Show All Answers

1. What would be the financial impact on a resident who is transported 10 miles from his/her home to an emergency room, via ambulance, and is covered by a 3rd party insurance carrier?

Fee	Cost
EMS Transport Fee	$1,802
EMS Mileage Fee	$150
Average 3rd Party Insurance Coverage	-$750
Net Transport Fee	$1,202
Waived by the City	-$1,202
Total Due from Resident	$0

2. When is the required EMS Utility Fee effective?

The EMS Utility Fee is effective October 2019. The EMS Utility Fee will be assessed to residents and businesses who have water accounts; and will be added to the monthly water bill.

3. Who is eligible to receive this benefit?

Everyone who resides in a household or apartment unit; or is employed by a business in which the water account holder has paid the required EMS Utility Fee.

4. Do I need to register and/or provide insurance information (in advance) for this service?

Prior registration is not required for this service. Only when ambulance services are provided to you will your information be taken and verified.

5. Does this benefit cover EMS transport and non-transport fees?

Yes, any ambulance service cost will be waived as long as the person receiving service is a resident of Alvin and the utility account holder has paid the mandatory EMS Utility Fee.

6. If I live in the county but still in Alvin EMS’s response area, am I eligible to receive this benefit?

There is a non-resident annual fee of $144 which must be paid prior to any medical service or transport for the fees to be waived. Otherwise the patient will be responsible for the amount due after any insurance payments.

7. Who do I call if I have more questions?

Alvin EMS, 281-388-4363

Show All Answers

1. How does the council-manager form of government work?

The elected council establishes policies that affect the overall operation of the city. To ensure that these policies are carried out and that the entire community is equitably served, the council appoints a highly trained professional manager on the basis of his/her education, experience, skills, and abilities (and not their political allegiances). The council also appoints the city attorney and the municipal court judge(s).

2. How does the council-manager government benefit the community?

Political power is concentrated in the entire governing body. Policy making resides with elected officials, while oversight of the day-to-day operations of the city resides with the manager. In this way, the elected officials are free to devote time to policy planning and development. The manager carries out the policies established by the elected governing body with an emphasis on effective, efficient, and equitable service delivery.

Because decisions on policy and the future of the city are made by the entire governing body rather than a single individual, council-manager governments more often engage and involve their residents in decision making. Residents help guide their community by serving on boards and commissions, participating in visioning and strategic planning, and designing community-oriented local government services.

3. What is the role of the manager under council-manager government?

The manager is hired to serve the council and the community and brings to the local government the benefits of his/her training and experience in administering municipal projects and programs. The manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration; recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council's chief advisor; and carries out the council's policies. Council members and residents count on the manager to provide complete and objective information about local operations, discuss the pros and cons of alternatives, and offer an assessment of the long-term consequences of their decisions.

Appointed managers serve at the pleasure of the governing body. The manager makes policy recommendations to the council for consideration and final decision. The manager is bound by whatever action the council takes, and control is always in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.

4. What is the role of the council?

The council is the city's legislative and policy-making body. Power is centralized in the elected council, which, for example, approves the budget and determines the tax rate. The council also focuses on the city's goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement and financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to implement the administrative responsibilities related to these goals and supervises the manager's performance.

5. What is the role of the Mayor?

Mayors in council-manager cities are key political and policy leaders, and their specific duties, responsibilities, and authorities depend on the organization's charter. The City of Alvin Charter does not allow for the mayor to vote on business before the council. However, in case of a tie vote on council, the mayor is called upon to break the tie. The mayor is the presiding officer at council meetings, represents the city in intergovernmental relationships, appoints members of citizen advisory boards and commissions (with the advice and consent of council), facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials, and assists the council in setting goals and advocating policy decisions.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find information about water and garbage rates?

For more information on utility rates, visit our Utility Billing pages. 

2. Will "extra bags" be collected if set out for pickup with my garbage containers?

Both cans and bags will be collected on scheduled collection days. If "extra bags" are set out with the containers and not picked up at the same time, please know that Waste Connections will be back around to collect them.

3. Is a permit required to hold a garage sale?

A permit is not required in order to hold a garage sale.  However, garage sale signs should be limited to the property hosting the sale.  Signs are not permitted in public right of ways or property.  

4. Can I get information regarding police retention in Alvin?

View information pertaining to the retention and separation statistics of police officers from 2010 to 2017 (PDF).

5. Where can I find general city information?

View our document (PDF) containing various ways to obtain City information. 

6. What is the cost per acre to outsource the mowing of City Parks?

The following chart shows the parks within the City of Alvin that are mowed by outside contractors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

City of Alvin Parks Using Contracted Mowing Services	Annual Cost	Acres
Ruben Adame Park	$3,900	1.7
Newman Park	$3,900	2.5
Sealy Park	$1,950	1.7
Prairie Dog Park	$1,560	1.1
Pearson Park	$10,575	24.0
Morgan Park	$4,532	10.0
Hugh Adams Park	$3,021	25.0
Marina Park	$2,014	4.0
Talmadge Park	$3,021	1.7
Citizens Park	$975	1.0
Total	$35,448	72.70

City of Alvin Contract Mowing Cost per Park Acre: $487.59/acre

The outside contractors also mow various properties of the City including, but not limited to: 

• American Legion
• Girl Scouts Building
• Park and Ride
• "Ugly Corner"
• Lift Stations
• Water Wells
• Water Towers
• Animal Shelter
• Museum
• Senior Center
• Library
• City Hall
• Public Services Facility, etc.

