. What happens if the community doesn’t want a Section 4B Sales Tax anymore?

Reversing the process thru a Citizen ballot would rescind the Section 4B program.

11. What if the City Council and 4B Sales Tax Board cannot agree on a proposed use of funds?

Funds will not be spent until all approvals outlined above have been completed.

12. Will the board have a general allocation of the sales tax for use?

The Texas Municipal League Economic Development Handbook states on that issue:

“The city, upon receiving its local sales tax allotment from the Comptroller, must remit the sales tax for economic development to the economic development corporation responsible for administering the tax. The proceeds of a sales tax for property tax relief would remain with the city.” – Page 34 Id. §§ 504.301, 505.256

13. Will every allocation come before the City Council?

The Texas Municipal League Economic Development Handbook states on that issue:

“Section 501.073 of the Act provides that the city shall approve all programs and expenditures of the development corporation and shall annually review any financial statements of the corporation. It further provides that at all times the city will have access to the books and records of the development corporation. Additionally, Section 501.054(b)(2) of the Act states that the powers of the corporation shall be subject at all times to the control of the city’s governing body.” – page 42

14. If your proposed budget to the City Council had to be made today, what specifically would you recommend to make up for a $625,000 loss in revenue to the General Fund?

That question is very difficult to answer. Cities traditionally do not begin planning an annual budget until at least April because much of the information needed to plan a budget does not become clear until much later in the year. Answering that question in October is not a responsible approach. Furthermore, a City Manager’s recommended budget is only that: a recommendation. Each City Councilmember is free to accept as much or as little of the City Manager’s recommendations as they wish. So, whatever I may or may not recommend may not translate into policy when the City Council actually votes to adopt a budget.

15. Will every question and response be posted on the internet site?

Yes, unless someone poses a question that is inappropriate or not germane to the topic, everything submitted will be answered and posted.

16. What is the advantage to a business considering Huntsville over what the City already offers to others?

Section 255.003 of the Election Code prohibits the use of political subdivision (City) resources (website) to produce or distribute political advertising in connection with an election. Outlining the real or perceived advantages and disadvantages of a dedicated economic development sales tax risks violating the Election Code. Put differently, the City as an entity cannot legally offer “pros” or “cons.” The City Council has placed the item on the ballot so that the voters can decide for themselves if they would like the City to establish this method of financing Economic Development. Interested citizens are encouraged to use the resources available on the City’s website at huntsvilletx.gov/4b to complete their own review and decipher the appropriateness of the proposed Section 4B Sales Tax.

17. It is my understanding that the Development Corporation is a fully registered corporation which operates independently of the city other than approval (See continuation of question in answer below)

of funds. I believe they can create bonds and debt. Do you anticipate this will happen in Huntsville?
Answer: The Section 4B Sales Tax has not yet been voted on. If the Section 4B Sales Tax passes, the City Council will need to appoint a board governing the Section 4B Sales Tax. It is too early at this time to predict or anticipate what project(s) the Board might wish to consider or how any particular project may be funded.

18. Why has the City chosen not to provide a timely copy (written hard copy) of the published website information, one copy to be at the City Secretary Office and another at the City Library?

That’s a good idea. We will start that immediately. The City will provide hard copies for review in the City Secretary’s Office.

19. On what state website and where on that website can I find the ballot wording that is suggested or prescribed for a Type B election?

The Texas Municipal League Economic Development Handbook (2015) (Handbook”) is found at:
www.tml.org/p/EconomicDevelopmentHandbook2015_TML.pdf

Below are excerpts from the Handbook that talk about ballot wording on pages 27 and 28.

