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Animal Shelter

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1. What should you do if you witness animal abuse or neglect?

Please contact your local animal shelter or animal services agencies as soon possible. You can choose to remain anonymous, if you wish.
Ph: (254) 298-5732

2. Purebred vs. Mixed Breed. Which one is better?

Any dog/cat or puppy/kitten regardless of the breed or mix can make a great pet if the prospective owners take their time researching and acquiring their new pet. Early socialization and training is a prerequisite and will not only ensure appropriate communication between owner and pet but will strengthen the animal-human bond.

Knowing as much as you can about a specific breed will ensure easier training techniques and familiarity with your new pet. Most shelter employees possess knowledge when it comes to identifying the different mix of breeds. The shelter employees can provide tips for training your new dog.

3. What should I consider before adopting a dog or a cat?

Consider these important factor before you choose your new dog/cat:

Dog

• Dog Size
• Dog Breed
• Shedding of Coat
• Learning Ability
• Grooming
• Diet
• Breed Group
• Dominance Level
• Adequate Living Area
• Energy Type
• Age

Cat

• Breed of cat
• Shedding of Coat - Long, Medium, or Short Hair
• Grooming - the longer the hair the more likely it is to shed more and require brushing
• Diet
• Adequate Living Area
• Energy Type
• Age

4. What supplies will I need for a new pet?

Dog

• Brush
• Comb
• Shampoo
• Rubber Mat
• Nail Clippers
• Towel
• Ear Treatment
• A book on how to groom your new pet
• Collar & Leash
• Food & Water Bowls
• Bed
• Toys

Cat

• Brush
• Comb
• Litter Box
• Cat litter
• Collar
• Ear Treatment
• A book on how to groom & care for you pet
• Food & Water Bowls
• Bed
• Toys -Include a scratching post!

5. How can I train my new pet?

Getting your pet to react to your verbal commands requires time, patience and more than a few treats, the result will be a responsible, well-adjusted pet. A good place to start is with an obedience class. If you cannot afford a class, buy an instruction book to inform you of the best ways to train your new pet.

Keep a positive attitude! The pet should be rewarded when done right, if the pet does not follow your instructions a simple, deep NO should get your pet's attention. Do not hit your pet, this will make it mistrust you.

6. How do you housetrain your cat?

The title is a little misleading since almost from birth kittens are "house trained". Unlike a dog which requires actual training, a kitty requires you to show them where their "litter box" is. Just place the cat in the box and gently scratch their paw across the surface of the litter. From then on, most cats know instinctively what to do with the litter box. It is a good idea to have 1 litter box for every cat you have. Yes, every cat. By forcing more than 1 cat to share a litter box, you may experience one or more of the cats refusing to share and urinating at a location they choose - if you're lucky it's linoleum...if you're not, it's carpet. Also keep the litter box in an area that's not heavily trafficked. Cats are private animals and may not use the litter box if children or other animals are constantly around. Online Reference

7. Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

The problem is pet overpopulation. Each year about eight to twelve million dogs and cats end up at an animal shelter around the country. Some are lost, some abandoned, some unwanted; most the result of irresponsible pet ownership. Sadly, between four to six million of them must be euthanized because there is not enough available homes.

Consider these facts:

• In six years, one female pup dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies.
• In just seven years, one female cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
• There is theoretically no limit to the number of offspring male dogs and cats can produce.
• Every day in the United States, tens of thousands of puppies and kittens are born. Compare this to the 11,000 human births each day, and you can see that there can never be enough homes for all these pets

8. Is it healthier for my pet to be fixed?

Spaying or neutering helps your pet live longer, healthier lives. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.

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Planning & Zoning

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1. When do I need to plat property?

Any time that you are dividing property into two or more pieces and one or more of the pieces is less than 5 acres (or 10 acres within Temple’s ETJ).

2. What ordinances will I need to follow in the platting process?

Chapter 33, the Subdivision Ordinance, establishes the regulations for subdividing and platting property. Chapter 33

3. I know I need plat my property now what should I do?

Generally, any local registered surveyor or civil engineer is familiar with the platting process, and can lead you through it.

