Watauga, TX - Official Website

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City Secretary's Office

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1. May I get copies of a Birth and/or Death Certificate at City Hall?: No. Vital Statistics must be obtained through the Tarrant County Clerk's Office located at 100 E. Weatherford in Fort Worth. Please call 817.884.1111 for more information. You can also obtain Birth and/or Death Certificates through the City of North Richland Hills City Secretary's Office located at 7301 NE Loop 820 or by calling 817.427.6075.

2. How do I get registered to vote?: You can get a voter registration application from City Hall and from the Watauga Public Library, which is located at 7109 Whitley Rd. Once the information is completed, send the application to the Registrar of Voters at:
100 W. Weatherford St.
Room B-90
Fort Worth, TX 76161-9817

3. I have moved. How do I change my voter's registration?: If you are a registered voter in Tarrant County and you have moved to another address within the county, you can change your voter's registration by completing the information on the back of your voter's registration card and mailing it to:
Registrar of Voters
100 W. Weatherford St.
Room B-90
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-9817

4. How can I get an item on the City Council agenda?: The city secretary has a form you can fill out to request a City Council member to sponsor the item on an agenda. If a City Council member agrees to sponsor the item, it is placed on the agenda. You may contact the City Secretary's Office at 817.514.5812.

5. How can I speak to the City Council members?: You can contact the City Secretary’s Office at 817.514.5812 to request contact from the City Council. If you would like to address the City Council during a City Council meeting, you must submit a Request to Speak Form to the city secretary prior to or at the City Council meeting. You may speak during the Citizen's Open Forum at the next Council Meeting. Speakers are limited to three minutes.

6. Where can I get information about city elections?: The city secretary is the elections administrator for city elections. Her office is located at:
City Hall
7105 Whitley Rd.
Watauga, TX 76105

She can also be reached by phone at 817.514.5812. Election information can also be obtained online at the following webpage. Elections

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Finance & Administration Entry Page

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1. What holidays affect my garbage collection days?: The only two holidays affecting trash and recycling collection are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If your service is on these days, service will be on the day following the holiday and all service days following the holiday (for that week only) will move to the next day.

2. Can minors appear in court without a parent?: Persons 16 and under must appear before the judge with a parent or guardian for any Class "C" misdemeanor. Any parent or guardian who fails to appear in court with their child may be issued a citation for failure to appear.

3. How do I get on the city's list of bidders?: Register as an interested vendor on our website by filling out the online Subscribe to Bidders List Form. You can also send the information to:
Deby Woodard
Purchasing Agent
7105 Whitley Rd.
Watauga, Texas 76148
Fax: 817.281.1991

The city uses DemandStar for bids.

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Fire / EMS

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1. Which current fire code is used by the City of Watauga?: The 2003 edition of the International Fire Code is currently used. The city also has adopted a select number of amendments suggested by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

2. What is the City's ISO rating?: Currently the rating or Public Protection Classification (PPC) for Watauga provided by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) is a 5. We will be conducting another evaluation in May, 2012, which we hope will reduce this number. To learn more about this grading system follow the link ISO PPC

3. How can I schedule a tour or event with the Fire Department?: Tours or events are coordinated through the Operations Division. You may schedule a tour by contacting Captain Lyle Lombard at 817.514.5791. Tour and event participation is subject to available staffing. Emergency responses may affect the length of the tour or event.

4. Who do I talk to about my ambualnce bill?

The Watauga Fire Department contracts with a third party company for recovering cost in providing medical care and transportation.

For information regarding patient accounts, please call
(866)-398-8999 or fax (866)-724-5995.

5. What is the Fire Department's permit process?: All permits are managed by the Department of Public Works. Permits may be obtained on the first floor at:
7800 Virgil Anthony Blvd.
Watauga, TX 76148

You may also contact Helen at 817.514.5837 for permit information.

6. Why does a fire truck always go to medical calls with the ambulance?: The primary reason is to provide manpower and assist in medical care. A secondary reason is, if our ambulance is already busy, the fire engine responds to start care while another ambulance comes from another city.

7. Why did an ambulance or fire truck come from a surrounding city when I called 911 from inside the City of Watauga?: The Watauga Fire Department staffs one fire engine and one MICU ambulance. When those units are already committed to another emergency incident, mutual aid is called from neighboring cities. The Watauga Fire Department has agreements with 14 other cities to ensure your emergency is always answered.

