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Electric

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1. Who do I call if my street light is out?

You can report a street light out by completing a City Service Request form online. The form is located on the main page of the City's website under the blue circle called Report a Concern. You may also report a street light out by calling the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 or Electric Department at 419-394-2476. After business hours, call the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

2. Do I need an electric permit to upgrade my fuse panel/breaker box?

Yes, if you are increasing the amperage of your service panel. Contact the Electric Department.

3. Am I allowed to do my own upgrade to my fuse panel/breaker box?

Yes, but only if you are the home owner and it is your permanent residence and you can properly complete the electric permit, in advance, and you are doing the work.

4. What do I do if my power goes out?

If your power goes out during business hours, contact the Utility Office to report the outage. After business hours, call the Police Department at 419-394-2325. If you heard or saw something at the time your power went out, be sure to report that as well.

5. I am having my house sided. How do I get my meter base removed to place the siding behind it?

Call the Electric Department or Utility Office the day before you need the meter base removed, so we can schedule it.

6. Whose responsibility is it to fix the entrance cable to the meter or meter base if it is falling off the house?

On an overhead service, a secure point of attachment must be provided by the owner and the entrance cable and meter base is the owner's responsibility. On an underground service, it is the home owner's responsibility to have the meter base secured to the house.

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Engineering

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1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed, fence, pool, etc., on my property?

Yes, you need to apply for a Zoning Permit for any type of shed, structure, fence, pool, deck, addition, etc. If you are tearing down an old structure or fence and installing new in the same location, you still need a Zoning Permit.  Refer to Sec. 370 Miscellaneous Requirements of ZONING REGULATIONS  which provides most of the requirements for these projects.

2. How do I obtain a Zoning Permit?

You need to bring in a sketch of your proposed project, showing dimensions and location from the property lines, to the Engineering Department and fill out a Zoning Permit Application. We will review your project to see that it meets all zoning requirements. Final determination from the Director of Public Service and Safety will be made within a few days. Zoning requirements differ for each project; therefore, contact the Engineering Department for more details.

3. Will the Engineering Department locate my property lines?

No, we do not perform surveys nor locate property lines. We will give you dimensions of your lot and show you how to measure from a side street to obtain an approximate location of one of your property corners.

4. Do I need a dumpster permit?

An Obstruction Permit is required for the placement of any temporary obstruction upon a public street or right-of-way. The cost is $10. It is encouraged that a property owner or contractor find a location off the public right-of-way to place the dumpster or obstruction.

5. How do I get the utilities located on my property?

Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (O.U.P.S) at 811.

6. What are the yellow flags and green paint in my yard?

Flags and paint are used to show location of utilities for an upcoming project. Yellow equals gas, red equals electric, orange equals cable/telephone, green equals sanitary and storm, blue equals water, white equals proposed work.

7. How do I obtain a city license/permit to perform electrical and plumbing work?

You need a state license in the related field and a $2000 bond in the individual's name that is performing the work in order to obtain a $10 city license. All licenses expire on December 31st of the year in which it is issued. If you are the bona-fide owner of a single-family dwelling used exclusively for living purposes and that the same will be occupied by the owner and that such owner personally purchases all material and performs all the labor, you do not need a license or bond. A permit is then issued after proof of the above. Contact the Engineering Department to determine the cost of the permit as it depends on the type of work being performed.

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Fire

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1. My smoke alarm is going off constantly, but I do not see any smoke or fire. What should I do?

Call 911 and report what you know.

2. What are the rules for burning outside of city limits?

The rules for burning outside of city limits are:

• To reduce smoke, only dried materials are permitted to be burned;
• Never use gasoline to start a fire;
• Fire must be constantly attended by a responsible person until extinguished;
• An attached water hose must be available or a 4-A rated fire extinguisher and extinguishing tools;
• 3 feet diameter by 2 feet high piles must be at least 25 feet from any structure.
• The Noble Township Fire Prevention officer must be contacted at 419-733-3857 prior to any open burning in Noble Township.