“Type B Ballot: Current law does not provide any required wording for the ballot for a Type B sales tax for economic development. Before the Development Act was codified, cities would use great care to include wording that described all of the categories of projects that the city would want to have the Type B corporation to pursue. 130 Cities should be sure to have their legal counsel review any proposed ballot wording prior to its use in an election proposition.” Page 27.
A city may limit the use of the Type B tax to a specific project.136 However, as noted earlier, there is no required wording for a Type B tax ballot. Accordingly, there is no special wording that must be used to limit the use of the Type B tax to certain projects. If a city wants to limit the use of Type B tax proceeds to certain projects, it may choose to list only the types or categories of projects it desires on the ballot. Also, the Act provides certain authorization to expand the types of projects undertaken if subsequently approved by the eligible voters.137. Page 28

Further, the Texas Attorney General in Tex. Atty Gen. No. JC-400 (2001) addresses ballot wording regarding the adoption of a 4B sales and use tax. Tex. Atty Gen. No. JC-400 (2001)
The link is:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/opinions/opinions/49cornyn/op/2001/pdf/jc0400.pdf

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Cemsite

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1. When can I visit the cemetery?

All cemeteries are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to sundown.  The city reserves the right to close any cemetery or portion thereof on a temporary basis at any time without prior notice to lot or space owners. 

2. How large are the lots?

Each grave space shall be four feet wide by ten feet long.

3. Can I sale or transfer my lot?

                  (a)    The sale or transfer of any interment right by any owner will not be binding upon the city unless the sale has been approved in writing by a duly authorized representative of the city.                                This procedure is required in order that the city may at all times have a complete and accurate record of all owners.

(b)

The city may, at its option, accept exchanges of interment rights when desired by owners, subject to prior written approval of an authorized representative of the city. When such an exchange is made, the original document conveying interment rights must be surrendered to the city, along with any other documentation which the city may require.

(c)

Prior to permitting any interment, the city will require written approval duly executed by a representative of the owner, along with an affidavit of ownership or heirship of the interment rights. This authorization will be shown on forms approved by the city.

4. How many people can be buried in a lot?

Grave spaces shall have one body per space. With exceptions to having two bodies per space, one has to be cremated.

5. If my question wasn't answered, where else can I go for information?

The City of Huntsville has the city code available online. Click here.

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City Related Questions

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1. How do I find out where I vote in City elections?

Contact the City Secretary at citysecretary@huntsvilletx.gov or 936-291-5403. For County polling locations, visit http://www.co.walker.tx.us/department/division.php?fDD=25-113 or call 936-436-4950. City Secretary's office

2. Can I rent city facilities?

Contact the Parks and Leisure Department at 936-294-5708 or jwiggs@huntsvilletx.gov to find out which facilities are available and get more information.

3. Who do I contact about how much property tax I owe?

The Walker County Appraisal District at 936-295-0402 or http://www.walkercountyappraisal.com/

4. Where do I apply for a driver's license?

Driver's license information is available through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

5. Where do I register to vote?

Voter registration is available through the Walker County Tax Assessor/Collector's office. Walker County Voter Registration

6. Where can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

Birth and death certificates are available from the Walker County Clerk's Office, at (936) 436-4972.

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City Secretary

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1. How do I find out where I vote in City elections?

Contact the City Secretary at citysecretary@huntsvilletx.gov or 936-291-5403. For County polling locations, visit http://www.co.walker.tx.us/department/division.php?fDD=25-113 or call 936-436-4950. City Secretary's office

2. Where do I register to vote?

Voter registration is available through the Walker County Tax Assessor/Collector's office. Walker County Voter Registration

3. Where can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

Birth and death certificates are available from the Walker County Clerk's Office, at (936) 436-4972.

4. How do I apply for or renew a passport?

U.S. passports are issued by the Department of Homeland Security, check their website for forms and process. The U.S. Post Office can assist with document completion, and affordable photo options are available from locations such as CVS or Walgreens. U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security

5. How do I request a proclamation or Councilmember appearance?

Please click here to see the guidelines for ceremonial documents and appearance requests.

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Econ Development

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1. Who do I contact about land in Huntsville?

