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1. Who can I contact for information about City Ordinances?

Many of the development related ordinances are accessible through this website. Other ordinances or information about them can be obtained by visiting the Municode Web Site or by contacting the City Secretary at (830) 997-7521 Extension #2005. City of Fredericksburg Code of Ordinances

2. Who do I contact for open records?

City Secretary

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1. How are citizens selected for the academy?

Complete and send in the application. A background check will be conducted on all applicants. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the next Academy.

2. What subjects are covered?

A wide variety of Police Department topics are covered. The academy will begin with a short history of the department and a tour of the facilities. Additional topics will include department organization, patrol division, detective division, communications, court, records, training, use of force, and firearms.

3. Who instructs the academy?

Instructors are officers and personnel from the department, additional support personnel, and professionals who speak on their area of expertise.

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1. How many City Council members are there?

As per the Home Rule Charter, adopted by the citizens of Fredericksburg in 1991, the legislative and governing body of the City of Fredericksburg consists of a Mayor and four (4) Councilmembers. They are elected from the City at large. The term for the Mayor and Councilmembers is two years. No Mayor or Councilmember may serve more than four (4) consecutive two (2) year terms in the same office. The terms of the Councilmembers are staggered so that two members are elected to a regular term each year.

Each member of the City Council must be a resident citizen of the City of Fredericksburg and have been so for a period of not less than twelve months immediately preceding his/her election. Each member must also be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, and shall not be indebted to the City of Fredericksburg.

2. When and where are the City Council Meetings held?

Meetings are held at the Law Enforcement Center, 1601 E. Main St., the first and third Monday of each month, beginning at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted in the agenda.

3. What is the procedure for placing concerns before the City Council?

Citizens who wish to speak on a particular agenda item or require an item to be placed on the agenda should contact the City Secretary at (830) 997-7521 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

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1. Are signs allowed in Residential Zoning Districts?

Commercial type signs are prohibited in residential districts. Exceptions include grandfathered signs (signs that existed before the sign ordinance was adopted) and auxiliary type signs. Auxiliary signs can be a maximum of 4 square feet and may only identify the name and address of the occupant of an individual residence or a historically significant site.

2. Where is my property line relative to the street/curb?

In most cases, private property starts approximately 5’ from the curb line or street. You may contact the City’s Engineering Department who will come to your property and attempt to locate the property line along the street, however they will not actually conduct a survey. If the City is unable to locate the property line, a professional surveyor should be consulted.

3. What do I need to obtain a sign permit?

An individual should contact the City to determine the amount of sign area allowed given the location and particular zoning district. A drawing is required that shows the proposed location and size of the sign (colors are required if located in the Historic district). The cost is $1 per square foot of sign area, with a minimum fee of $10.

4. What is the ETJ and how does it affect me?

The “ETJ” stands for Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, and is the area within one mile of the City Limits of Fredericksburg. The City enforces it’s Subdivision Ordinance and Sign Regulations within the ETJ. If you have a question as to whether or not your property is within the ETJ, you my visit the maps on the City’s web site or contact the Planning Department.

5. What can I do about a junky or weedy lot, or junked vehicles?

You may contact the City’s Code Enforcement Officer to report such a situation. The Code Enforcement Officer will investigate the situation and, if it is determined that there is a code violation, the officer will contact the owner of the property and request that they remedy the situation. If the problem persists, a letter is sent to the property owner, who is given 10 days to rectify the problem.

6. What about Garage Sale signs?

The sign ordinance does not apply only to commercial businesses!

As you are planning garage sales or other events, please keep in mind that city ordinance limits each property to a maximum of 3 per year and prohibits signs posted on trees, utility poles, stakes, fences or other objects when the advertising content of the sign is not applicable to the use of the premise upon which the sign is located.

In other words, you are not allowed to attach a poster to a utility pole directing traffic to your garage sale several blocks away; however, if the garage sale is on your property, you may place the sign on your property only.