3. My smoke alarm is beeping intermittently. What should I do?

Check the alarm's manufacture date. Smoke alarms are good for 10 years from the date of manufacture. If the alarm is nearing its replacement date, replace the alarm.

Replace the battery every 6 months.

4. What are the rules for Recreational burning, i.e., fires for pleasure, cooking, ceremonial or similar purposes, in or outside City limits.

Recreational burning, i.e., fires for pleasure, cooking, ceremonial or similar purposes, in or outside City limits, must comply with the following:

• Maximum size is 3 feet diameter by 2 feet high
• Acceptable materials to burn include dried wood, natural dimensional lumber scraps, charcoal, propane and natural gas when such materials do not emit dense smoke or noxious odors
• Barbecues and fire pits must be at least 10 feet from structures
• Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from structures
• Fires on the ground must be at least 25 feet from structures
• Barbecues and fire pits must be commercially manufactured or constructed of non-combustible materials

Remember to be respectful of your neighbors when you conduct any type of open burning. The City of St. Marys Fire Department is not responsible for regulating or controlling smoke issues. Our responsibility is to protect the public from hazardous fire conditions. For more information please view the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website.

5. My carbon monoxide detector is activated. What should I do?

Call 911. If you have any symptoms or feel ill, exit the building and await the Fire Department's arrival.

6. What can never be burned?

The following materials can never be openly burned:

• Garbage
• Plastic
• Asbestos
• Wire insulation
• Automobile parts
• Asphalt
• Petroleum treated materials
• Painted wood or wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol
• Rubber, including tires
• Animal remains

7. My fire extinguisher tag is out of date or needs recharged. What should I do?

Consult the yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers and contact any listing.

8. Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools?

No.

9. I am going to be testing my fire alarm or sprinkler system. Should I contact the City?

Notify the Fire Department at 419-394-2361 and your alarm monitoring company. This should be done before you begin testing and also once you have completed testing and the system is back in service.

10. How do I dispose of old paint or gasoline?

Call Auglaize County Emergency Management at 419-739-6727 or 419-733-3857.  

11. I smell smoke in my house, but I do not know where it is coming from and I don’t see any fire. What should I do?

Exit the building and call 911.

12. I hear a tornado siren. What should I do?

Seek shelter in the basement against a wall or in an interior bathroom or closet if there is no basement.

13. What hospitals are EMS patients transported to by the St. Marys Fire Department?

The Fire Department will transport primarily to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital; however, transport will be provided to any appropriate hospital in the area including St.Rita's Medical Center, Lima Memorial Hospital, and Coldwater Hospital.

14. Why do I see fire apparatus go through an intersection with lights and siren activated and then see them turn them off?

Lights and siren are only used when responding to an emergency call or when transporting a critical patient to a hospital. Apparatus responding to calls are often canceled by the first arriving unit once it is determined that the call is not actually an emergency.

15. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside the building?

Interior fires create a tremendous amount of smoke and heat. Firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs to ventilate or remove these fire products to reduce the heat and improve visibility for firefighters attempting to rescue trapped victims and to facilitate extinguishing the fire.

16. Do you get cats or other pets out of trees or off of telephone poles?

No. It is best to place the pets' food in an open container at the base of the tree or pole and wait for the pet to come down on its' own.

17. How do I get a copy of a fire or EMS report?

Call the Fire Department at 419-394-2361. Release forms may need to be signed. Forms are available for download on the Billing page.

18. Can I arrange for a tour of the Fire Department?

Yes. Tours of the department can be scheduled by calling 419-394-2361. Tours are generally conducted between 8 am and 5 pm, usually last about an hour, and are tailored to the ages of the tour group. We request at least one adult for every five juveniles in the group to supervise.

19. Can a fire truck be present at my organization’s function?

Yes. It may be possible for a City fire truck to be on display at a particular function; however, it depends on the department's resources, workload, and emergency call volume.

