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Public Library

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1. How do I get a Library Card?

To apply for a library card, a person must provide photo identification and proof of current residence. There is no minimum age to get a library card. Minors (under 18 years) must have their parent or guardian sign to accept financial responsibility.

2. Can I receive / send a fax?

Faxing services are available during normal business hours. The cost is $1 per page for the first five pages, and $0.50 for each page after. A cover sheet can be obtained for no additional charge.

3. Do you have computers? Can I print?

All branches have public access computers available for use without charge. Printing services are available by using a library computer, printing from a USB drive, or by using our PrinterOn process to print from your own device. The cost to print is $0.15 per page for black and white and $0.30 per page for color prints.

4. At what age can my child be left alone at the library?

All ages are welcome in the Library, but children must be at least 10 years old before they may be left unattended and children under 10 years old must be under adult supervision at all times. Even if the child is old enough to be in the library alone, the child is expected to follow the same rules as adults. If a child violates a library policy, the parents will be notified immediately.

If any child has not been picked up from the library at closing time, the police may be called. Whether a parent or guardian is present, the staff of the library does not act in loco parentis.

5. What legal forms do you have?

Tax forms are available on a first come, first serve basis. In accordance to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, only a limited number of print forms are provided. If a form you need is not available, it may be printed from the IRS Website or requested by calling the IRS at 800-829-3676. Many of the forms are found using the Texas Law Help Website and the TexShare Databases. The Library has access to a variety of forms, such as:

• Divorce
• Guardianship
• Property
• Real estate
• Wills

Staff Cannot Provide Legal Recommendations

Disclaimer: The library staff are information providers, not physicians, health care professionals, lawyers or counselors. By law, staff cannot provide recommendations for forms, legal/medical advice, or recommend specific practitioners.

6. Can I access my account from home?

When you access your account online, you can do the following things:

• Place a reserve on an item
• Renew your materials that are checked out
• Review your fines if you have any
• See when your items are due
• Set up a watchlist for your favorite authors
• Update your information

Login to Your Account

Visit the Bay City Public Library Website to login in to your account, access our OPAC, and to search our collection. Your username is you library barcode number. Your pin is defaulted to the last four digits of your phone number. You may change your pin number once logged in, however, staff will only be able to reset it back to the default if you forget your pin.

7. Do you accept donations of books?

Book donations are accepted on behalf of the Friends of the Library. Materials that are able to be used in the collection are sorted through first. Items that cannot be used in our collection will be sold during the Friends ongoing book sale, given to other agencies in need of materials, or recycled. It is at the discretion of the Library and Friends what the final use of donated materials.

Materials Not Accepted

Materials should be in like-new or gently used condition. Textbooks can be sold but are not added to the library collection. Unfortunately, we cannot accept encyclopedias.

8. Can I make a memorial donations?

The Bay City Library Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, accepts memorial and honor donations to help supplement the book budget for the Bay City Public Library. A form is available at the library to be filled out with your name, acknowledgment information, and preferred type of book. These donations are tax deductible, and an acknowledgement letter is provided from the Bay City Library Association.

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Public Works

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1. Who should I contact if I have a sewer problem?

Contact the Utility Operations Department at 979-323-1659.

2. Who should I contact about street sweeping?

Contact the Public Works Department at 979-323-1659.

3. Is there a City landfill?

No, but Matagorda County does own a Transfer Station, and you can reach this location at 979-245-4547.

4. Who should I contact about spraying for mosquitoes?

Contact the Public Works Department at 979-323-1659.

5. Who should I contact about the flood plain?

Contact the Building Department at 979-323-1659.

6. Who should I call about a drainage problem?

If it involves a problem in a drainage ditch, creek, or in the street, contact the Street and Bridge Department at 979-323-1659.

7. Can I build anything in an easement?

Contact the Building Department to determine what type of improvements, if any, can be built over the easement. Call 979-245-0997 or email the Building Department.

8. How do I get my street repaired?

Call the Street and Bridge Department at 979-323-1659, or email Public Works.

9. Who do I contact about my trash?

Bay City contracts out trash collection to WCA. If you are having problems with trash collection or if you need a trash tote replaced, contact WCA at 979-245-0368. For billing issues, contact the billing office at 979-245-2322 for both residential and commercial service. For temporary dumpsters, contact WCA at 979-245-0368.

10. Who do I call with a signal light complaint?

All traffic signals are maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation. This office may be reached at 979-245-8338.

11. Who do I contact if a sign is damaged or needs repair?

Contact the Public Works Department at 979-323-1659.