Likewise, if you are having a fundraiser, you may not tack signs to poles that are not on the premises of the fundraiser.

If anyone has any questions or comments, they are encouraged to call the code enforcement officer at 997-7521.

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1. What is the extraterritorial jurisdiction and why was it created?

The extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is an “unincorporated area that is contiguous to the corporate boundaries” of a city. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 42.021. The ETJ, a concept created by the Texas Legislature in 1963, is said to be established in order “to promote and protect the general health, safety, and welfare of persons residing in and adjacent to” cities, a sort of buffer zone outside of a city’s corporate limits. Id. § 42.001. Despite this, cities have been granted relatively little authority to address health and safety issues in the ETJ. Thus, some argue that the real purpose of the ETJ is to limit the geographic area in which a city may annex.

2. How much territory is encompassed in a city’s ETJ?

The extent of ETJ is generally dependent on the number of city inhabitants. With some exceptions, state law provides that:

• in a city with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, the ETJ is within one-half mile of the corporate boundaries;
• in a city with 5,000 to 24,999 inhabitants, the ETJ is within one mile of the corporate boundaries;
• in a city with 25,000 to 49,999 inhabitants, the ETJ is within two miles of the corporate boundaries;
• in a city with 50,000 to 99,999 inhabitants, the ETJ is within 3-1/2 miles of the corporate boundaries; and
• in a city with 100,000 or more inhabitants, the ETJ is within 5 miles of the corporate boundaries.

Id. § 42.021(a).                           

Absent evidence of fraud, a court is required to accept a city’s determination of the number of inhabitants, rather than consider census figures, in determining the extent of the ETJ. See City of Burleson v. Bartula, 110 S.W.3d 561, 565 (Tex. App.—Waco 2003, no pet.). When asked about the exact method of measurement a city must use to determine its ETJ, the attorney general concluded that a city may choose the method by which it will ascertain the boundaries of its ETJ. See Tex. Att’y Gen. LO-94-033.

3. Why does my city’s ETJ encompass a different amount of territory than provided in state law?

The extent of a city’s ETJ could be different than what state law provides as the result of local factors and circumstances. For instance, a city that incorporates immediately adjacent to another city may have no ETJ at all. A more common reason for a city’s ETJ to be different than the distance limits in Section 42.021 is that the city used its authority to adopt an ordinance to bring land contiguous to its ETJ into its ETJ at the request of the landowners. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 42.022(b).

4. What happens to the ETJ when a city annexes property?

Generally, when a city annexes an area, the ETJ “expands with the annexation to comprise, consistent with Section 42.021, the area around the new municipal boundaries.” Id. § 42.022(a); but see, e.g., id. § 42.0225. For example, when a city of 100,000 or more inhabitants annexes an area, its new ETJ would generally comprise the unincorporated area contiguous to the new city boundaries within five miles of the new boundaries. See id. § 42.021(5).

               

It should be noted that the ETJ of a city may not expand — whether it be by an increase in the number of inhabitants, on request of a landowner, or through annexation — into another city’s ETJ without that city’s consent. Id. §§ 42.022(c), 42.023. And the ETJ of a city generally may not be reduced, unless the city council of the city gives its written consent. Id. §§ 42.022(d), 42.023.

5. Should a city have a map showing the boundaries of its ETJ?

Yes, a city should have an official map showing both its corporate boundaries and its ETJ. The map should be updated every time the city’s ETJ expands or shrinks, along with a note indicating the date of the change, any related ordinance or resolution number, and a reference to the minutes, ordinance, or resolution records in which the action is recorded. Id. § 41.001. Depending on how the map was created, the map may also need to include a disclaimer that reads something like the following: “This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the-ground survey, but only the approximate relative location of property boundaries.” TEX. GOV’T CODE § 2051.102.

Every city must maintain a copy of the map in a location that is easily accessible to the public, including the city secretary’s office, the city engineer’s office (if the city has an engineer), and the city’s website (if the city maintains a website). TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 41.001. Every city must also make a copy of its map publicly available without charge.

