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1. How do I reclaim my animal from the shelter?

If we have one of your animals, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 254-386-3810. Animals on impound are held for five days. Proof of ownership is required to reclaim any animal, and a current rabies vaccination must be provided on all dogs. After the Impound period is complete, the animal becomes the property of the Shelter, and the animal will undergo an adoption evaluation.

If you are not planning on reclaiming your animal, please come by and fill out a surrender form so that your animal can begin looking for its new home.

2. How do I adopt an animal from your shelter?

All adopters must complete an adoption application before they will be allowed to meet any of our animals. We do not allow the general public into our kennel except with an Animal Control Officer. This is to limit the spread of disease and allow us to have healthier animals available for adoption. 

We cannot guarantee the health of any of the animals we have available for adoption. We do not have a veterinarian on staff, but we are trained to watch for signs of illness. We will be completely honest with any illness or behavior issues we notice in any the animals we have up for adoption. We will also try our best to explain the breed’s activity levels to ensure that this animal is a good fit for your lifestyle.

All dogs available for adoption will not have any vaccinations. Our dogs have not been tested for heartworms. Rabies vaccinations are required to be done within seven days of adoption (or by 16 weeks of age), and spaying/neutering is required within thirty days of adoption (or by 6 months of age). Both are at the expense of the adopter.

3. How do you determine if an animal is adoptable or if it will be euthanized?

Once an animal has completed its impound time or is surrendered by its’ owner, it will be placed up for adoption, sent to one of our rescue partners, or will be humanely euthanized. If an animal does not meet our adoption criteria, it will not be placed up for adoption through our shelter. 

The animal will either be sent to one of our rescue partners or it will be humanely euthanized. In balancing the welfare of the animals with our responsibility to the public, we recognize that not all animals are suitable for placement. When the difficult decision is made to end an animal’s life, we perform compassionate euthanasia.

For an animal to meet our adoption criteria it must not:

• Show aggression to other animals beyond what we think is reasonable
• Show aggression to people
• Have a medical problem that requires immediate medical attention

4. What are your fees?

The dog impound intake fee is $10 per day.

There is no fee to adopt if you supply the receipt of a pre-paid rabies vaccination and a spay or neuter, if the dog will be living inside the city limits of Hamilton.

Adopters that live within Hamilton County or further will have to pre-pay for a rabies vaccination at time of adoption if the animal is not current. This ranges from $12-19 depending on which clinic you choose to use.

5. What medical care does this facility provide to its animals prior to adoption?

All dogs available for adoption will not be given vaccinations. Our dogs have not been tested for heartworms. Rabies vaccinations are required to be pre-paid prior to adoption, and spay/neuter is required to be pre-paid prior to adoption. Both are at the expense of the adopter.

All other vaccinations and medical expenses after the day of adoption are at the expense of the adopter.

6. What is your hold time on animals before they are euthanized?

Animals on Impound are held for five days for owners to reclaim. After that time, the animals are evaluated for adoption.

7. Do I have to spay/neuter the animal I adopt from this shelter?

Yes, it is required per the contract and Hamilton City Ordinance. It is a Class C misdemeanor, a fine up to $500, for failure to complete and return proof to the city.

8. Do you accept donations?

Yes. You can also make cash, check, or credit card donations at the shelter during business hours. All money collected goes directly to the care of the animals in this facility.

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1. What should I do if a Boil Water Notice is issued?

Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation, and water for pets. Boiling kills harmful bacteria and other organisms in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the notice was issued (freezing does not kill bacteria).

2. Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?

The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water and rinse dishes in boiled water. There are no restrictions on doing laundry. The water is also safe for bathing. 

3. How do I prepare food and baby formula?

Only use boiled or bottled water for cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and making baby formula. If you must use water to make formula, use bottled water. If you don't have bottled water, use water that has been rapidly boiled for at least three minutes. 

4. How long will the need to boil water continue?

Customers should not stop boiling the water until they receive notice from The City of Hamilton. Typically, the need to boil water lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer. How long will depend on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions are corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm it is safe to return to normal water use. The City of Hamilton will provide updates on the progress of corrective actions and how long the event is expected to last. 