Huntsville's Economic Development Director, Aron Kulhavy
936-294-5793
AKulhavy@huntsvilletx.gov

2. What business resources are available in Huntsville?

What business resources are available in Huntsville? Business Resources

3. Who do I contact about a building permit?

Huntsville Zoning office:
448 TX-75 - Huntsville, TX 77340
Ph: 936-294-5700

4. Who are the largest employers in Huntsville?

Who are the largest employers in Huntsville? Huntsville's Major Employers

5. What is Huntsville's unemployment rate?

Huntsville's unemployment rate is 4.4%. Workforce Solutions

6. Where do I pay my taxes?

Walker County Appraisal District:
1819 Sycamore Ave. - Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 295-0402
Pay Taxes Online

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Environmental

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1. How can I obtain a chemical analysis report on the drinking water?

Quarterly the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides the City of Huntsville with a chemical analysis report reflecting the previous Quarter's averages. This report is available by mail, fax or a customer may pick one up in person by calling 936-294-5700.

2. When and how is water testing done?

The City of Huntsville water utility staff takes 60 bacteriological samples per month for testing. These samples are taken weekly and delivered to a state-certified lab. If a bad sample is found, immediate retesting is required. If repeat testing fails the public would immediately be notified. The City of Huntsville is recognized as Superior water system by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

3. I never see anyone testing at my home, why is this?

Testing is done based on a mapping system approved by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. The testing sites are set up to encompass the entire distribution system. This site map and subsequent testing provides coverage for all areas of the distribution system.

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Finance

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1. When does the City's Fiscal Year begin?

The City of Huntsville's fiscal year begins October 1 through September 30

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Fire Department

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1. Why does a fire truck come when I call for an ambulance?

First response apparatus with HFD maintain a BLS (Basic Life Support) status with equipment to respond to all minor and major medical calls. Most firefighter's with HFD hold an EMT licence from the Texas Department of State Health Services. HFD supplements HWCEMS by providing additional medical personnel on a first response basis.

2. Why do fire trucks block lanes on the highway when there is an emergency?

This is for everyone's safety. State law allows for fire department personnel to close as many lanes as necessary to protect all persons involved. This allows personnel to work safely and quickly without the fear of someone crashing into the scene.

3. How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?

The hydrant system within the city limits of Huntsville is maintained by the city water department. The testing, servicing, and maintenance is performed by hydrant technicians in house. The water department can be reach by phone at (936) 294-5700.

4. Can I schedule a visit to the fire station?

Yes. Our stations are open 24 hours a day. However, firefighters are not always available to give tours. The crew may be out on a run or conducting training operations. Visits must be scheduled by contacting our Training Captain, Jason January, at jjanuary@huntsvilletx.gov, or by calling (936) 291-5940.

5. Does the fire department inspect child car seats?

No, the Huntsville Fire Department does not conduct child safety seat checks.

6. I locked my keys in my car, can the fire department unlock my car?

No, the fire department will not unlock vehicles.

7. Can I do community service at a fire station or through the fire department?

The fire department does not currently offer opportunities to complete court ordered community service hours through our department. However, the fire department does allow, on a case by case basis, educational or fraternal community service. Please contact the fire station for more details.

8. Does the fire department provide water to fill a private pool?

No, the FD does not provide this service.

9. Can the fire department assist with changing smoke detector batteries?

Yes, if the smoke alarm is too high for the resident to reach and they are disabled, elderly, or physically unable to climb on a ladder to replace the batteries.

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Fire Inspections & Permits

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1. How can I schedule a fire inspection of my building?

The Huntsville Fire Department is tasked with performing fire safety inspections for commercial establishments, and other locations upon request. Contact the fire station at (936)291-3047 and you will be assigned to a fire inspector.

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Human Resources

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1. What jobs are currently open?

Go to our Job Opportunities page to view our current job openings? Job Opportunities

2. If I applied for a job a few months ago and there is a new job I am interested in, do I need to resubmit a new job application?

Yes, you must submit a new application each time there is a job available.

3. If there are currently no open jobs posted can I still submit a job application?

No, you must submit a job application only when there is a job posted as open.

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Huntsville Public Library

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1. Are there any events held at the library throughout the year?

Yes. View all past, current, and upcoming library-sponsored events on the Library Calendar.