8. Can I burn trash or tree limbs on my property?: No. The International Fire Code 2003 edition prohibits any open burning within the city limits other than for special ceremonies or cooking.

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Human Resources, Civil Service & PIO

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1. How do I apply for employment?: View information on employment on the following webpage. Employment

2. Who do I contact for employment verification?: Contact Human Resources at 817.514.5826 or 817.514.5819.

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Library

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1. What are your hours?

The library hours are:

Monday and Thursday: 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed.

2. How much does a library card cost?: Library cards are free to all Watauga residents. Proof of residence is needed when registering. Watauga Public Library has reciprocal agreements with North Richland Hills, Bedford, Hurst, Saginaw and Blue Mound. Cards will be issued to the residents of these cities with no charge. The residents of Watauga may receive a card from these libraries at no charge. Library cards issued from the libraries in Fort Worth, Keller, Haltom City, Burleson, Benbrook and Richland Hills to their residents may be used at the Watauga Public Library. All other non-residents may obtain a card for an annual fee of $40.

3. How old does my child have to be to get a library card?: We must have a parent's signature for all children under 18, so it is up to the parents to decide at what age their child may get a card.

4. How many books/DVDs may I check out?: There is a limit of 10 DVDs per card. The overdue charge for DVDs is now 25 cents per day. There are no limits on books except 3 per subject. On first use of a card, three items may be checked out.

5. I just got a new ereader. Does the Library have ebooks?: Yes. Ebooks in both EPUB and PDF formats are available through North Texas Libraries-On-the-Go. You will need a Watauga Library card to access this service on North Texas Libraries on the Go.

6. Can I renew my books?: Books and media may both be renewed if there is no reserve on the material. Materials may be renewed once over the phone, books must be brought in for any additional renewals. Call the circulation desk for renewals at 817.514.5864. Renewals may also be made online through My Account.

7. Can I reserve a book?: Yes, residents of Watauga may place a free reserve for any title that is listed in the joint computer catalog (Fort Worth, Haltom City, Keller, Richland Hills, Benbrook, Burleson and Watauga). Non-residents are limited to Watauga Library materials only. Reserves are placed at the Checkout desk, Reference Desk, or may be placed online.

8. Do you have a fax machine?: Yes, the library staff will fax information for a patron. The charge is $1.00 for local calls up to 20 pages, and $1.50 for long distance calls.

9. When is Story time? Do you have any programs for toddlers?: Watauga Public Library offers two types of preschool programming: Toddler Time for children ages 18 to 36 months and Story time for children ages 3 to 5. Both of these programs are regularly held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 10:30 am respectively. Our goal is to provide children with an enjoyable library experience based upon books. We supplement our programs with stories, songs, finger plays, felt board displays and puppet shows.

10. What do you have for children during the summer?: A summer reading club for all ages (0 to adult) is available, with incentives for reading during June, July and August and activities are planned for families and children ages 5 to 14.

11. Do you have any books on phonics?: Yes. We have an entire "Easy Reader" section that is designed to help young children learn to read. These books are located on the back low row of shelving as you enter the children's department and each book has an orange "Easy Reader" sticker used as an indicator.

12. Can newspapers and magazines be checked out?: Newspapers do not check out. We do check out most adult magazines and all children's and teen magazines (except the current issue and index) for three weeks.

13. Do you have resources to help children learn foreign languages?: Yes. We have books, CD ROMs and videos. Our coverage extends to Spanish (both South American and Castilian), French, German and Italian. Additionally, we have media to help Spanish-speaking youngsters learn English.

14. Do you offer tutoring?

Grades 1 to 6 may receive help with their homework at our Homework Help Center on Tuesdays, 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm, and Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, during the school year. Call 817.514.5864 for more information.

The Library also has its own adult English as a Second Language and reading tutoring program and a conversational English class. Call 817.514.5863 for more information.

The Tutor.com service provides live online help for all age students needing assistance with homework. When the tutors are not available, students have access to their resource library. This program also provides career and resume help. Get an app for your iphone or ipod to be able to connect anywhere. For more information, call the Reference desk at 817-514-5865.

15. Do you offer GED classes?: The Library offers a GED class on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, during the school year, in association with FWISD. There are no GED classes in the summer. For information and to register, meet with the teacher at the Library at those times. GED instruction is also available online through the Learning Express Library database. A Watauga Public Library card is required for access. Call 817.514.5865.