A home rule city is required to create, or must contract for the creation of, a digital map that must be made publicly available without charge and in a format widely used by common geographic information system (GIS) software. Id. If a home rule city does not have common GIS software, the city must make the digital map available in any other widely used electronic format. Id. Presumably, this provision authorizes a city without GIS technology to make its map available in a PDF format.

A map of the City of Fredericksburg City Limit Boundary and 1-Mile ETJ can be found here.

6. May cities swap ETJ?

Certain cities have express authority to swap or apportion their ETJs. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 42.024. It is not clear whether general law cities have authority to contractually agree to swap ETJ. This issue was discussed in a recent case styled City of Justin v. Town of Northlake, No. 06- 17-00054-CV, 2018 WL 4259853 (Tex. App.—Texarkana June 15, 2018, pet. denied) (mem. op.). In that case, the City of Fort Worth exchanged ETJ with a general law city (Town of Northlake) pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 43.021 (re-codified in 2017 as Texas Local Government Code Section 43.003), which provides as follows:    

               

A home-rule municipality may take the following actions according to rules as may be provided by the charter of the municipality and not inconsistent with the requirements prescribed by this chapter:

(1) fix the boundaries of the municipality;                   

(2) extend the boundaries of the municipality and annex area adjacent to the municipality; and

(3) exchange area with other municipalities.      

             

The City of Justin argued, among other things, that the agreement between the two cities was void and invalid because it violated the Local Government Code. Although the court refused to make any finding as to that argument, it did conclude that Section 43.021 (now Section 43.003) specifically addresses the “authority given to a home-rule municipality, i.e., a home-rule municipality may exchange area (to include its ETJ) with other municipalities” but does not “address the authority given to the receiving city” so it has “little, if any, relevance regarding [a general law city’s] authority to . . . accept or exchange ETJ.” Id. at n.22-23.

                                   

    

7. May a city apply its ordinances in the ETJ?

                                                

A 1997 attorney general opinion concludes that                   

[a]s a general rule, a city can exercise its powers only within the city’s corporate limits unless power is expressly or impliedly extended by the Texas Constitution or by statute to apply to areas outside the limits. Extraterritorial power will be implied only when such power is reasonably incident to those powers expressly granted or is essential to the object and purposes of the city. ‘[A]ny fair, reasonable, or substantial doubt as to the existence of a power will be resolved against the municipality.’

                   

Tex. Att’y Gen. Op. LO-97-055 (1997) (citations omitted); cf. also, Town of Lakewood Vill. v. Bizios, 493 S.W.3d 527, 531 (Tex. 2016); FM Props. Operating Co. v. City of Austin, 22 S.W.3d 868, 902 (Tex. 2000).

The following are examples of state laws that authorize cities to regulate in the ETJ:                   

• Health & Safety Code § 713.009 – Cemeteries
• Local Government Code Chapter 43 – Annexation
• Local Government Code § 212.003(a) – Subdivision and Platting Regulations
• Local Government Code §§ 216.003, 216.902 – Signs
• Local Government Code § 217.042 – Nuisances within 5,000 feet (home rule city only)
• Local Government Code § 341.903 – Policing City-Owned Property (home rule city only)
• Local Government Code § 552.001 – Utility System

• Water Code § 26.177 – Pollution Control and Abatement 

State law prohibits a city from regulating the following in the ETJ: (1) the use of a building or property for business, industrial, residential, or other purposes; (2) the bulk, height, or number of buildings constructed on a tract of land; (3) the size of a building that can be constructed on a tract of land; (4) the number of residential units that can be built per acre of land; and (5) the size, type, or method of construction of a water or wastewater facility that can be constructed to served a developed tract in certain circumstances. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 212.003(a).