5. What do I need to do when the Boil Water Notice has been lifted?

The City of Hamilton will notify you when it is no longer necessary to boil the water. You should flush your water system by running all cold-water faucets in your home for at least one minute, cleaning automatic ice makers by making and discarding three batches of ice, and running water softeners through a regeneration cycle. 

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1. Can I do electrical work on my house?

Yes, work can be done by the homeowner with proof of a homestead exemption. A permit may be required, and it must be installed and comply with the adopted electrical code.

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1. What is the City of Hamilton Residential Bulk Waste disposal program?

The rates and process for the disposal of community residential bulk waste shall be as follows:

• The City is making available, to all City residential users, Bulk Waste Debris vehicle window stickers, allowing access and usage of the Bulk Waste Yard at 1099 East State Highway 22, Hamilton
• Bulk Waste Debris stickers can be purchased at Hamilton City Hall during regular business hours, or at the Bulk Waste Yard when open (cash or check only)
• You must show proof of a City of Hamilton residential water utility account with a corresponding photo ID to purchase a Bulk Waste Debris sticker
• Each Bulk Waste Debris vehicle window sticker shall cost $10.00 per calendar year. An additional Bulk Waste Debris Sticker may be purchased for an alternate vehicle at the same price
• Bulk debris quantity will not exceed the size, yardage or weight of one standard size pickup truck load per visit, per day
• Bulk debris disposal must be used in accordance with a schedule of items announced by the City Council (given below)

2. What are the acceptable Bulk Waste Items?

• Furniture and bulky household items such as mattresses, hot water heaters & appliances
• Tree limbs must be cut into manageable sizes for 1 person to handle (no longer than 6’)
• Carpet must be cut in strips no more than 4 feet, tightly rolled and tied
• Remodel material such as drywall and lumber: less than 4 feet in length, making a pile no more than 8’L X 5’W X 4’H or about the size of a pickup truck bed

3. What are the Items that will not be accepted?

• Regular household garbage or waste, tires, batteries, auto parts, pressurized tanks, liquids, oil or paint, TVs and computers, refrigerant items such as refrigerators, freezers and A/C units, and hazardous materials

• Commercial debris

4. Where Is the Bulk Waste Yard?

1099 East State Highway 22, Hamilton, Texas

5. What are the current days and hours of operation of the Bulk Waste Yard?

• Tuesday – Friday, 8 am - noon
• Third Saturday of the month, 8 am – noon

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1. How much does a cemetery plot cost?

Oakwood Cemetery costs $600 or $900 for non-city residents.

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1. Who do I contact to schedule an appointment with the City Administrator?

You can call 254-386-8116 or use the contact us form to schedule an appointment.

2. Who does the City Administrator report to?

The City Administrator reports to the City Council.

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1. What is the purpose of code enforcement?

Code enforcement’s purpose is to improve the safety, health and welfare of all citizens living within local governmental jurisdictions. Municipalities have the authority to impose administrative fines when a code violation persists. While every governing body has its own procedures for noncompliance, it is common to issue notices of violation to the property owner. If there is no cooperation within a given time frame, either abatement processes commence or fines are imposed.

2. How does the code enforcement process work?

1. A complaint is received.
2. An inspection of the property is conducted to see if complaint is valid.
3. If a violation is found, a letter is prepared and mailed certified to property owner with time to correct said violation.
4. If said violation is not corrected within the set time frame a failure to comply notice is mailed certified with a date to appear.
5. If the violator is found guilty a fine may be assessed for each day the property is in violation.
6. Failure to pay fines can result in liens being placed on said property. If the liens are not paid, the attorney may be instructed to foreclose on said property.