16. Do you have Internet available for the public?: Yes, we do have Internet available for the public. A networked printer is available at 25 cents per page for color copies or 10 cents per page for black and white copies.

17. Do you have word processors for public use?: Yes, we do have word processors with Office 2010 for public use. You may bring your own cd or flash drive to save your documents, or you may purchase one at the library. A networked printer is available. Printouts are 10 cents per page for black and white, or 25 cents per page for color.

18. Do you have back issues of the Fort Worth Star Telegram on microfilm?: We keep paper copies of the Star Telegram for two months. We have limited online access back five years. The North Richland Hills Public Library has it available on microfilm from January 1988. Their phone number is 817.427.6819. Fort Worth Library Central has older issues. Their phone number is 817.871.7721.

19. Am I able to access the library's catalog from my home?: Yes, if you have Internet access from your home you may access the library's catalog from the city's homepage.

20. How can I find out if the library has a certain book?: You can search the catalog online from your home or call the Reference Desk at 817.514.5865 and the librarian will be happy to search for you. Hours are Mondays and Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

21. Does the library need volunteers?: Yes, the library needs adults over 18 years of age for a variety of tasks. Special programs include: (1) the Homework Help Center, which needs adults and Honor Society students to work with grades 1 to 6 during the school year; (2) shelving assistance; (3) Laubach Way to English tutoring for adults and (4) Citizenship class for adults. Call 817.514.5863 to volunteer.

22. Can the library help me with my community service hours?: Yes, the library accepts teens and adults who need to work community service hours for a variety of reasons, including Honor Society, and Scout or school required service hours. It may be necessary to limit the number of volunteers per week. Call 817.514.5863 for more information.

23. Can youth volunteer at the library?: Yes, the Youth Department needs junior volunteers, age 13 and older, to assist with a number of tasks, especially during the summer reading program. Call 817.514.5866 to volunteer.

24. Does the Library have English as a second language material for adults?: In addition to the popular Mango Languages online, the Library has Ingles sin Barreras and a number of books, compact discs and DVDs to help you learn English and prepare for citizenship. Ask at the Reference or Help Desks.

25. Does the Library have a meeting room I can rent?: When the meeting room is not scheduled for Library or City of Watauga related activities, it may be made available to Watauga community groups or organizations that are under non-profit and non-sectarian sponsorship, as well as community groups and organizations in surrounding cities. It is not intended for regular meeting of community organizations. It may be reserved a maximum of two times per year. The meeting room rents for $30/hr plus a $50 deposit fee.

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Municipal Court

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1. Am I eligible for Deferred Disposition?: To be eligible for Deferred Disposition, you cannot have received Deferred Disposition or taken a Driver Safety Course in the past twelve months. If under age 25, you must appear on your court date to request Deferred Disposition from the Municipal Court Judge. Persons with a Commercial Driver's License are not eligible for Deferred Disposition. If you qualify, you may make your request on our website, mail or by personally appearing in the Municipal Court Office prior to your court date. Please contact the court office to see if you qualify and/or for specific mailing instructions at 817.514.5715 Deferred Disposition Request form

2. Can I request to take a driver safety course?: To request a driver safety course, you cannot have completed a driver safety course within the past 12 months or possess a Commercial Driver's License. You may make your request on our website, by mail or by personally appearing in the Court Office prior to your court date. If you wish to mail in your request, please call 817.514.5715 for specific mailing instructions.
Driver Safety Request form

3. When is my court date?: For your scheduled court date, please refer to the front of your citation.

4. Can minors appear in court without a parent?: Persons 16 and under must appear before the Judge with a parent or guardian for any Class "C" Misdemeanor. Any parent or guardian who fails to appear in court with their child may be issued a citation for failure to appear.

5. What would happen if I failed to appear on my court date?: If you fail to appear on your scheduled court date, an additional charge of failure to appear can be added and a warrant issued for your arrest.

6. Where do I go to take care of my "red light camera ticket"?: If you would like to pay for your violation in person the Municipal court takes payments in cash and check for the red light camera violations. You may also click here if you have your notice number and pin number.

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Parks & Community Services

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1. What are the hours of operation at the Recreation Center?