4. How long does the platting process take once I submit my application to city staff?

Platting process can last from 10 to 30 days or more depending on type of plat.

5. I have submitted my plat application to the City, what happens next?

The plat will be reviewed by the Design Review Committee (DRC); the review takes 2-5 days. After the review, you will meet with the DRC group to resolve any issues and concerns.

Next, depending on the type of plat it may need to be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and the Temple City Council.

6. If my plat is heard by the P&Z and Temple City Council should I be in attendance at those meetings?

Yes, it is best to be available at those meetings for any questions they may have regarding your property.

7. My property is in the ETJ, what additional steps are required?

Plats in the ETJ will also need to be heard and approved by the Bell County Commissioners and signed by the Bell County Sanitarian.

8. How do I know if I am within the City’s ETJ?

Visit the Planning Department or call (254) 298-5668. A map will soon become available online.

9. My plat was granted final approval by staff, P&Z, or City Council what steps remain?

The plat will now need to be signed by the individuals who approved it and then taken to the Bell County office to be recorded.

10. Where can I put a mobile home?

In a manufactured home zoning district, or in agriculture zoning district of at least 3 acres. (see Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances) Chapter 23

11. How do I get an inspection for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing?

You will need to leave a message with the inspector. Please call permit clerk at (254) 298-5640.

12. Where do I go to bid for a project?

Please contact the Purchasing Department at (254) 298-5655.

13. Must I place my house, accessory building, or fence a certain distance from the property lines?

Yes, depending on the zoning of the property, easements, and location of other structures your house, accessory building or fence will need to be placed a certain distance from property lines and/or other structures.

14. How do I find out the location of an easement?

Most easements are shown on the plat of the property; you should find out the subdivision name in order to have Planning Staff locate the easements for that piece of property.

15. What are the landscape requirements for new commercial property?

The landscape requirements can be found in the zoning ordinance or under the ordinance section of the Planning Department.

16. How can I locate the water line from my home to the meter?

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to contract a plumber to locate a water line on private property.

17. How do I find out what the zoning is on a piece of property?

You should have the address or legal description of the property. You can find out the zoning on a piece of property by asking in the Planning Department, 2 North Main, Room 304 or by calling (254) 298-5668.

18. How do I know what uses are allowed on a particular zoning district?

After finding out the zoning district refer to the land use tables in the Zoning Ordinance.

19. What is zoning?

The type of zoning district outlines what kinds of uses and restrictions apply to that piece of property.

20. How does the zoning change process work?

An application and fee must be filed. Property owners within 200 feet will be notified of the request and the request will be heard at public meetings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. They will vote on whether the zoning change will be permitted.

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Public Works - Brush and Bulk Collection Program

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1. Why is the brush and bulk program being modified?

The City of Temple's Brush and Bulk program was modified in 2006 to meet homeowner's request to provide cleaner and safer neighborhoods. Beginning on October 1, 2008 the program is being further modified to include a wider window for curbside placement of brush and bulk items. Residents will now have a 7 day window to place items at the curb for regular collections without incurring a separate charge.

2. When will my brush and bulk items be collected?

Your items will be collected two times per month and always on the same days (i.e. first and third Monday, second and fourth Friday, etc.). Your brush/bulk collection day
will always coincide with one of your garbage collection days.

3. How do I know my two pick-up days per month?

You can go to the City of Temple website to find your location on the Brush and Bulk collection map and go to the number and color-coded key to
determine your pickup days. You can also call Solid Waste Services at (254) 298-5725 and they will be happy to assist you with any question.

4. When should I place my brush/bulk items at the curb?

Items should be placed at the curb no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled collection day. Your collection day is considered Day 7, and items must be at the curb no later than 7:00 AM on that day.

5. Where should I put my brush/bulk items at the curb?

Your brush and bulk items should be placed in separate piles at least 6 apart. Both piles should also be at least 6 feet apart from your garbage container. There are three different automated collection vehicles involved in your collection
and each requires 6 feet of space around the container or pile.

6. What if my items are not picked up on my scheduled collection day?

On extremely heavy collection days, it is possible that the collection crew might not complete the route. In this case, your items will be collected the following morning.