20. Can a speaker be requested for a local citizen group meeting?

Yes. Fire Department personnel can speak on a variety of topics ranging from home exit drills, fire safety, or emergency medical procedures. To request a speaker for an event or meeting, call 419-394-2361.

21. Does the Fire Department teach CPR?

Yes, we will teach all facets except the Healthcare Provider Course. There is a fee charged for this service and courses will be set to fit the instructor's and department's schedule.

22. What should I do when I see an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaching?

Ohio State Motor Vehicle Code requires that you pull to the right and stop. Do not slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road or make any sudden moves. Also, do not follow an emergency vehicle too closely or attempt to race ahead of an emergency apparatus attempting to benefit from the traffic cleared by its' lights and siren.

23. How do I dispose of old medicine or medicine no longer needed?

The Fire Department has a medication disposal box located in the lobby of the department.

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General Services

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1. There is a dead cat on the street in front of my house. Who do I call to pick it up?

You can report a dead animal in the street by completing a City Service Request form online.  You may also call the Utility Office at 419-300-3142. After business hours, call the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

2. Do I need to call to have my brush picked up?

No, brush is picked up the first Wednesday of each month.  If you hire a contractor for trimming or tree removal on your property, the contractor must take the brush or trimmings away.  

3. I raked leaves in April, will you pick them up?

Leaves that need disposed of from December to fall of the following year can be taken to the grass and brush bins located at 351 North Chestnut Street behind the General Services Department.

4. Who do I call to report a pot hole in the street?

You can report a pot hole in the street by completing a City Service Request form online.  You may also report a pot hole by calling the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 or General Services at 419-394-4201. 

5. When my street was plowed, my mailbox was knocked off. Who replaces it?

 If snow hits your mailbox and it needs repaired or replaced, it is your responsibility. If a City snow plow hits your mailbox, the City will repair or replace it. 

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Inspections

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1. Why are fire inspections required?

The purpose of fire inspections has multiple benefits, not just for the fire department, but for the public as well. The fire department gains knowledge of the buildings in case of an emergency. For the public, fire inspections help make the buildings safer, protecting businesses and the consumers through fire code enforcement. It is the goal of the St. Marys Fire Department to inform and assist property owners with information and guidance in order to comply with the Ohio Fire Code and Life Safety Code. Annual inspections are required and conducted on all commercial properties within the fire department's jurisdiction. Inspections serve to enforce Fire Codes for properties and identify and remedy unsafe, hazardous and/or non-compliant conditions, and also serve to maintain our Emergency 911 database for fire and medical emergencies.

2. What do we look for during inspections?

During an inspection we look at many things depending on the type of occupancy. Items include: size of building, electrical and gas shut-offs, hazardous materials, and life safety systems, to name a few.

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Parks

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1. What kind of street tree will be planted in front of my property?

The City replaces as many trees as possible. Any conflicting infrastructure or existing vegetation may prevent replacement.

2. Can I choose my replacement street tree species?

Yes, the City will provide a list of tree species that are appropriate for the planting site.

3. How much does a replacement street tree cost?

There is no cost for a boulevard tree.

4. When will my replacement street tree be planted?

Tree planting will occur in spring and fall, and could be delayed by unexpected invasive infestations, such as Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Longhorned Beatles.

5. Why isn’t the City replacing the street tree in front of my property?

Site limitation and existing vegetation may limit replacement.

6. I have never had a street tree. Can I plant my own?

A request must be made to the Tree Commission. No planting can occur until they have approved the request.

7. Do you have to have a fishing license to fish at the K.C. Geiger pond?

No, you do not need a fishing license to fish at the K.C. Geiger pond.

8. Can I prune or remove my street tree?

No, this must be approved by the Tree Commission.

9. Will the City remove the street tree in front of my property?

All trees determined to be an unacceptable risk will be removed by the City.

10. What criteria may cause my street tree to be removed?

Any trees that are determined to be an unacceptable risk, such as a weak structure, disease, and any dead or dangerous trees on private property that may impact public safety.