The Texas Supreme Court held that general law cities may not extend their building codes into the ETJ. See Town of Lakewood Vill. v. Bizios, 493 S.W.3d 527 (Tex. 2016). And the Dallas Court of Appeals held that a home rule city “lacks authority to require a landowner developing property in its [extraterritorial jurisdiction] to obtain City building permits, inspections and approvals, and pay related fees.” Collin Cty. v. City of McKinney, 553 S.W.3d 79 (Tex. App.— Dallas 2018).

8. Do city taxes apply in the ETJ?

The inclusion of an area in the ETJ of a city does not itself authorize a city to impose a tax in the area. TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE § 42.902. Just as with the application of a city’s ordinance, a city must identify express or implied authority to impose a tax in an area in the ETJ. For instance, state law allows a city with a population of less than 35,000 to impose its hotel occupancy tax in the ETJ so long as the combined rate of state, county, and city hotel occupancy taxes in the extraterritorial jurisdiction does not exceed 15 percent of the price paid for a room in a hotel. TEX. TAX CODE § 351.0025. State law also authorizes a municipal development district (a district created by a city) to impose its sales tax in a city’s ETJ if the voters of the entire district approve the tax, and the combined tax rate of all local sales and use taxes are not more than two percent in any location in the district. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE §§ 377.002, 377.021, 377.101. This is the only city sales tax that may be levied in the ETJ of a city.

9. May qualified voters residing in the ETJ ever vote in a city election?

Generally, to be eligible to vote in a city election a person must, among other things, reside in the city on the day of the election. TEX. ELEC. CODE § 11.001. (As used in the Election Code, the term “residence” means domicile or “legal residence” and not necessarily the actual place where a person is living for the time being. Id. § 1.015.) There are some exceptions to this general rule. For instance, a city that seeks to annex an area with a population of 200 or more must get, at an election, the approval of a majority of the qualified voters in the area. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 43.0691; see also, e.g., id. §§ 42.904, 43.130.

10. Do city police officers have any authority to make arrests in the ETJ?

A permanently licensed city police officer is a peace officer. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art.
2.12(3). Various categories of peace officers, a licensed city police officer among them, may make an arrest without warrant for an offense committed in their presence or view. Id. art. 14.03(g)(2). However, if the police officer is outside of the city, the officer “may arrest a person for a violation of Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code only if the offense is committed in the county or counties in which the municipality employing the peace officer is located.” Id. Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, contains the “Rules of the Road,” which are the state traffic laws that a city police officer enforces. A police officer who makes an arrest under the article 14.03(g)(2) authority “shall as soon as practicable after making the arrest notify a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the arrest was made. The law enforcement agency shall then take custody of: (A) the person committing the offense and take the person before a magistrate in compliance with Article 14.06; and (B) any property seized during or after the arrest as if the property had been seized by a peace officer of that law enforcement agency” Id. 14.3(g)(3). Thus, while a city police officer may make an arrest in the ETJ, it is oftentimes county law enforcement and county courts that handle the case.

                   

Another instance in which a police officer has authority to arrest a person outside of the city occurs when the officer is acting as part of a regional task force. When counties and cities form mutual aid law enforcement task forces pursuant to Local Government Chapter 362, a law enforcement officer for one entity is authorized to make arrests within the area covered by the agreement, even when the area exceeds what would be the officer’s normal geographic or territorial jurisdiction. TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 362.003.

11. Do municipal courts have jurisdiction over cases that arise in the ETJ?

While a detailed discussion of the jurisdiction of a municipal court is beyond the scope and purpose of this publication, suffice it to say that a municipal court may sometimes hear and decide cases involving territory and persons located or residing in the ETJ. For instance, Government Code Chapter 29 provides municipal courts with jurisdiction over certain criminal cases that occur on property owned by the city but located in the ETJ. TEX. GOV’T CODE § 29.003. And Government Code Chapter 30 provides that a municipal court of record has jurisdiction over criminal cases arising under ordinances authorized by Local Government Code Sections 215.072, 217.042, 341.903, and 551.002. Id. § 30.00005. Those ordinances may be applied outside of a city’s boundaries and, thus, municipal courts of record have jurisdiction over certain criminal cases arising from ordinance violations outside city limits. See Tex. Att’y Gen. Op. JC-0025 (1999); cf. also PPC Enters., Inc. v. Texas City, 76 F.Supp.2d 750, 760, n.8 (S.D. Tex. 1999).