7. How much “stuff” can I put at the curb on my collection day?

There is no limit on what you can put out, however, only the first 6 cubic yards will be
picked up without a charge (six cubic yards is approximately a heaping pickup load).
You will be charged a fee of $65 per each 6 cubic yards in excess of the first 6 cubic
yards. The charge will appear on your monthly utility bill.

8. What if I have a small amount to set out – a bag of leaves and small cuttings?

Small amounts of brush/bulk items should be put in your roll-out garbage can, as space allows.

9. What if I have items to put out at a time other than my collection day?

Items placed at the curb outside of your 7 day window will incur "out-of-cycle" charges. To avoid additional charges you should keep the item(s) away from the curb until your next collection window.

10. Can I get a “special pickup” at a time other than my scheduled collection day?

Yes. You can call (254) 298-5725 to schedule a special pickup. There is a charge of $65 per 6
cubic yards.

11. What if I put items out at a time other than my seven day collection window?

Any brush/bulk item placed within 8 feet of the curb outside of your seven day collection window is considered to be a “request for
service” and you will be charged a fee of $65 per 6 cubic yards.

12. What if I hire a professional tree trimmer to perform tree cutting services?

You should specify to the professional tree trimmer that they are responsible for removing the limbs and brush at the conclusion of the job. If you instead choose to leave the limbs and brush at the curb for collection please note that only the first six cubic yards is included in the regular collection fee. For amounts over six cubic yards and for limbs and brush set out at a time outside of your seven day collection window you will be assessed an additional collection charge of $65.00 per six cubic yards.

13. Why do I have to separate brush from bulky items such as old furniture and appliances?

Clean brush can be taken to the BRA Wastewater Treatment Plant for composting but brush mixed with bulky items has to go to the landfill resulting in a substantial cost in disposal fees and consuming valuable landfill space.

14. I understand that my brush and bulk items should be separated and placed at least 6 feet apart. What goes in the brush pile and what goes in the bulk pile?

Items such as brush, trimmings and limbs less than 8 inches in diameter should be placed in the brush pile. Items such as old furniture, appliances, general clean-up items and limbs and stumps over 8
inches in diameter should be placed in the bulk pile.

15. Why do limbs and stumps in excess of 8 inches in diameter have to go to the landfill?

These large items are difficult to chip and can’t be included in the compost material.

16. What if I am physically unable to get my brush/bulk items to the curb?

You should contact your Church or other support group with which you are connected. If you are still unable to get help, call Solid Waste Services at (254) 298-5725 and we will work with you to solve the problem.

17. What if I have construction debris from remodeling or enlarging my home?

Make sure that your contractor is aware that he/she is responsible for the removal of all construction debris. If you are doing the repairs yourself, you should make arrangements with the City for a temporary construction container. Construction materials are not
allowed in your residential container. Construction materials placed at the curb will be collected for a fee of $300 per twenty cubic yards.

18. What if there is a storm that leaves broken limbs and brush in my yard?

If there is a documented storm or other event resulting in broken limbs and heavy brush debris, the City brush crews will be diverted to collect these items at no cost to you. When collection of the debris from the event is completed, the regular brush collection schedule, and charges, will be resumed.

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Water Utility Billing Office

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1. How do I open an account?

In order to establish new service, we require a Driver’s License, Social Security Card (or Military ID), a lease agreement or proof of ownership and a completed Request for New Service and Confidentiality form. For businesses, a tax ID number is required. Service deposits must also be paid before the service can be turned on. The information needs to be brought to 401 N 3rd Street, emailed to utilities@templetx.gov or faxed to 254-298-5263. We require 1 business day’s notice to turn services on.
Please note, if water service is currently off, someone must be present for us to turn the water on. We scheduled a 4 hour window, either 8:00-12:00 or 1:00-5:00.