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Personnel Office

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1. Can I submit an application for a position that is not currently open?

No, unfortunately the City of St. Marys is unable to accept applications for positions that are not currently open.

2. Can I update my application after it has been submitted?

Yes, you can update your application once it has been submitted by emailing the additional information to the Personnel Office or calling or bringing the information in to the office.

3. How long does my employment application remain on file?

Applications remain on file for two years; however, if the City re-advertises for the same position during the two year period, only the new applications received will be considered.

4. If I previously submitted an application, will I be considered for other advertised positions?

No. You must submit an application for each posting that you are interested in.

5. Do I need to check on the status of my application?

No. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we ask that you do not call, email, or stop in to check on the status of your application. We work diligently to fill vacancies. We assume all applicants remain interested in the position applied for unless we are notified otherwise.

6. Must I submit a resume with my application for employment?

In most cases, resumes are not required to be submitted with your employment application. If required, it will be specifically stated in the ad. Resumes, however, can be voluntarily submitted with a completed application. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "See resume".

7. I missed the deadline for submitting an application. Can I still apply?

Once the closing date has passed, applications will not be accepted or considered.

8. I submitted an application; what happens next?

If your qualifications match our needs, or to determine such, applicants may also be required to satisfactorily complete:

• Job appropriate testing
• Interviews
• Criminal history check
• Driving record check
• Credit check
• Reference checks
• Previous employment verifications

9. Is there a residency requirement for employees?

The only residency requirement is for the Director of Public Service and Safety, who must be a resident of the City within six months of employment, unless waived by Council.

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Police

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1. Do you take fingerprints for employment?

No.

2. What time is curfew?

During the school year curfew is 11 pm. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday for minors age 17 or less. During the summer months, curfew is midnight every night of the week.

3. What is the phone number for the Auglaize County Jail?

The phone number for the Auglaize County Jail is 419-739-6575.

4. What is the phone number for the St. Marys Municipal Court?

 The St. Marys Municipal Court phone number is 419-394-3105.

5. What is the phone number for the Auglaize County Dog Warden?

The Auglaize County Dog Warden phone number is 419-739-6560.

6. Can I pay my traffic violation ticket at the St. Marys Police Department?

No. Traffic violation tickets must be paid at the St. Marys Municipal Court on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 8 am to 4:30 pm or at the Auglaize County Municipal Court in Wapakoneta, 419-739-6766.

7. Can the Police Department provide information to me regarding my driving record?

No. Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 419-738-6818 or 419-586-7144.

8. Can I arrange for a tour of the Police Department?

Yes. Tours of the department and fleet can be scheduled by calling 419-394-2325. Tours are generally conducted between 8 am and 9 pm, usually last about an hour, and are tailored to the ages of the tour group.

9. Can a speaker be requested for a local citizen group meeting?

Yes. Police Department personnel can speak on a variety of topics ranging from crime prevention, crime statistics, or personal safety. To request a speaker for an event or meeting, call 419-394-2325.

10. Will the Police Department unlock my car if I lock my keys in it?

Yes, free of charge.

11. Who do I call to pick up a stray dog from my yard?

You can call the Dog Warden at 419-739-6560 or the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

12. My neighbor has a vehicle parked on the street that does not get moved for days at a time. What can be done?

City code prohibits parking vehicles for longer than 48 hours. Please report the issue to the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

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Solid Waste

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1. I have some large items to dispose of. Will you take them?

Yes. Call the Utility Office at 419-394-3303 and request a “Special Pickup”. Fees apply.

2. Will you pick up cardboard?

Yes. All cardboard must be tagged with the exception of small pizza boxes.

3. Will you pick up yard waste?

No. An area is available at the General Services Department located at 331 N Chestnut Street for yard waste disposal. Access is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Please do not discard of garbage or bags at this site.

4. Why was my paper not taken?

Paper will not be picked up if it is wet or over the two bag per week limit. Also, make sure no trash is in with the paper.

5. Does the City recycling department pick up shredded paper?

Yes.