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1. What Do I Do If The Power Goes Out?

Check to see if others are without power. If you are the only one without electricity, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Note that in some homes or buildings, the main breaker is located near the electric meter. If the breakers are in the “on” position or the fuses are not burned out, you will need to call an electrician.

If others are without power, call the City of Fredericksburg Electric Department. On weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., call (830) 997-7521. At all other times, call (830) 997-8080.

If the phone is busy, try again. During an outage extra staff answer phones. Once you have reported an outage, please know that crews are working on the problem. In a major outage, duplicate calls jam the busy phone lines and prevent us from receiving critical storm damage information to help crews quickly repair the problem.

When you call, be prepared to give:

Your name
Address
Phone number
Outage information

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1. Does the EMS file insurance for you?

The EMS Billing Department takes assignment for Medicare and Medicaid only. A complimentary invoice will be sent out to the user just to show them what the bill was for and how much the charges are. Once Medicare/Medicaid pays, an invoice will then be sent to either your supplemental insurance or to you personally for the remaining balance. The billing office is located right here in Fredericksburg and Lori Seewald (EMS Accounts Administrator) can be reached at 990-2030.

2. How many EMS units and personnel are on each day?

There are two EMS units staffed each day for response in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County except for Harper VFD responds an ambulance in their Western territory. There is a third ambulance that can be put into service if needed. We also have a volunteer ambulance in the Doss area staffed by Doss VFD volunteers. There are usually two Paramedics on each ambulance. We do emergency transfers from the hospital to Johnson City, Brady, Kerrville, Blanco, Mason, San Antonio and Austin. The entire Department consists of 12 Full-time Paramedics, EMS Accounts Administrator is a Paramedic and the Director is a Paramedic. Our Communications Department is staffed with one Paramedic and one EMT. We also have a Part-time staff of approximately 12 personnel in which 6 are Paramedics and the others are various levels.

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1. How many paid and volunteer personnel are there?

There is one paid fire department personnel on each day. During work days, the Director is also at work and he is a certified firefighter also. The paid personnel take care of all the daily duties and maintenance of the trucks and the station. The paid personnel are supplemented by a volunteer staff of 41 personnel.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Who do I call if my dog or cat has been picked up by the Animal Control Officer?

The Animal Control Department is responsible for picking up loose or stray animals and housing them at the City Animal Shelter. Please contact the Animal Control Officer at (830) 997-1907 or (830) 997-7585.

3. Does the City take care of the creeks for mosquitoes?

The City does put larvicide out in areas throughout the city where stagnant water accumulates. If there is an area that needs attention please call the Code Enforcement Officer at (830) 997-7521.

4. Where can I find Information about Economic Development and/or Relocation?

This information can be obtained from the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission at (830) 997-6523 or at their website: www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

5. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?

The Chamber of Commerce is located at 306 E. Austin St. The telephone number is (830) 997-5000 and their website is www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

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1. How far in advance can I make a tee time?

Seven days maximum

2. Can I make a tee time over the internet?

Not at this time. Tee times are made either in person or by calling (830) 997-4010 or 1-800-950-8147.

3. Do I have to have a tee time, or can I just "show up"?

It is highly recommended to make a tee time, especially on weekends and holidays. This way, you are assured of getting on the course. On weekday evenings, there is an excellent chance of getting on without a tee time. If during peak times, you do not have a tee time, call ahead to see if you can get on, as there are always cancellations and other factors that may allow more players an opportunity to play.

4. Can we play a "five-some"?

Five-somes are allowed as long as pace of play is kept. (Ability to complete the round in four hours)

5. Can I wear steel spike golf shoes?

Our facility is soft-spike only. The personnel at the pro shop will be happy to change out your steel spikes to soft spikes for a minimal charge.