2. How do I transfer my service from one address to another?

Please call (254-298-5616) or email (utilities@templetx.gov) the Utility Business Office to transfer your service from one address to another. Services can be left on at both addresses for up to 10 days. We will require verification of some account information before the request can be processed. We require one business day’s notice to turn on services at the new address. Lease agreements may be required before transferring the service along with a new confidentiality form for the new address. A New Account Fee will be applied to your first bill at your new address. Please note, if water service is currently off at the new address, someone must be present for us to turn the water on. We scheduled a 4 hour window, either 8:00-12:00 or 1:00-5:00.

3. How do I terminate an account?

To terminate service, call (254-298-5616) or email (utilities@templetx.gov). We will require verification of some account information before the request can be processed. We require 1 business day’s notice to terminate services. Security deposits on file will be applied to the final bill.

4. My service was turned off for Non-Payment. Why am I still receiving a bill?

You must contact the Utility Business Office to terminate your utility account. Minimum monthly charges will continue to incur until the account has been taken out of your name. Just because service was turned off for non-payment doesn’t mean the account was terminated.

5. How do I request an emergency turn-off?

During normal business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00 – 5:00, contact the Utility Business Office at 254-298-5616 and press “0” to speak with a CSR. During non-business hours, call 254-298-5611 and leave a voice message. This is our emergency/after-hours mailbox that is checked frequently. A crew will be dispatched as soon as they are available. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

6. I have questions about my Garbage service, who do I call?

Contact the Solid Waste department at 254-298-5725. That department is open Monday-Friday, from 8:00 – 5:00. Information, including bulk route schedules, can be found on our website at: Solid Waste Department

7. Where are you located?

We are located at 401 N 3rd Street. That is four blocks north of Adams Avenue, between Downs Avenue and Elm Avenue. Click here for a map:
Map

8. Can I view by bill online?

Yes, visit our website. Here you can view payment, consumption and billing history. If you haven’t yet established an on-line account, you will need your account number (account ID) and a PIN. There is a temporary PIN located on the top left portion of your bill. It is titled Online Account Registration PIN and will be a long string of numbers. Use that temporary PIN to log in and create a unique PIN. Utility e-Pay System

9. Do you offer paperless billing?

Yes, complete this form (Click link below). You will see a confirmation email once your account has been signed up for e-billing. Sign up for e-Billing

10. Where can I pay my bill?

All payments must be received by 5:00 PM to receive same day credit.

* We accept Cash, Checks, Money Orders, Visa & MasterCard in our office and in the drive-thru. The drive-thru is located on the south side of our office building and is open Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00. Our address is 401 N 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501.
* A payment drop box is located on the south side of our building (It is not recommended that you put cash in the drop box located in the 4th drive-thru lane. There is an in-building drop box located in the first drive-thru lane.)
* Automatic Bank Drafts can be set up in our office or on our e-pay website
* Recurring credit card payments can also be set up on our e-pay website
* One-time payments on the website can be made with Visa or MasterCard
* You may make a payment at the following 3rd party payment processing sites. Please note that those payments need to be made before 3:00 PM to receive same day credit. There is also a $1 transaction fee collected by the payment processing site for those payments. You must have your payment stub.

Wal-Mart (FCB)……………………3401 S 31st Street
First Finance Furniture……………108 S Main Street
HEB (FCB)…………………………1314 W Adams Avenue
HEB…………………………………3002 S 31st Street

* Interactive Voice Response System (phone payments) may be made by calling 254-298-5616. A Visa or MasterCard is required to make that payment. You must have your utility account number. This payment option is available 24/7. Please note, when the phone system asks for your zip code, this is your mailing address zip code.
* Mail payments to: City of Temple, Utility Business Office, PO Box 878, Temple, TX 76503-0878 e-pay website

11. Do you accept post-dated or temporary checks?

We do not accept post-dated or temporary checks.

12. Can I have an extension on my bill?

Extensions may be granted based on certain criteria according to our Extension Policy. Please contact the Utility Business Office by calling 254-298-5616 and pressing “0” to speak with a CSR. If your cutoff date has passed, an extension will not be granted.

13. Do you accept electronic payments?

At this time, we do not accept electronic payments. If you make a payment through your online bill pay service at your bank, they mail us a check. A payment will not be posted to you account until we receive that check in the mail.