3. What are some common items that are considered a violation?

• Household furniture (chairs, couches, beds, tables, etc.)
• Old appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.)
• Yard trash or litter (accumulation of objects such as buckets, coolers, aluminum cans, tarps)
• Tires, construction debris (the city will not pick up these items)
• Address numbers not affixed to the structure, clearly visible from the roadway, must be at least be 4 inches in height for residential properties and 6 inches in height for commercial properties
• Dilapidated dwellings and structures
• Flaking paint, rotten wood, broken windows, roof damage
• Fences in disrepair
• Signs placed in the right-of-way and on utility poles
• Inappropriate occupancy of certain accessory structures (i.e. storage sheds)
• Junked, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles (must have current tags and be in working order)
• Boats and other recreational vehicles parked in the front yard (must be in side or rear yards)

4. I want to report a property maintenance problem in my neighborhood but I don't want anyone to know I called. Do I have to give you my name?

Your identity is protected by the government code and is not released to anyone outside of staff. Code enforcement should have your name and phone number to provide the best follow-up action possible for every complaint. Many times we need to contact you to confirm either continuing problems or that the violation has been eliminated to your satisfaction. It is also important to be able to contact you in the event we find that the “problem” is not a violation enforceable, maybe, not even a violation at all. 

If you are anonymous and we’re unable to let you know these circumstances, you will be left with the negative impression that we have ignored your complaint.

5. What will Code enforcement do if I refuse to comply with the City's Municipal Code?

Code enforcement attempts to solicit voluntary compliance with the property maintenance, health and safety, and other quality of life violations that come to their attention. Failure to gain compliance within a reasonable period of time may result in municipal prosecution or civil abatement.

6. The house next door is a rental and the tenants are messy. There are inoperable cars in the driveway, the house siding and shingles are falling off the house. Can you make the owner do something?

Code enforcement works with both property owners and their tenants when enforcing responsible property maintenance standards. The property owner is usually contacted by mail regarding sub-standard conditions that occur at the property and tenants are contacted on site about violations that require their attention. The property owner is ultimately held jointly responsible for any continuing problems that result from the tenant’s lack of compliance.

Any structural or safety issue that would require a substantial financial investment to correct is usually the property owner’s responsibility, such as a leaking roof, dilapidated fencing, or collapsing adjacent storage structures, etc. Tenants have legal custody and control of the property so they are required to correct the violations that are of their making. They would be held accountable for either repairing inoperable vehicles or removing them from public view. They would also be held accountable for providing a continuing program of landscape maintenance and the removal of any trash, discards, or litter accumulations about the property.

7. My neighbor’s tree branches overhang onto my property and are dropping leaves into my yard/patio/garden, etc. Can the City make them trim the branches or remove the tree?

This is a commonly asked question because the problem occurs in nearly every residential neighborhood where aging landscape conditions exist. Code enforcement does not have the authority to require a property owner to trim or remove any of their vegetation unless it overhangs into a public right-of-way - impeding either pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or unless the vegetation is dead and presents a potential fire hazard.

Instead, this particular question is a good example of a civil matter between property owners. Code enforcement does recommend callers attempt to work this out amicably with their neighbor. (Any offending branches/vegetation may be trimmed back to the caller’s property line, as long as the trimming does not impact the future life of the plant.)

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1. What Is FOG?

FOG is an acronym for Fats, Oils and Grease.

• FATS are solid at room temperature.  Common fats are butter, shortening, margarine, peanut butter, meat trimmings, uncooked poultry skin, and dairy products:  cheeses, milk, cream, sour cream and ice cream.
• OILS are liquid at room temperature and include salad dressings and vegetable, canola, olive and corn oil.
• GREASE turns to liquid during cooking, but solidifies when cooled.  Gravy, mayonnaise, melted meat fat, bacon and sausage and boiled poultry skin are all sources of grease.

2. Why Should I Help?

Preventing FOG buildup from blocking sewer lines will stop sewer overflows into yards, streets and storm drains.  Your tax dollars will not have to be spent on costly cleanups of sewage spills and regulatory fines.  Also, the quality of your water will be protected.

3. What Are BMPs?

BMP is an acronym for Best Management Practices.  These are guidelines that will help both residential and commercial customers tackle grease in their homes or kitchens.