6. Why doesn’t the City take my oil and anti-freeze bottles when they are marked #2?

Even though they are #2 bottles, we do not accept them due to the possibility of these items contaminating other plastics.

7. Can I set more than one recycling bin out?

Yes, but the second bin must be pre-sorted with only one item in bin, e.g., all cans, paper, etc.  Please note:  At times only one bin will be taken after holidays and inclement weather.  It is also subject to space availability.  

8. Why are items sometimes left in my recycling bin?

Items may not be clean or the lids or labels were not removed. Items may not be Number 1 or Number 2 plastics. Corrugated cardboard cannot be mixed in with paper.

9. Why was my trash not taken?

For trash to be picked up, it must meet all City guidelines including:

• It must have a tag on it
• Trash should be placed at the curb no later than 7 am on day of pick up
• Trash containers shall not exceed 32 gallon capacity and shall not exceed a maximum filled weight of 33 pounds. The maximum bag size is 33 gallon capacity with a maximum weight of 33 pounds. Additionally, if trash is overflowing in the container, it will not be picked up, e.g., the lid will not fit on the container
• Loose trash

10. Why is my trash can marked “oversized”?

Trash containers cannot exceed 32 gallon capacity or exceed a maximum weight of 33 pounds. We will not empty containers larger than these specifications.

11. Will you still pick up my trash if I put it in a container larger than allowed?

Yes; however, only if each bag inside the container is tagged. Refuse workers will not lift a container to the truck that is larger than regulation size.

12. Why was my bag tagged as “overweight”?

It exceeded the maximum bag size which is 33 gallon capacity with a maximum weight of 33 pounds.

13. Can I use a 50 gallon bag or larger to dispose of trash?

Yes, as long as it weighs 33 pounds or less.

14. Not all my trash was taken. Why?

The container may have been overflowing. Also, if you have a full bag on top of a 32 gallon container, it will not be taken unless tagged separately. Loose trash will not be taken.

15. I put a tag on my trash bag or container, but it was left behind and marked not tagged. Why

Tags should be placed around the neck of the tied bag or on the handle of the trash container in a manner where it can be easily torn off. Do not place tag flat on the bag or container as it may slide off in some weather conditions.

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Source Water Protection

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1. What is Source Water Protection?

Source water protection is a program to prevent pollution of the sources of water used for public drinking water. Source water protection planning consists of three phases:

• Determining where the water supplying a system is coming from.
• Identifying activities that have the potential of contaminating that water.
• Developing a plan to manage these activities to prevent contamination from occurring.

2. Why Develop a Source Water Protection Program?

The main reason for implementing a source water protection program is to protect the health of people using the water by preventing contamination of the water supply. Another reason is to protect a community's investment in its' water supply. Since St. Marys relies entirely on groundwater for our water supply, everything in our source water protection program is for the protection of our wells and aquifers.

The costs of treating contaminated groundwater, or obtaining an alternate source, will be much greater than the costs of implementing a source water protection program. Groundwater moves very slowly. Once it is contaminated, it may remain so for a long time. It is difficult and expensive to locate and remove the contamination. It may require decades of treatment before the water is restored to drinking water quality, and in some cases, the contamination may never be completely removed.

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Swimming Pool

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1. Is the pool water filtered?

Filtering the water keeps it clean and clear. Both pools are filtered by high-rate sand filters. The leisure pool is filtered at a rate of 650 gallons per minute (GPM), which results in all of the water being filtered every 2 and a half hours. The competition pool is filtered at a rate of 820 GPM, which results in all of the water being filtered every 5 and a half hours.

2. Are the pools heated?

Yes, both pools are heated by natural gas boilers.

3. What is the chemistry of the water?

The Ohio Health Department requires that pool water contain free chlorine between 1.5 and 3.0 parts per million (PPM), that pH be maintained at approximately 7.5, and that total alkalinity be approximately 100 PPM. A correct balance of the three helps keep pool water clear. Chemical levels are controlled automatically.