2. What time is the library open?

The library is open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, noon - 4 p.m. and Closed on Sunday.

3. What do I need to get a library card?

Persons 18 or older may obtain a library card by producing a photo ID and proof of physical address dated within the past 30 days, such as a utility bill or piece of mail.

Persons under the age of 18 must have a parent sign for them. Please note parents signing a child up for a library card must have the child with them. Children can get cards in their own name at age 3.

4. Where is the public library located?

Huntsville Public Library is located on 13th Street, between Avenue M and Sam Houston Avenue. We are on the south side of the street about a block down from City Hall.

5. Can I renew my materials to avoid a fine?

Yes, you can renew by calling the library at 936-291-5472 or by accessing your account online. Please note that items with holds cannot be renewed, and there is a limit of 2 renewals per item regardless of its hold status. To renew your materials, click

Renew My Materials

6. How often can I renew at the library?

You are allowed up to 2 renewals as long as no one else has a hold on the item. Items with holds cannot be renewed.

7. Can I have a book reserved for me?

Yes. You can place a hold on a book by calling the library at 936-291-5472, by accessing your account online. Holds are listed in the order received.

You will be contacted by phone when the hold is available for pick-up. Items on hold will be kept for 3 days, after which time they are returned to the shelf.

To access your account, visit the online catalog.

8. How long can I borrow books and other materials?

Books, audio books (including Playaways), and magazines check out for 2 weeks. Movies and music CDs check out for 1 week.

9. What is a TexShare card?

A TexShare card can be issued to our patrons who are in good standing at no cost. This card will allow the cardholder to access most libraries in Texas, including the Sam Houston State University Library. In order to obtain a TexShare card, patrons must be in good standing with the library for at least 6 months.

10. What is the overdue fee if I am late returning my materials?

Books and music are $0.10 per day per item. Movies and audiobooks are $1 per day per item. Items more than 30 days late are considered lost and must be paid for.

If any member of a family group has a fine, no one in that group will be allowed to check out items until the fine is paid.

11. What do you have for children at the library?

The library has a large collection of books, audiobooks, magazines, and Playaways for all ages available for checkout. The library also provides computers for children to use (with parental permission) as well as many online databases for learning and fun. There are also a variety of programs available for children. For more information, please visit the Children's Department page.

12. What if you don't have the book I want?

We have a service called interlibrary loan, where we find the book you request and borrow it from another library for you to use (some restrictions apply). This service is free.

If the book has recently been published, you may fill out an acquisition request form and we may decide to purchase the book for the library collection.

13. What special resources do you have?

We have an extensive genealogy collection to help you find your family roots. Our collection includes many books, cemetery, marriage, and birth records, the Huntsville Item dating back to 1853, bible and surname records, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Texas Convict Records.

You may also access Ancestry.com from our computers or at home.

14. What if the item I want is checked out?

We can put the item on hold for you, or you can go online and place a hold yourself. When the book is returned, we’ll call you.

Place a hold on your own by visiting the online catalog.

15. Can I access the Internet and is there a charge?

Internet access is free; however, it does cost $0.15 cents per page to print. Only black and white copies are available.

16. Is there a limit to what I can check out?

The 1st time you use your card, there is a limit of 5 items. After that, only 5 DVDs per household, 5 audiobooks per card, and no more than 25 total items per card.

17. How do I check out items or use the computer at the library?

All patrons are required to have a library card with them in order to checkout items or use the computers.

18. How much does a library card cost?

The initial library card is free. If you lose your card, it will cost $1 to replace it. If you have a smartphone, you can scan your library card to your phone using the Key Ring app.

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Main Street Program

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1. How do I sign up for Fair on the Square?

Fair on the Square, happening the first Saturday in October, is a Huntsville - Walker County Chamber of Commerce event, please visit their fair website or call them for more information: (936) 295-8113 Fair on the Square website

2. How do I report a pot hole?

For any street, sewer, water related issues, please call the City of Huntsville Service Center (936) 294-5700.

3. I am new to my property, how do I set up my water bill?

Contact the Utility Billing Department (936) 291-5431.