4. What Are BMPs for Residential Customers?

DO:

• Put used oil and grease in covered containers for proper disposal.
• Scrape all food from dishes, pots and pans into garbage bags and dispose of properly.
• Put screens in sinks to catch food solids and empty into the garbage can as needed.
• Avoid using your garbage disposal.  Egg shells, citrus rinds, coffee grounds, etc. do not dissolve and contribute to blockages.
• Wipe up FOG with paper towels and dispose of properly.

DON’T:

• Pour FOG down any type of drain.
• Put food scraps down the drain.
• Rinse FOG from dishes, pots, pans, fryers or griddles with hot water.
• Wipe up FOG with cloth towels and then throw those towels into the washing machine.

5. What Are BMPs for Commercial Customers?

All of the BMP DO’s and DON’Ts for Residential Customers, plus…

• Sweep floors before mopping to keep debris out of floor drains.
• Sweep instead of hosing down parking lots, sidewalks and outside areas.
• Keep disposal and recycling containers in easy reach for kitchen employees.
• Install and maintain a properly-sized Grease Trap or Grease Interceptor.
• Train employees on FOG BMPs and grease trap maintenance.

6. What Is a Grease Trap?

A grease trap is a tank that is installed between a business’ sewer line and the public sewer main.  Its purpose is to hold the waste water long enough for the FOG to rise to the top and solidify and for the solid particles to settle to the bottom, allowing only water to enter the collection system.

7. How Big Is a Grease Trap?

Some grease traps are large tanks buried under ground that hold thousands of gallons. Others contain less than 50 gallons and are located immediately beneath kitchen sinks.  Regardless of size, all grease traps require cleaning to remove the top layer of FOG and the bottom layer of sediment.  Large tanks are cleaned by commercial operations that must also show proper waste disposal per state requirements.  Small grease traps can be cleaned by the business owner but each cleaning must be logged and the log provided upon inspection.

8. What Is the Difference Between a Grease Trap and a Grease Interceptor?

There is none.  These terms are used interchangeably.

9. What Does This Ordinance Mean For My Business?

The good news – If you are already pumping grease regularly and have trip manifest records onsite, nothing.  You are already in compliance and it will be business as usual.  Otherwise, it is now a requirement that you install and regularly maintain a grease trap.  The City of Hamilton will be doing random inspections.  Businesses that are found to be in violation of the ordinance will be given an opportunity for voluntary compliance.  Repeated failure to comply will result in fines being issued.

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1. Does the airport provide a courtesy car?

Yes. A courtesy car is available upon request. Contact Ryan Polster by calling 254-386-3939.

2. Is hangar space available for rent at this time?

Open T hangers are available. There is a waiting list for closed hangers.

3. Is aircraft maintenance available at the Airport?

No. In case of an emergency, please contact Stephenville by calling 245-965-2795, or Gatesville by calling 254-865-8951.

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1. Does the city require drug testing and a criminal history background check?

Yes, applicants will be required to undergo drug testing and a background check.

2. Can I submit an application for employment by email?

Yes, you may submit an application by email.

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1. Is this ticket going on my record?

Generally, all moving violations will appear on your driving record along with Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and No Driver's License offenses. You my be eligible to take a driver safety course to keep a moving violation off your driving record.

2. How do I pay my citation online?

You can pay online.

3. What forms of payments do you accept?

You may pay with:

• Cash ( Please do not mail cash payments)
• Cashier's Check
• Money Order
• Personal Check
• Debit/Credit Cards (Card must be in your name)

4. May I mail in my payment?

You may mail in a money order, personal check, or cashier's check for payment of your citation. Make the money order payable to the City of Hamilton. Clearly indicate name, mailing address (including city, state, and zip code) and the case or citation number on the payment. Include your copy of the citation with the payment. A handwritten plea that includes a signature and date is acceptable, along with a copy of the defendant's driver's license or state issued identification card. 