12. How do I get a stop sign installed?

Stop signs may be requested through the Public Works Department. In order to place a stop sign, certain criteria must be met. These deal with traffic counts, safety, and other factors. The Public Works Department and the Police Department work together to the criteria needed. To start the process, contact the Public Works Department at 979-323-1659.

13. Who repairs and/or replaces burned out street lights?

AEP, the power company that provides power to the street light, maintains the street light. They can be reached at 877-373-4858. The exact address for the street light and the pole number will be required.

14. Who repairs water leaks?

The Public Works Utility Department maintains the City’s water distribution system. Any questions about water leaks or water meters can be directed to them at 979-323-1659 or by emailing Public Works.

15. What telephone number do I call if I have a water or wastewater concern or complaint, or just want some general information about our water and wastewater treatment system?

Call 979-323-1659 or 979-323-1692.

16. Why does my water look milky sometimes?

Most often, air is trapped in the water lines causing the water to look milky. Normally, if you let the water stand in a glass for a few minutes the air will dissipate leaving the water crystal clear. If this works, try turning your water on full blast for a few minutes to clear the air in the lines. If this does not work, call us, and we’ll assist you.

17. What is sewer?

Wastewater (sewer), is the used water that goes down the drains inside your houses and businesses. The wastewater portion of your bill pays the cost associated with cleaning wastewater.

18. Is Bay City drinking water safe?

Absolutely. Bay City water meets or exceeds all standards set by the State of Texas and federal government. The State of Texas has designated Bay City’s water a "Superior Public Water Supply," the highest rating given by the State.

19. Bay City has a reliable water supply, so why should I conserve?

There are lots of good reasons to conserve water. Here are a few.

• It’s the responsible thing to do.
• Save money on water bills.
• Model responsible behavior for children.
• Save money on sewer (wastewater) bills.
• Reduce storm water pollution.
• Preserve a scarce natural resource.

20. When is the best time to water my lawn?

Water only in the early morning, when evaporation rates are at the lowest.

21. Will the Street Division repair my driveway approach?

No, the City works three feet from the edge of the road. It is the responsibility and obligation of all owners, occupants and users of real property abutting upon streets in the city, at their own expense, to maintain and keep the driveway aprons extending from their property line free of depressions, elevations, inequalities, obstacles, or obstructions, and generally to keep such driveway aprons in safe, adequate, and non-defective condition.

22. Will the Street Division repair my sidewalk?

No, the City is not responsible for sidewalk maintenance. It is the responsibility and obligation of all owners, occupants, and users of real property abutting upon streets in the City, at their own cost and expense, to maintain and keep the sidewalks free of depressions, elevations, inequalities, obstacles, or obstructions and generally to keep such sidewalk in safe, adequate, and non-defective condition.

23. How do I report a pothole or dangerous road condition?

During normal working hours, call the Street and Bridge Department at 979-323-1659. After-hours emergencies can be reported through the after-hours service number at 979-245-7146; City crews are on call 24 hours a day.

24. Who should trim trees that overhang City streets or block a sign or traffic signal?

Please call the Public Works Department at 979-323-1659.

25. If I hire a commercial tree trimmer to trim trees at my residence, can they be placed at the curb for the City to collect?

No. In accordance with the City’s Ordinance Number 1373, if limbs are trimmed by a professional trimmer, this is not considered part of the service included in your monthly fee. The professional trimmer has the responsibility to remove the limbs from the property.

26. How do I get my damaged curb and gutter repaired?

Please call the Street and Bridge Department at 979-323-1659.

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Utility Billing

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1. What is the minimum bill?

The minimum bill for residential accounts is $70.09. The minimum bill include waste services, up to 2,000 gallons of water, and up to 2,000 gallons of sewage.

2. Can I put a credit on my account?

Yes, it will be automatically applied to your next bill.

3. Do you have a pool credit?

Effective October 1 the city will longer offer a pool credit due to the sewer cap in place.

4. Is there a sewage credit?

The city may off sewer credit when proof that a leak was fixed is submitted.

5. Where do I report a missed trash pick up?

You can report that to GFL at 979-245-0368.

6. Where do I sign-up for trash service?

Signing up for trash service can be done at the Utility Billing Office.

7. When will my water be turned on?

We try to turn on all water the same day that is activated prior to 1:00 pm. However, the is not guaranteed. All water that is not turned on the same day that it was activated will be turned on the following business day.

8. What if my water looks discolored or smells?

Please call our Municipal Service Building at 979-323-1659 and report it to them.