4. When is downtown trash pick up?

Sample FAQ Question 4

5. When is downtown recycling pick up?

Early Thursday morning, please put cans out Wednesday evening.

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Parks & Facilities

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1. What are the Aquatic Center Hours?

Tuesday - Friday, Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m. 

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Splashpad is open from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Aquatic Center page.

2. What recreation programs are offered?

The Recreation Services Division offers a variety of programs for all ages. Details can be found on the website by clicking here, or you can like/follow us on Facebook under City of Huntsville-Recreation Services.

Recreational Events page.

3. When and where are the Dance Fitness classes?

Dance Fitness begins at 5:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Martin Luther King Community Center (MLK Building) at 300 MLK Blvd.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How much does Zumba cost?

Zumba is $2 per class. You can also purchase a Zumba Pass for $20. This pass gets you 12 classes.

2. Where and when are Zumba classes?

Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Huntsville Intermediate School 5th Grade gym starting at 5:30 PM.

3. How much are Water Aerobic classes?

Classes are $4 per class, or you buy a season pass for $55. Purchases can be made prior to class, or at the City of Huntsville Service Center located at 448 SH 75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320.

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Planning

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1. When does the Planning & Zoning Commission Meet?

Monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 12:00 p.m. and on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

2. Where does the Planning & Zoning Commission meet?

City Hall Council Chambers located at 1212 AVE M, Huntsville, Texas.

3. When does the Zoning Board of Appeals meet?

Monthly on the last Friday of the month at 12:00 p.m.

4. Where does the Zoning Board of Adjustments meet?

The Zoning Board of Adjustments meets at City Hall located at 1212 AVE M, Huntsville, Texas.

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Purchasing

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1. What is the process for completing and submitting the Certificate of Interested Parties Form 1295?

The City of Huntsville has a quick reference guide for required vendors. Please contact the City of Huntsville Purchasing Department at 936-291-5495 with questions or there is a quick link on the Purchasing page of this web site.

2. Can I receive a bid tabulation for a recent project?

Bid tabulations are available from the web site at www.huntsvilletx.gov under the purchasing web page. You can use the following hyperlink for direct access. Bid Tabulation Page

3. Can I receive a plan holders list for a particular project/bid?

The City of Huntsville does not maintain a plan holders list. The plans are available on the website and downloads are not tracked.

4. How can I bid on a city project, bid, RFP, or any solicitation?

Most City solicitations that are open for bid are located on the City Website under the purchasing department BIDS AND RFPS. Detailed instructions are listed with each bid. Additionally you can receive a notification of a solicitation via text or email by registering on the Stay Notified icon on the City's home page.

5. How can I buy items the City has for sale?

The City utilizes an on-line auction firm, Lone Star Auctioneers. The City sells items on a regular basis. You can visit Lone Star Auction via their web site by using the following hyperlink Lone Star Auctioneers

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Solid Waste & Recycling

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1. Do I need to live inside the city limits to bring my garbage or recycling to the Transfer Facility?

No, both City of Huntsville residents and those who live outside of the City can bring items to our facility.

2. Can I turn off just my garbage charge on my utility account?

No, city ordinance states that water, sewer and garbage utilities will all be charged when an account is activated. If you do not want to use city garbage services, you will have to turn off all services.

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Tourism

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1. How do I book a tour

Call or email with tours information! Date, time, name of group,

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Utility Billing

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1. Where can I find the City water rates?

The City water rates are located on the Rate Schedule. The rate schedule is updated throughout the year as amended by the City Council.

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Wastewater

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1. What is a sanitary sewer clean-out?

Sanitary sewer clean-out is plumbing access to a structure's sanitary sewer drain piping to allow for a cleaning entry point when a stoppage occurs.

2. What are the city's responsibilities for sewer line problems?

The city is responsible for sewer main lines. Customer service lines are the responsibility of the customer.

3. What about problems with my sewer service?

In case of a sewage backup, please notify the City Service Center at 936-294-5700. The Waste Water Division will check the city main to determine if the problem is the City's responsibility or the homeowners?.

