FAQ
• What do I do about a water/sewer-line break?
In the event that you see any of the following:
-Water flowing heavily from the ground or a manhole-cover when it has NOT been raining,
-Water seeping from a water meter
-Water flowing from a fire-hydrant when it has not been activated
-Your facets don’t run or toilets don’t fill with water after flushing,
Contact the Department of Public works at 740-593-7636. DO NOT send an email. If the water flow poses a potential obstruction to traffic or flooding risk seems dangerous, also notify the police and fire departments.
• How can I be notified about a boil order?
Boil orders are announced most local radio services and on the local government access channel. There is also a boil-order hotline at 740-594-5078. For any further questions, contact 740-593-7636.
• How do I get a sewer/water-tap installed at my residence?
Make an application at the utilities billing office at City Hall. You will be notified of time-frame and cost shortly thereafter. Expect a 6 week delay after paying your tap fees.
• Where can I request a street closure or the movement of a dumpster?
All requests for the temporary closure of a street, sidewalk, or alleyway or requests for the temporary placement of a dumpster must be submitted to the Service Safety director at 8 W. Washington St. (592-3338). To close or block a city street without proper authorization is unlawful and could potentially pose a risk to public safety.
• My car was damaged by a pothole on a street maintained by the city; can I receive compensation for the repair?
In accordance with policy 220.300.001, vehicles damaged by un-marked potholes within the corporation limit MAY be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of repair. A copy of this policy is available on the City of Athens website under "Engineering and Public Works," then "Policies."
• I am having concrete work done and am interested in curb by my residence that meets city code; am I eligible for reimbursement?
Yes. A copy of this policy and procedure is available on the City of Athens website under “Engineering and public works," then "Policies." Also included is a PDF format schematic showing construction specifications.
• I am moving in or out of Athens; how do I activate/deactivate my water?
All changes to water accounts should be submitted to the Utilities Billing Office in City Hall at 8 E. Washington St. The Utilities Office phone number is 592-3347. Do not contact The Department of Engineering and Public Works to have your water connected/disconnected.
• How can I dispose of my yard waste?
Beginning July 1st, 2009, all city residents may purchase stickers at the Utilities Billing Office and put them on bags and bundles of brush (meeting size limits) which the city will then pick up every Tuesday and Friday. To have the bags picked up, call the Department of Public Works at (740)-593-7636 at any time. The cost for these stickers is $1.50 per bag or bundle. Bags must contain only organic material (this excludes feces or dead animals of any kind) and may not contain trash. Bags must also weigh under 50 pounds, and must not be ripped, torn, or susceptible to breaking. Bundles must be tied with string and must be under 4 feet in length. Limbs of 8 inches in diameter or more cannot be picked up and must be disposed of at the discretion of the resident. Calls for yard waste made after 7:30 AM on a pickup date will be picked up on the next date.
• Can I dump brush at the city annex?
The City of Athens DOES NOT permit dumping of brush at the city annex for any reason, for anyone. While the city allowed residents to dump brush in the past, this practice has been discontinued due to the number of abuses (i.e., dumping of trash). Any resident who wishes to dispose of brush must cut and bundle it and purchase stickers for the city’s yard waste pickup service, or hire a tree service.
• What do I do about a downed tree?
The Department of Public Works will clear away dead or dying trees in the public right-of-way if they obstruct traffic or if they pose an immediate safety hazard to the public. Contact 740-593-7636 and an inspector will come out to determine if the department can cut away the tree. Trees that are damaged or fall within private property must be cleared away by the resident at the resident’s expense.
• Can I get loads of mulch from the city?
Residents who call in advance may receive up to 1,000 lbs. from the city annex. While the city provided a front-end loader to load vehicles in the past, this has been discontinued. Any residents who pick up loads of mulch must load the mulch themselves with their own equipment.
• There is a dead animal in the roadway. What should I do?
Notify the Department of Public Works and someone will come to take away the animal.
• There is a downed power-line in the road way. What should I do?
If anyone should find a power-line or telephone line down in the roadway, they should immediately contact the power company or telephone company. If the power-line appears dangerous, blocks the road-way, is sparking, or on-fire, someone should also notify the fire department right away.
• How do I dispose of dead leaves in the fall?
Citizens who wish to dispose of their dead leaves during the fall and winter months should rake their leaves to the curb and notify the department of Public Works. The leafing vacuum should sweep up the leaves within a few weeks. However, due to the sheer volume of leaves and problems with running the vacuum-truck down certain streets, it is not guaranteed that leaves will be cleared away immediately. Citizens who wish to immediately dispose of their leaves may bag them and purchase stickers from the utility billing office and these bagged leaves will be cleared away with other yard waste twice every week.