The hours of operation at the Recreation Center are:

Monday - Thursday: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

2. What are the membership fees for the Recreation Center?

Watauga Recreation Center yearly membership fees:
Residents:

Adult (Ages 18-59 ) - $40
Youth (Ages 17 and under) - $20
Senior Citizen (Ages 60 and up) - $20

Nonresidents:

Adult (Ages 18-59) - $100
Youth (Ages 17 and under) - $50
Senior Citizens (Ages 60 and up) - $50

3. Where is the Recreation Center located?: 7901 Indian Springs Rd.
Watauga, Texas 76148

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Police

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1. Does the Police Department provide fingerprinting and IDs for children?

A new live scan fingerprinting service is now available for the general public. FAST (Fingerprint-based Applicant Services of Texas) is offered by the Texas Department of Public Safety through Identix Identification Services located at:
5601 Bridge St.
Suite 353
Fort Worth, TX
To schedule an appointment, call toll-free at 1.800.377.2080.

Watauga Police Department does not provide fingerprinting services for the public.

Note: The Police Department does not offer fingerprint services for gun license renewals or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

2. How do I find out about my notice of violation from a red light camera?: A notice of violation means that a vehicle registered in your name was issued a violation by an automated system for failure to stop at a red light. You can view the violation and information online at the Violation Info website, in the lobby of the Police Department (7101 Whitley Rd., Watauga, Texas 76148) or by calling 817.514.5870.

You may pay the $75 civil fine online or in the court building located at:
7105 Whitley Rd.
Watauga, TX. 76148
Phone: 817.514.5831

For general assistance you can contact American Traffic Solutions at 1.866.790.4111.

3. What kinds of crimes occur in my neighborhood?: Statistics that relate to crimes in your geographical area may be obtained by contacting the Crime Prevention Unit at 817.514.5758. You may also go to the Crime Report website and see a map of the crimes in your area.

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Public Works & Community Development

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1. Do I need a permit to put up a fence?: A fence permit is required if you are putting up a new fence, changing from one kind of fence to another (wood to chain link, etc.) or if you are changing the location of the fence. A permit is not required if you are replacing 1/3 or less of the fence.

2. Do I need a garage sale permit and how much do they cost?: A permit is required for a garage sale. A garage sale permit can be acquired on the first floor of the Water Tower. Permits should be purchased at least 12 hours in advance of the sale and cost $5.

3. Do I need a permit to put up a storage shed and what are the restrictions?: A permit is required to put up a storage shed. Sheds must be smaller than 200 square feet or they must be bricked. They must be five feet from each property line (fence) and at least 10 feet from the house if being placed on a cement slab, 15 feet if it is not. They may be no taller than 12 feet. A drawing must accompany the permit with a location of where the shed will be placed in the yard. Permit costs are based on the cost of the construction of the shed.

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Public Works Community Development

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1. Can my company/business be featured in the Business Spotlight of the Month?: Any Watauga business is eligible to be included in the Business Spotlight of the Month. This free resource will include an article in the City's Newsletter as well as one month on the City's Website. Businesses are featured based on a first come, first serve system. Contact Gena Camacho at 817.514.5813 to sign up your business.

2. Where can I learn more about the businesses in Watauga?: The City has several resources to connect you with our local businesses. Our online searchable database, SHOPS QA will allow you to learn about the services, hours, locations, job openings, and more available in in Watauga. SKEDS will let you browse through coupons and special deals. Our printable Business Listing breaks out our businesses by category for easy access when you are away from your computer!

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Public Works Planning and Zoning

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1. How can I find out what type of zoning a property has?: The City of Watauga Zoning Map gives you the zoning of properties. You may also contact the Public Works Planning and Zoning Office at 817.514.5838.

2. Can I get a copy of the Zoning Map?: The City of Watauga Zoning Map may be downloaded or obtained on the first floor of the City of Watauga Water Tower. The cost is $3.00.

3. Can Zoning for a property be changed?: Actual zoning of a property may not be changed. However, in certain types of zoning a Specific Use Permit may be issued to a particular business needing to modify zoning to operate. This Specific Use Permit allows the appropriate zoning to be added to the property for the duration of that particular business. If that business should leave that area, the zoning returns to its original state. A Specific Use Permit requires an application approval by the Planning and Zoning Board and the Watauga City Council.

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Public Works- Streets and Storm Drain

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1. How do I report a street light that is out?: Watauga residents can call the Public Works Department to report a streetlight that is out or malfunctioning. The Administrative Assistants will report it to Oncor. You can also report the outage online by going to www.oncorstreetlight.com.

2. Where do I report damaged street signs?: Please contact the Public Works Department at 817.514.5839 or 817.514.5843 to report damaged street signs.