4. How do I know if I am on the sewer system?

If an individual is paying a sewer bill, that individual is connected to the city sewer. Normally, a residence will have at least 1 service line clean-out pipe either near the street or next to the home.

5. What is sewer averaging?

Each individually metered residential account, supplied with sewer service by the City, is charged for this service in 1 of 2 ways. The 1st method is a "sewer average" charge. This is comprised of a minimum sewer charge and a volume charge based upon the average amount of water consumed during the months of November-February. The sewer charge for the average monthly usage of these 4 months is calculated and then set as the customer's "sewer average".

The customer is charged this set amount each month for the next 12 months, until it is updated after the next November - February usage. These months were selected because these typically are the months that customers are not using their water for irrigation purposes, filling swimming pools, or other outdoor watering. Customers without this November-February usage history are charged sewer for 80% of the meter usage, up to a maximum monthly amount of 10,000 gallons ($51.96), until the November - February usage history is established.

6. What is the difference between the storm drainage system and the wastewater system?

The storm drainage systems consists of the natural and man made channels and underground pipes (storm drains) that transport rainwater from streets, yards and other areas. This water goes directly to our creeks, rivers and lakes carrying pollutants with it. Water entering the storm drainage system is not treated.

The waste water (sanitary sewer) system is composed of a branching network of pipes and manholes. It is used to collect and transport the water from the sinks, washing machines, toilets and other such facilities. Waste water is treated, disinfected and released to the creeks or rivers.

7. Can sewer gas enter my home from sewer lines?

Sewer gas can enter a building when the water located in a trap in the building evaporates. All fixtures that are connected to the sewer system must have traps on them. The water normally retained in the trap forms a barrier which keeps the gases from migrating from the sewer lines into the building.

If sewer gas is detected inside the building, flush water down each drain to ensure the traps are full of water. This will reinstate the barrier which keeps the gases from entering the building.

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Water

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1. Sometimes the water is brownish or even yellow in color, why is this?

Brown or yellow water is caused by leaching of oxidized iron in cast water mains. The water at such time is harmless although aesthetically unpleasant. If citizen experiences discolor water please call 936-294-5700 for assistance.

2. My water has an earthy or musty taste and odor sometimes in the late summer and sometimes fall. What causes this?

The musty or earthy taste and odor is caused by an algae bloom at the lake. Texas lakes are prone to a blue green algae bloom around July and August, which creates problems in the treatment process. The algae is removed during the treatment process but leaves behind the odor and taste problems experienced by customers.

The water is treated at the HRWS (TRA) plant with activated carbon to aid in the control this harmless nuisance. Customers often ask City forces to flush fire hydrants in an effort to control this problem. The odor and poor taste clears as the algae levels slowly return to normal.

3. Sometimes the tap water appears white and milky, why is this?

White or milky looking water is caused by air. The milky appearance is the result of millions of small air bubbles released into the water by cooler water temperatures on air trapped in the the distribution system. If a glass of this discolored water stands for a short period of time, the air will migrate to the top of the glass then dissipate.

4. Sometimes I have small particles clogging my faucets and shower head, what is this material?

If the material looks or feels like a plastic product, it is the dip tube located in the hot water heater. Many plastic dip tubes deteriorate with time and must be replaced. It is recommended that a licensed plumber perform this task. This became a common problem when manufactures began using plastic dip tubes some years ago.

If the particles do not appear to be plastic and crumble easily in your hand, they are from mineral build up in the hot water heater. As water is heated the minerals such as calcium and magnesium cling together and settle out of the water into the bottom of the hot water heater. Flush the heater periodically to rid it of these particles.

5. What is the white substance left behind in the pot when we boil water?

When water is boiled, calcium in the water is dissipated from the water which then clings to the surface in which it is boiled.

6. Occasionally I see water running and no one repairing it, why is this?

Current Federal Law requires notification to all franchise utilities before excavating. A 48 hour notice is required for line locations. In an emergency when safety or property damage is an immediate concern, line location may be secured in 2 hours, but most repairs are not classified as emergencies. Leaks are prioritized with large impact leaks and emergencies taking precedent over small nuisance leaks.