4. How many employees does it take to operate the facility efficiently?

It takes 30 to 40 seasonal employees to operate the facility efficiently.

5. When did St. Marys first provide a pool for citizens?

The City's first pool opened in 1957. In 2003, a new facility opened on the same site.

6. How much did the new facility cost?

Total costs to build and equip the new facility, remodel the bathhouse, and landscape the site was $1.35 million.

7. How many pools are present?

Two pools are provided. The leisure pool is a beach-type entry pool that contains an interactive play feature, two raindrops, and a large slide. The competition pool contains 8 swimming lanes 25 meters in length, and a dive well with two 1 meter diving boards and one 3 meter diving board.

8. How were the pools built?

Both pools have stainless steel walls and concrete bottoms.

9. How much water do the pools hold?

The leisure pool holds 103,000 gallons of water. The competition pool holds 264,000 gallons.

10. How deep are the pools?

The leisure pool depth varies from zero depth (beach-type entry) to 3½ feet. The competition pool depth varies from 3 and a half feet to 12 and a half feet.

11. How tall is the slide?

The slide is 17 feet tall.

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Tax

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1. Where can I get a City tax form?

• Tax forms can be downloaded from this website under the Forms page.
• We now offer a self-calculating, fillable form on our website. This form is made to work for most filers.
• A tax form can be mailed to you by calling 419-300-3198.

2. I don’t have the money to pay my taxes by April 15th. Should I wait to file until I have the money?

No. By filing your return by April 15th, you will not have to pay the late filing fee even though you cannot pay your taxes on time.

3. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. We now accept all major credit cards; however, a convenience fee of 2.95% is added to each transaction.

4. How long does it take before I receive my refund check?

By state law, it can take up to 90 days; however, most checks are processed in a shorter period of time. Plan on at least 4 to 6 weeks.

5. Can I pay my property tax at your office?

No, we do not accept property tax at the City Tax Office. Please call your local county auditor's office.

6. Can you help me with my school district tax?

No, all school district taxes are handled though the Ohio Department of Taxation. View the Ohio Government website.

7. Do you accept the post mark date as a timely filing?

Yes, we do.

8. Where can I get help filling out my city tax form?

You can call or come into the Tax Department any time from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

9. I don’t have the money to pay my taxes by April 15th. Can I file an extension?

You cannot file an extension for the payment of income tax. Pay what you can by April 15th. Any remaining balance will have penalty and interest charges. Call our office after April 15th to discuss your account and your plans to pay the balance.

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Utility Office

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1. Can I pay my utility bill with a credit card?

Yes, you may pay with a credit card or electronic check at the Smart Pay Works website.  A convenience fee applies to use this service.

2. Although I have signed up for the bank draft option of bill payment, I still receive a monthly bill. Why is that?

The bill you receive is for your records showing reading dates, meter readings, usage and charges. As a bank draft customer, your bill also includes a statement that says: Direct Payment-Do Not Pay

3. I can’t pay my entire bill this month. Will you accept a partial payment?

Please contact the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 to discuss a payment plan to resolve your balance.

4. Can I get assistance in paying my utility charges?

Agencies available to assist are:

• West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) 419-516-0063
• The Resource and Opportunity Center, Inc. (The ROC) 419-300-5277
• Agape Ministries, Inc. 419-394-8700
• Job and Family Services - Auglaize County 567-242-2700

5. Who do I call to have a final meter reading done?

Call the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 to schedule the final metering.

6. Who do I call to report a problem with my electric service or an outage?

Call the Electric Department at 419-394-2476 or Utility Office at 419-300-3142.  On weekends, or after 4:00 pm on weekdays, call the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

7. Who do I notify when digging is to be done in my yard?

Call OUPS for all service lines, as well as gas and cable, at 811 OUPS or 1-800-362-2764. Please call two working days before you dig.

8. Who do I call to report a street light that is not working?

Call the Electric Department at 419-394-2476 or report it by completing a City Service Request form online. 