14. How is my due date determined, and can I change my due date?

Due dates (or penalty dates) are based off of your bill date. Once your meter is read, a bill is generated within 1-5 business days. The penalty date is 16 days from the bill date. Our goal is to read the meter at approximately the same time each month. The read date is based off of the area of town in which you live. Bill and penalty dates may vary a few days, according to the meter read date and weekends/holidays. These dates cannot be changed.

15. I had a leak and got it repaired. Can I receive a discount on my bill?

Our policy is to grant a one-time leak credit for customers that had a leak and had it repaired. We require a copy of the repair bill, stating exactly what was broken and that it was fixed. The credit is also based off of the consumption increase caused by the leak and account history of consumption. In some cases, a credit may not be granted. It will be reviewed by the office management staff.

16. How can I determine if I have a leak?

If you have noticed a steady increase or sudden rise in your water usage, you may have a leak. Leaking toilets and dripping faucets can be a cause of high water bills. One way to determine if you have a leak is by checking your meter. You should turn off all the water in your house and then check your meter. If anything is moving on the meter, such as the numbers, dials or sweep hand, you may have a leak. For toilets, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank of the toilet and wait 15 minutes without flushing. When the time has passed check the bowl. If the color has transferred into the bowl, you have a leaky toilet and it should be repaired. Our department can make a service call to check for leaks by looking at the meter, but there is a charge for that service.

17. What are some ways to conserve water?

Here is the link to the City of Temple’s water conservation information: Water Conservation Information

18. How do I read my water meter?

The last digit on the right is always a “zero” and is a fixed digit stamped on the face of the meter. It is not read and does not change. The 2nd from the right dial measure 'tens' and is also not read since we bill in hundred gallons. It does turn, and when it reaches '9', it becomes a zero again and the third digit from the right advances to the next number. The 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th from right dial measures “hundreds”, “thousands”, “ten thousands”, and “hundred thousands” respectively and advances each time the previous dial on the right reaches “9” and turns to “0” (Some larger commercial meters may have more fixed zeros) The gallons used are calculated by subtracting the previous month's reading from the current reading.

For example:

00245.40 Reading is 245

30 days later :
00324.10 Reading is 324

Current reading 324, Previous reading 245, Usage 79 (7,900) gallons

19. If I fill up my swimming pool, is there a discount if I notify the City?

There is no discount available for filling a swimming pool. If it is filled using an irrigation meter, there is no wastewater (sewer) charge associated with it. If it is filled using the domestic (house) meter and your wastewater rate is meter related (not based on a winter quarter average), the wastewater charge would reflect that consumption as well. Please notify us if you have two separate meters and you are filling a pool using your domestic meter. While there is no discount for the water, in the later case, we would consider a wastewater credit.

20. Why is my water bill so high?

Your bill is based on how much water passes through your meter – so, whether it’s used or lost, you pay for it. That is why it is so important to fix any leaks and use water wisely.

You may request a re-read of your meter, but if the read is correct, there is a charge for that service.
Customers may also request an accuracy test be performed on a meter, but if it measures within AWWA standards, there is a fee for the test and that meter will be placed back in the ground. (Please note, most meters that fail slow down and it is very rare that a meter will register more consumption than what is going through the meter.)

21. Are there any programs available for senior citizens?

For persons 60 years of age or older, the account can be marked penalty exempt. This would keep the account from penalizing on the penalty (due) date and give that account until the original cutoff date without any additional charges. Reminder notices will still be mailed if the payment isn’t received by the original due date. Accounts not paid in full by 5:00 on the cutoff date will still be processed for cutoff and the non-payment fee will be assessed.

22. How is my wastewater (sewer rate) determined?

Residential wastewater rates are based off of a Winter Quarter Average for those customers that only have one water meter (not a separate irrigation meter.) Each year, the water consumption reflected on the January, February and March billing statements is averaged. That new average will be reflected on the May billing statement and will continue to bill at that rate until May of the following year. For residential customers that have a separate irrigation meter and for all ‘commercial’ customers, sewer rates are based off of actual water consumption on the domestic meter each month.

23. Does the City of Temple offer average or budget billing?:

No, the City of Temple does not offer average or budget billing.