7. Why do i see fire hydrants running and no one around? Why are we wasting water?

Fire hydrants are flushed for numerous reasons. Hydrants are opened to flush the system when water appears discolored, has an odor, or to remove air from the system.

Hydrants are often left open after a water main repair to relieve excessive pressure build up as the system is re-pressurized.

8. Can I use the cut off valve in the meter box to turn off the water to my house?

The valve located in the meter box is property of the Utility Division and is easily damaged by those not acquainted with its operation. Customers may call 936-291-5439 for water cut-off and reconnect at the City meter box.

During normal working hours Utilities personnel can often make a cut-off or reconnect within 1 hour of notification. During off hours this will take longer than during normal operating hours.

For more information, visit the Utility Billing page.

9. It there chlorine in the drinking water?

The City of Huntsville does not maintain a free chlorine residual in the drinking water. The City of Huntsville uses chloramines for water disinfection, leaving a chloromines residue behind for secondary disinfection of water in the distribution system.

In other words there is a chloromines product in the water which is available to disinfect anything that might enter the system after initial treatment. Chlorine alone was found to bind with other materials to produce a by-product considered to be carcinogenic in nature.

Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia before injection into the water. This combination stabilizes the chlorine so that carcinogens are not formed and allows the combination to last much longer in the system for secondary disinfection.

10. Is fluoride added during the treatment process?

Although there is natural fluoride in the raw water, additional fluoride is added by the City of Huntsville during treatment. The fluoride is added for the prevention of tooth decay in young children.

11. How can I obtain a chemical analysis report on the drinking water?

Quarterly the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides the City of Huntsville with a chemical analysis report reflecting the previous Quarter's averages. This report is available by mail, fax or a customer may pick one up in person by calling 936-294-5700.

12. How is my water/sewer/garbage bill calculated?

For details, visit the calculations page.

13. How can I avoid paying the minimum charge for my sprinkler meter when I am not using it?

Your sprinkler meter can be put on vacation for a period of time during the year when you do not need it, usually during the winter months, or it can be placed on vacation permanently if you choose not to use it at all.

There is a $20 service fee for the City Personnel to turn off and lock up the meter, but while the meter is off and locked, your account is not charged the minimum monthly charge (based on meter size). When you wish to use the meter again, just call and we will unlock and turn it back on. There is another $20 service fee for the service personnel to unlock and turn the meter back on.

Some residential customers may choose not to utilize a sprinkler meter at all. If so, the meter may be left off and locked permanently. It depends on your preference and water usage habits whether to utilize a separate sprinkler meter or not.

Due to the City's method of charging sewer based on each residential customer's winter usage (when the majority of customers are not watering outside), many residential customers find it unnecessary to have a separate meter. Customers who water year-round choose to have a separate sprinkler meter.

14. Why is my kitchen sink stopped up?

99.9% of the time sink stoppages are internal problems and need to be taken care of by the residents. Grease is a major factor of sink stoppages. Putting fats, oils and grease (FOG) into sealed containers that are placed in a solid waste receptacle instead of down the drain can drastically reduce sink stoppages in a resident and stoppages in main sewer lines in your area.

15. How large is Huntsville's water system?

There are over 150 miles of water main, 1,200 fire hydrants, and 9,500 water meters.

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Wynne Home Arts Center

Show All Answers

1. Is there a fee to visit the Wynne Home?

There is no fee to visit, however donations are appreciated.

2. Are there any events held at the Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center?

Yes, you can view all our current and upcoming events listed on our events calendar, Instagram, and Facebook.

calendar.

3. Can I rent out the Wynne Home for special events?

Yes, the Wynne Home Arts Center can be rented by non profit organizations or by individuals. Call 936-291-5424 for more information.

4. Are pets allowed in the Wynne Home?

Only service animals are allowed.

5. What are the the Wynne Home hours?

Our hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.