9. I think I may have a faulty electric meter. Who do I call to have it checked?

Call the Electric Department at 419-394-2476.

10. Do you read our meters every month?

Meter reading is scheduled every month. If for some reason we are unable to read your meter, we will send a Meter Reader back at a later date or leave a door card for you to call us to schedule a time.

11. What should I do during a power outage?

After contacting the Utility Office at 419-300-3142 to report the outage, you should unplug all non-essential appliances. Also, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Continually opening and closing these doors will result in faster loss of cold air. If you think you may have heard something that may have caused the outage, please report the noise to the Utility Office.  On weekends, or after 4:00 pm on weekdays, call the Police Department at 419-394-2325. 

12. My usage is high, can the meter be running fast?

Meters (water or electric) rarely run fast, and if they do, the percentage of accuracy is usually insignificant. If your billed usage is high, it could be the result of a number of possibilities that together we can investigate such as:

• Rechecking the reading that was used for billing to verify accuracy;
• Reviewing your account history - looking at usage for the same billing period last year;
• Looking at conditions that may have changed in your household, such as more people living at the residence, etc.;
• Checking to see if there are malfunctioning appliances that draw supply, for example, lights, fans, or toilets running continuously;
• Verifying that water is not dripping from faucets, shower heads, or outside spigots and hoses.

13. I have trees on my property near power lines that I want trimmed or removed. Who should I contact?

Call the Electric Department at 419-394-2476.

14. My utility charges seem high this month. Can you explain why?

Many variables can affect your charges for utility services. Remember, charges are calculated based on usage as metered and read monthly. Electric usage generally fluctuates with changes in outdoor temperatures, especially when your house or building is heated or cooled electrically. Water usage also tends to increase during spring and summer seasons with the use of water for gardening, showers and baths, car washing and recreation. Since water consumption is used to determine sewer usage, sewer charges increase along with water charges. Although charges may fluctuate slightly depending on the number of days between readings, many variances in usage patterns can be attributed to malfunctioning appliances that continuously draw power or water.

Electric, water and sewer bills are based on consumption, and the number of days in the service period will cause your bill to vary from month to month. Refuse is billed each month at a flat rate.

Contact Customer Service at 419-300-3142, if you believe your billed usage for electric or water is incorrect.

15. Why are sewer charges higher than water charges?

Each service, water and sewer, is a different utility with specific and independent costs of operation. Federal and state environmental regulations mandate specific treatment processes, the cost of which is recovered through utility rates.

16. Can I get on a budget to pay my utility charges?

Yes, the City of St. Marys offers a Level Bill Payment Plan option to residential homeowners. Level Bill Payment Plan applications are accepted each year in August. A twelve month billing history is required with the City at the same address as on the application and your account must have a zero balance due. With the Level Bill Payment Plan, you make a set budgeted payment each month that is approximately equal to the average monthly utility charge during the prior 12-month period. Although the amount billed each month is the same, the actual charges are calculated monthly and the difference between the amount paid and the amount used is held as a deferred balance. Once annually, a settle-up process occurs and budget customers are required to pay actual and any deferred balances remaining from the current budget year. Level Bill Payment accounts are reviewed annually to ensure that the budget amount remains close to the current monthly average and are adjusted as necessary.

17. When is my utility payment due?

Utility payments are due the 10th of each month. A 5% penalty is applied for payments received after the 10th. If payment is not received by the 25th of each month, you are subject to disconnection of services.

18. Where can I pay my bill?

The following bill paying options are offered by the City of St. Marys:

• Mail your payment to: City of St. Marys, 106 E Spring Street, St. Marys, OH 45885
• Pay in person at the Utility Office at 106 E Spring Street. You may come inside or use the drive up window.
• A drop box is located inside the main entrance at 106 E Spring Street and in the parking lot behind the Utility Office located off of East High Street.
• Direct Pay which pays your bill automatically on the 5th of each month.

Online bill pay programs offered by your bank or go to the Smart Pay Works website. A convenience fee applies when you use this service.