To view the City of Alvin mowing contracts: 

• DeLeon and Son Inc. (PDF)
• LTS Lawn Care (PDF)

Briscoe, National Oak Park, and Lions Park (totaling 57.5 acres) are maintained by the City of Alvin Parks Department. 9/8/16

7. Why is my water consumption usage high?

With the installation of the new water meters', residents may see the impact of more accurate readings. After a meter has been in place for many years it tends to slow down and not properly record water flowing through the meter. Some of the meters within the City have been in place for many years and more than likely were not accurately measuring water consumption. Now that the new meters have been installed they are now recording every gallon flowing through the meter. Because of this, customers may see an increase in their monthly water consumption notated on their water bill.

Yes, sometimes an increase in water consumption gives indication that there may be a leak in one of the toilets within the home or business. City staff may give suggestions as to what to check for. Helpful information on what to look for can be found on the Water Leaks page.

City staff has performed spot check re-reads to check the accuracy of the AMI water meters in place. All re-reads came back accurate.

If you have questions regarding your specific water bill, please contact the Utility Department at 281-388-4260.

Show All Answers

1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

Show All Answers

1. How was I selected for Jury?

Jurors are chosen at random from a list of voter registrations and a list of driver registrations from the city in which you live.

2. What is my duty as a Juror?

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.

3. Who is eligible?

Qualifications are:

1. You must be of sound mind and good moral character.
2. You must be at least 18 years of age.
3. You must be able to read and write in English.
4. You must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Alvin.

4. Who can't serve on a Jury?

You can not serve on a jury if:

1. You have been convicted of a felony or any type of theft (unless rights have been restored).
2. You are now on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony or for any type of theft.
3. You are now under indictment for a felony or are now under criminal charges for any type of theft. 
4. No longer living within the city you have been selected to be a juror in. 

5. Who can be excused or exempt from jury service?

You can be excused or exempt from jury service for the following reasons:

1. If you are over 70 years of age.
2. If you have legal custody of a child under 10 years of age and serving on the Jury requires leaving the child/children without adequate supervision.
3. If you are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves.
4. If you are a student of a Public or Private secondary school.
5. If you are enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution for higher education.
6. If you are an officer or an employee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, or a department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the Legislative branch of the state government.
7. You have served as a juror in the county during the 24-month period prior to the date you are required to appear for this summons (Applies only to counties with populations of at least 200,000 unless the county uses a jury plan under 62011, Government Code, and the period authorized under Section 621(b)(6) exceeds two years.)
8. You have been summoned for service in a county with a population of 250,000 and you have served as a petit juror in the county during the three-year period preceding the date you are to appear for jury service.
9. You are a member of the U.S. military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence.

To file an exemption for a scheduled jury trial, complete the Juror Exemption Form.

6. Who can have a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal violation has the right to a jury trial. All parties are equal before the law and each is entitled to the same fair treatment.

7. Will I be paid for being a juror?

Jury by trial within Municipal Courts is not required to pay jurors for their civic duty. 

Show All Answers

1. Can I make online payments?

Juvenile offenders will not be able to pay online. Adults may make payments using our online services. Your payment will be received by the court during business hours. Your payment must be received on or prior to your appearance date to avoid appearing in court.

2. What forms of payment do you accept?

You may pay the fine with cash, cashiers check, credit card or money order. The Court offers Internet Payment Services for your convenience. The Court does not accept personal checks.

3. How to make payments?

Juvenile offenders will not be able to pay by mail or online, they must pay in person. Adults may mail in a money order or cashier's check for payment of their fines. Money orders should be payable to the City of Alvin Municipal Court. Include a plea of No Contest or Guilty with a copy of your citation. 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 received on or prior to your scheduled appearance date noted on the citation. Failure to appear on your scheduled appearance date may result in an additional charge on your case of failure to appear or violate promise to appear.

4. How can I find out how much I owe, the due date, and my court date?

Click here to find out how much you owe and the due date: Municipal Court Records On-Line page

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

If you resolved your case(s) prior to your required appearance date, you will not need to appear on your court date. It is, however, your responsibility to confirm that you have properly disposed of your case. You may go to the Court Record Search tab to review your case(s). Click here for Online Record Search

6. Do I have to get a lawyer to go to court?

You can represent yourself or retain a lawyer to represent you. Municipal Court will not appoint you a lawyer, but you may retain one yourself. No one other than a lawyer can represent you. This applies to parents of juveniles. If you are not a lawyer you cannot represent your child in a trial.

Show All Answers

1. How much is the current rate versus the discount rate?

With the discount, the charge for water up to 2,000 gallons, is $14.54 (water). The same charge without the discount is $18.18 (water). The discount does not apply to sewer or garbage charges. It only applies to base rate water charges.

2. When will I see the discount take effect?

The discount will take effect on the next bill after submitting the application.

3. If I live outside City Limits do I still qualify?

To qualify for the Senior Citizen Discount residents must reside inside City Limits.

4. What if I live in an apartment?

The senior discount only applies to single-family residential customers who pay their water bill directly to the City of Alvin.

5. Where can I obtain an application?

Applications may be obtained at City Hall in the Utility Billing Department, or downloaded online (PDF).

6. How may applications be submitted to the City?

In-person delivery to the Utility Billing Department at: City Hall, 216 West Sealy, Alvin Texas. Also, the application along with required documentation may be emailed, faxed 281-388-4265) or mailed to the Utility Billing Department. Applicants will be responsible for contacting the Utility Billing Office to ensure receipt of their application.