6. Can I bring my own golf cart?

The Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course owns and operates its own fleet of motorized driving golf carts. You may not bring your own driving cart. You may bring your own pull type (manual or motorized) cart.

7. Does everyone in my group need to have their own set or golf clubs?

Yes. To ensure pace of play, it is required that all players have their own set of clubs. Rental clubs are available at the Pro Shop.

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1. What is required by the Gillespie County Health Division if I want to set up a food or beverage booth at a special event?

A temporary health permit is required to set up in Gillespie County. A temporary health permit must be purchased 10 days prior to an event.

2. Why is it necessary to permit and inspect retail food operations?

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 76 million Americans suffer from a foodborne illness. It is also estimated that about 5 thousand deaths occur annually as a direct result of these illnesses. This alone, as well as the billions of dollars these illnesses cost the consumers and the industry each year, makes continuous improvement in the areas of food safety and sanitation a goal shared jointly by both the food industries and those with responsibility for regulatory oversight. These senseless deaths caused from mishandling foods can be reduced by providing regulatory oversight of retail food operations.

3. How can I obtain a Retail Food Establishment Application?

A Retail Food Permit Application may be obtained by contacting City Hall at (830) 997-7521 or drop by 126 W. Main St.

4. What type of factors contribute to food borne illnesses?

The top ten factors which contribute to the occurrence of outbreaks of food borne disease due to mishandling and/or mistreatment of foods are: improper cooling, 12-hour lapse between cooking and serving, colonized infected personnel, inadequate reheating or hot holding, contaminated raw food or ingredient, unsafe food sources, improperly handled leftovers, cross contamination, inadequate cooking, and improper thawing.

5. What is a Potentially Hazardous Food (PHF)?

The Food and Drug Administration defines a "potentially hazardous food" as any food that is natural or synthetic and is in a form capable of supporting: (1) The rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms; (2) The growth and toxin production of Clostridium botulinum; or (3) In shell eggs, the growth of Salmonella enteritidis.

6. Is it safe to purchase dented canned foods off the grocery shelves or in a "reduced for quick sale" basket in the store?

It depends. If the dent is a sharp dent on the top or bottom seam, or on the side seam of the can, the product is not fit for sale and should not be purchased. There could be a pinhole leak which may have sealed itself, but which may have caused contamination of the food. However, this should not preclude you from purchasing slightly dented cans which the store has placed for quick sale because the cans do not look good.

7. What are the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)?

The TFER is a comprehensive set of rules for the regulation of retail food establishments. These rules are based on the 2001 FDA Model Food Code. In these rules, food establishments include: restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food vendors, temporary food establishments, roadside food vendors and others. The Rules replace the existing Rules on Food Service Sanitation and the Rules on Retail Food Store Sanitation.

8. Can a person manufacture foods in their home, to sell to the public?

It is now legal to operate some food service out of your home and it is regulated by the food cottage law. More information can be found at http://texascottagefoodlaw.com/. Food Cottage Law

9. Are there alternatives for a person who wishes to start up a small food manufacturing business?

Yes. They may (a) utilize a licensed restaurant kitchen during off hours; (b) have the product made for them by a licensed food manufacturer; or (c) utilize a licensed church kitchen. In any case, the person must also license with the DSHS Manufactured Foods Division as a "Food Manufacturer".

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1. Can we make RV and tent camping reservations on-line?

Yes, RV camping reservations are now available online through Reserve America. Visit: Link to reservations

Tent camping reservations are not available online and are available first-come, first serve when you arrive at the park. For more information on RV and tent camping, please call Park Headquarters at (830) 997-4202.

2. How do I check on the availability of park facilities that are for rent?

Availability and reservations can now be checked online! Visit:  Link to availability and reservations.

You can also check availability and make reservations by calling or visiting Park Headquarters at (830) 997-4202, or 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

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1. What hours are the landfill open?