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Vacant Buildings Program

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1. Why is the City requiring that vacant buildings be registered?

Structures left vacant for extended periods of time have been proven to breed crime, pose public safety risks, reduce property values, and decrease the economic viability of the community. With the registration, the City will have access to current owner contact information or the person responsible for the property, a plan for the property to be returned to productive use, and access to the property to conduct semi-regular interior and exterior inspections.

2. What are the boundaries of the Vacant Building Registration Program?

Any and all designated vacant structures located within the corporation limits of the City of St. Marys are required to register with the City of St. Marys Fire Department.

3. Does this program apply to vacant lots?

No. The program only applies to vacant structures.

4. What is the goal of this program?

The goal of the Vacant Building Registration (VBR) Program is to establish a process for identifying and registering vacant structures within the City of St. Marys. Additionally, the program shall govern the responsibilities of the owners of vacant structures, and provide incentives for structures to be returned to productive use.

5. What is the definition of a vacant building?

The definition of a vacant building is outlined in Chapter 1343.02

6. Are there any exemptions to the Vacant Building Registration Program?

Yes. The following are examples of structures that are exempt from the VBR Program:

• Buildings under active construction
• Other special circumstances granted at the discretion of the Director of Public Service and Safety.

7. What happens if the property is sold?

A new owner shall register or re-register a vacant building within 30 days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant building unless the building is to become occupied immediately upon transfer.

8. What if I received a notice, but my building is not vacant?

Contact the Director of Service and Safety to explain your specific situation and provide documentation proving that the building is not vacant (i.e., current lease agreements).

9. How often must I renew my registration?

The owner of a vacant structure must renew their registration every 12 months.

10. Is there a fee to register?

Yes, a fee schedule was established in order to provide appropriate incentives for owners of vacant buildings to care for them properly, seek to fill them, and in some cases demolish them. The annually increased fee amounts are intended to absorb the costs for possible demolition, hazard abatement, or repairs to vacant buildings. If an owner successfully restores the building to occupancy or demolishes the structure within the first 12 months, then the fee will be refunded.

11. How long do I have to register my vacant building?

An owner of a structure which meets the definition of a vacant building shall register with the Fire Department within 30 days of being notified.

12. What happens if I do not register my building?

If a registration form is filed late, an additional late fee shall be paid in addition to the annual registration fee and shall be equal to the annual registration fee or one thousand dollars, whichever is less.

Whoever violates any of the provisions of the VBR shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

13. What constitutes a Vacant Building Plan?

A vacant building plan, at a minimum, must contain one of the following:

• Demolition: If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition which includes starting within 30 days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and does not exceed one year in accordance with the Ohio Building Code. (Note: Demo permit from the Miami County Building Department is required.)
• Vacant and Secure: If the building is to remain vacant, a plan for ensuring the building is secured in accordance with all applicable building and fire codes along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, and a statement of the reasons why the building will be left vacant. One example of an appropriate Vacant and Secure Plan is a building that is listed for sale. (Note: This does not exempt the structure from any applicable nuisance or zoning codes.)
• Rehabilitation: If the building is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, rehabilitation plans for the building and grounds are required. The rehabilitation plan shall not exceed 12 months from the time permits are obtained unless an extension is granted from the Zoning Board. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable zoning, housing, historic preservation, or building codes, and the property must be properly secured during the rehabilitation.

14. Will the City be inspecting my property?

Yes. The Director of Public Service and Safety and the Fire Department reserves the right to inspect any premises in the City for the purpose of enforcing the VBR Program. An owner of a vacant structure shall provide access to all interior and exterior portions of a vacant building in order to complete inspections.

All structures will be subject to the following inspections:

• Exterior inspections: Twice a year
• Interior inspections: At the beginning of each registration period
• Interior and exterior inspections: Upon property transfer

Any inspection at the discretion of the Director of Public Service and Safety or the Fire Department.

15. When did the Vacant Building Registration Program begin?

The VBR Program will begin enforcement of the regulations in December 2019.