A payment received through the mail without a plea or other indicator will be recorded as a plea of no contest. Your payment must be postmarked by your appearance date noted on the citation. You may also pay your payment in person Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Municipal Court's address is:
200 E Main Street
Hamilton, TX 76531

court@ci.hamilton.tx.us

 254-386-8116, ext. 3

5. If I pay my citation or request defensive driving before the court date, do I still need to come to court?

If you made disposition of your case(s) prior to your required appearance date, you need not appear on your court date. It is, however, your responsibility to confirm that you have properly disposed of your case.

6. Can I reset my Court date over the phone?

No, to reset your Court date you must submit a request in writing.

7. Can I call the Municipal Court and find out how many warrants I have outstanding against me in the State of Texas?

The Municipal Court can only talk to you about the cases filed against you in Hamilton Municipal Court. To find out about other charges, you must contact the court of jurisdiction in each specific case.

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1. Will the Police Department unlock my car if I locked the keys in it? Is there a fee?

The Police Department will attempt to unlock your car but may have to refer you to a locksmith or auto dealer if the officer is unable to.

2. How can I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?

You may obtain a police report directly from the Hamilton Police Department. For information, call 254-386-3810.

3. How do I report a crime?

Call (for emergency call 911) or for non-emergency call 254-386-8128 and be prepared to provide the following information: 

• Description of suspect armed
• Description of vehicle 
• Direction of travel 
• Give your name, address, and phone number 
• Location of crime in progress or when it occurred 
• Type of crime 

Stay on line until you are told to hang up.

Burglary

If you come home to find you have been burglarized, do not enter your house or apartment. Immediately find a phone and call the police. Wait at a safe nearby location until they arrive.

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1. Can I put the utilities in my name for someone else?

No, the City strongly advises against allowing someone to connect under your name. The City utility policy states that the person who is living at the address is the one who has to have the utilities in their name. Any fraudulent application made to the City will result in immediate disconnection without notice to the tenant.

2. Does someone have to be at the location for utilities to be connected?

Yes, the City does require someone to be at the location to ensure that nothing is on at the house. If no one is at the location, and the water meter indicates usage, the meter reader will turn the water back off. Please contact the utility office at 254-386-8116, ext.2 or, after hours, the Emergency Line at 254-386-3548 if you have a problem with your utilities.

3. What can I do if I think my meter has been misread?

You can contact the City at 254-386-8116, ext. 2 and find out what your last reading was and then compare it to what your meter is currently reading. The City does take customer requested re-reads, but please note that if the reading is correct, there will be a $25 service charge added to your utility bill.

4. I have already moved out of town and need my utilities cut off, can I request this service over the telephone?

No, the City does not process any connects or disconnects over the telephone. You can send us a letter, which needs to include a forwarding address, stating that you would like the utilities cut off or we can fax you a form to fill out, sign, and return to us. Both of these will be accepted either by:

• Fax: 254-386-3508
• Mail at:
  200 E Main
  Hamilton, TX 76531

5. I have recently gotten divorced. How do I get the account changed to reflect the divorce decree?

The City will need to make a copy of the items in the divorce decree that relates to the utility account. Once that is received, the account will be changed to reflect the orders of the divorce decree.

6. I have recently gotten married, how do I get my name changed on my account?

The City will need to make a copy of your marriage license to place in your file. Once a copy is received, we will change the name on the account.

7. I have moved out. How do I get my name off a joint account?

The City would need a form from you stating that you want your name off the utility account and you are relinquishing the deposits to the person who is still on the account. The City can provide you with this form.

8. If I am out of town and cannot make it into City Hall, can I send someone in with my information to do my connect for me?

Yes, you must send a form with them that has your signature on it giving them permission to connect/disconnect utilities in your name. You must also send a copy of your driver's license.

9. Can I connect my utilities over the phone?

No, connections for service can be done at the City Hall located at:
200 E Main
Hamilton, TX 76531

For the protection of our customers, no service requests will be processed over the telephone.

10. What are your hours?

The Utility Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for designated holidays).