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday Closed

2. What are the Recycling Center hours?

Mon -Wed, Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday Closed for Processing
Saturday 8:00am - Noon
Sunday Closed

3. What can I do with old Paint and Household Pesticides?

Old paint can be disposed of in two different ways. The can can be left open until the paint is completely hard and discarded with regular trash. Paint in liquid form, as well as household pesticides, can be taken to the landfill where they will be processed with wood chips, tested and landfilled. Cost of this service is:

Under 10 gallons $10.00
Over 10 gallons $10.00 plus $1.00 for each additional gallon

4. What do I do with old appliances?

Any metal object can be taken to the landfill and discarded at the metal collection area (next to the scale house. All appliances will be at no charge. Wire (from old fences, etc..) will also be taken, but needs to be rolled up and free from staves or other wooden posts.

5. What can I do with old TVs and Computers?

The Goodwill Store at 1420 East Main Street, Suite 700 will accept Computers, TVs and other electronics. For more information:

Dell Reconnect

6. I know I can't put my yard waste in my garbage; what can I do with it?

Grass, leaves, weeds and garden waste can be taken to the landfill's yard waste collection area for no charge. Brush and branches will also be taken, but for a processing fee of $48.00 per ton ($10.00 minimum charge).

7. Why does it cost so much to operate a landfill?

The Landfill is operated under Subtitle D Regulations which requires each cell to be constructed with an impermeable liner. The cost of constructing these cells is approximately $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per acre. Each acre of space lasts about 1 year.

8. Why doesn't the City offer curbside recycling?

The City's recycling program has become a model for small communities. The percentage of citizens using the drop-off center rivals larger cities that have curbside service. The excellent participation along with the startup cost to offer curbside service versus the revenue from sale of recyclables has led the City to continue the drop-off program. The cost of starting a curbside program would have to be added to the garbage collection and disposal rates. Markets will continue to be monitored as well as other factors to make sure the citizens get the best service for the money.

9. Why doesn't the City pick up commercial garbage?

The City does not pick up commercial garbage due to the fact that there are commercial haulers already doing business in the City of Fredericksburg.

10. Where can I find more information about Municipal Landfills?

To learn more about Municipal Landfills, garbage and hazardous waste, visit the US Environmental Protection Agency's website at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm.

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1. What do I do if my street light is out?

Please call (830) 997-7521. There is a four digit number located on the utility pole that the light is mounted. If you cannot locate this number, please supply the address or location (such as intersection of College St. and Llano St.).

2. What do I do if a traffic light is out in my neighborhood or a sign is missing or knocked down?

The traffic lights, signs, school zone lights, etc, that are located on State or US Highways are all owned and maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation

These include:

US Hwy 290 (Main Street)
US Hwy 87 S. (San Antonio Hwy / S. Washington St.)
US Hwy 87 N. (Mason Hwy)
TX State Hwy 16 S (Kerrville Hwy / S. Adams St.)
TX State Hwy 16 N (Llano Hwy / N. Llano St.)
RR965 (N. Milam St.)
RR1631 (N. Olive St.)
FM2093 (Tivydale Road)

Please contact TxDot at (830) 997-4361.

For stop signs, yield signs, etc. on all other city streets (within the city limits), please call the Street Department at (830) 997-7521.

3. What if a tree or limb is down in the city street or alley?

Please contact the Street Department at (830) 997-7521.

4. What department do I call if I see a dead animal in the road?

The Animal Control Department is responsible for picking up dead animals. Please call the Animal Control Officer at (830) 997-1907 or (830) 997-7585.

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1. How hard is our City Water?

Water hardness is calculated in grains per gallon.

Grains Per Gallon of Hardness Conversion (Used for Customers installing a Water Softener)

City Water has 350 mg/l of hardness

350 mg/l =350 parts per million

1 grain per gallon = 17.12 parts per million

1 part per million = 0.05841 grains per gallon

350 x 0.0584 = 20.44 grains per gallon in city water