11. How much does it cost to connect utilities?

The minimum deposit for water/wastewater is $175. Deposits are subject to increase based upon past credit history. There is also a connect fee (non-refundable) of $35.

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1. Can my deposits be billed on my first bill?

No, deposits have to be paid in full before service will be connected.

2. Do I have to put up a new deposit to transfer my utilities?

Any current deposits you have on the account will transfer over to the new account. However, you may have to add more deposits to your account depending on the service you are requesting and your past credit history.

3. Do I have to put up deposits if I have had service before?

Yes, in most cases the deposit you had previously was applied to your last bill and new deposits will be required for the new address.

4. Do you accept letters of credit in lieu of deposits?

No, the City does not accept letter of credit. You must pay a deposit of $175.00 and a non refundable application fee of $35.00.  The deposit will be applied to your final bill.

5. What happens to my deposit on my account when I disconnect service?

Deposits stay on the account until the account is disconnected. Once the account is disconnected, the deposit is applied to the final bill. You will be notified if there is any money left to be refunded or you will receive a bill for the amount left that the deposit did not cover.

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1. Can I pay my bill with a credit card?

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express either in person or over the phone. Customers can also pay their bills online.

2. Do I have to pay to transfer my utilities within the service area?

Yes, there is a $10 transfer fee and your current utility account has to be paid in full before you can transfer.

3. Do you have a plan where you can average your bill?

No, the City does not average the utility bills.

4. Does the City give discounts to senior citizens or to persons that are disabled?

No, the City does not have a discount program, however, if you are 60 years of age or older, you are eligible to be penalty exempt. The City will need to make a copy of your driver's license and then we will flag the account.

5. Does the City offer any type of payment plan?

No, the city does not offer payment plans.

6. Does the Utility Office accept check payments over the phone?

No, the City does not accept check by telephone.

7. I think I still owe money on an old bill. Can you tell me how much I owe?

Yes, the City can access utility records by name and driver's license number. Please remember that if you do still owe the City money on an old account, your deposits are subject to increase because of your past credit history. All past due bills will have to be paid in full prior to connection.

8. My account was turned off for non-pay. Is there some place where I can pay in the evening to get my utilities reconnected?

Please note that there is a fee of $50 added to the amount owed on all accounts that are disconnected for non-pay. All fees must be paid before reconnection will be made. There is also an after hours fee of $25 for this service.

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1. Why a Roadway Maintenance Fee?

In 2018 City Council determined that a stable and sufficient source of revenue was needed to ensure that Hamilton could continue to maintain and improve the quality of its existing public street system. The council passed Ordinance No. 07-18 where occupants of developed property (residential and commercial) would provide funding for the maintenance of the city’s streets.

2. Who pays this fee?

The party responsible for the utilities, unless another responsible party agreed in writing to pay on behalf of the occupant.

3. How is the fee calculated?

The methodology of allocating the roadway maintenance fee on the basis of “trips,” appropriately balances costs between residential and commercial users.
Residential: A flat fee is charged.
Commercial:  A flat fee is charged.

4. What does the City use the money for?

Maintenance to:
1) Provide a safe street system
2) Properly maintain the street system and areas to maximize their use, utility, and longevity
3) Maintain certain landscaped areas within the street rights-of-way
4) Provide maintenance for streets used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and mass transit users as well as those used by vehicle drivers
5) Take any other action necessary to ensure that existing city streets are maintained at standards that support the needs of city residents, businesses, and institutions

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1. What is the minimum age for children to be able to swim without adult supervision?

Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

2. My child has a cut. Can he/she swim?

No one with open sores may enter the pool. No bandages are allowed in the pool.

3. Are there any rules concerning floatation devices for children?

Floating devices for infants must have bottom support straps. Children with water wings must have a parent within arms-length.

4. What other rules are there?

Rules are posted at the admission station.

5. If I leave the pool, may I come back in?

Yes, we will stamp your hand, so you may re-enter with no charge.

6. What food and drinks are allowed at the pools?

Outside food and drinks are allowed, please NO Glass. Families may picnic in Pecan Creek Park or inside the gate.