Public Utilities FAQs
- Can I put the utilities in my name for someone else?
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No, the City strongly advises against allowing someone to connect under your name. The City utility policy states that the person who is living at the address is the one who has to have the utilities in their name. Any fraudulent application made to the City will result in immediate disconnection without notice to the tenant.
- Does someone have to be at the location for utilities to be connected?
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Yes, the City does require someone to be at the location to ensure that nothing is on at the house. If no one is at the location, and the water meter indicates usage, the meter reader will turn the water back off. Please contact the utility office at 254-386-8116, ext.2 or, after hours, the Emergency Line at 254-386-3548 if you have a problem with your utilities.
- What can I do if I think my meter has been misread?
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You can contact the City at 254-386-8116, ext. 2 and find out what your last reading was and then compare it to what your meter is currently reading. The City does take customer requested re-reads, but please note that if the reading is correct, there will be a $25 service charge added to your utility bill.
- I have already moved out of town and need my utilities cut off, can I request this service over the telephone?
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No, the City does not process any connects or disconnects over the telephone. You can send us a letter, which needs to include a forwarding address, stating that you would like the utilities cut off or we can fax you a form to fill out, sign, and return to us. Both of these will be accepted either by:
- Fax: 254-386-3508
- Mail at:
200 E Main
Hamilton, TX 76531
- I have recently gotten divorced. How do I get the account changed to reflect the divorce decree?
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The City will need to make a copy of the items in the divorce decree that relates to the utility account. Once that is received, the account will be changed to reflect the orders of the divorce decree.
- I have recently gotten married, how do I get my name changed on my account?
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The City will need to make a copy of your marriage license to place in your file. Once a copy is received, we will change the name on the account.
- I have moved out. How do I get my name off a joint account?
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The City would need a form from you stating that you want your name off the utility account and you are relinquishing the deposits to the person who is still on the account. The City can provide you with this form.
- If I am out of town and cannot make it into City Hall, can I send someone in with my information to do my connect for me?
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Yes, you must send a form with them that has your signature on it giving them permission to connect/disconnect utilities in your name. You must also send a copy of your driver's license.
- Can I connect my utilities over the phone?
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No, connections for service can be done at the City Hall located at:
200 E Main
Hamilton, TX 76531For the protection of our customers, no service requests will be processed over the telephone.
- What are your hours?
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The Utility Office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for designated holidays).
- How much does it cost to connect utilities?
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The minimum deposit for water/wastewater is $175. Deposits are subject to increase based upon past credit history. There is also a connect fee (non-refundable) of $35.
- Can my deposits be billed on my first bill?
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No, deposits have to be paid in full before service will be connected.
- Do I have to put up a new deposit to transfer my utilities?
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Any current deposits you have on the account will transfer over to the new account. However, you may have to add more deposits to your account depending on the service you are requesting and your past credit history.
- Do I have to put up deposits if I have had service before?
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Yes, in most cases the deposit you had previously was applied to your last bill and new deposits will be required for the new address.
- Do you accept letters of credit in lieu of deposits?
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No, the City does not accept letter of credit. You must pay a deposit of $175.00 and a non refundable application fee of $35.00. The deposit will be applied to your final bill.
- What happens to my deposit on my account when I disconnect service?
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Deposits stay on the account until the account is disconnected. Once the account is disconnected, the deposit is applied to the final bill. You will be notified if there is any money left to be refunded or you will receive a bill for the amount left that the deposit did not cover.
- Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
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Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express either in person or over the phone. Customers can also pay their bills online.
- Do I have to pay to transfer my utilities within the service area?
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Yes, there is a $10 transfer fee and your current utility account has to be paid in full before you can transfer.
- Do you have a plan where you can average your bill?
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No, the City does not average the utility bills.
- Does the City give discounts to senior citizens or to persons that are disabled?
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No, the City does not have a discount program, however, if you are 60 years of age or older, you are eligible to be penalty exempt. The City will need to make a copy of your driver's license and then we will flag the account.
- Does the City offer any type of payment plan?
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No, the city does not offer payment plans.
- Does the Utility Office accept check payments over the phone?
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No, the City does not accept check by telephone.
- I think I still owe money on an old bill. Can you tell me how much I owe?
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Yes, the City can access utility records by name and driver's license number. Please remember that if you do still owe the City money on an old account, your deposits are subject to increase because of your past credit history. All past due bills will have to be paid in full prior to connection.
- My account was turned off for non-pay. Is there some place where I can pay in the evening to get my utilities reconnected?
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Please note that there is a fee of $50 added to the amount owed on all accounts that are disconnected for non-pay. All fees must be paid before reconnection will be made. There is also an after hours fee of $25 for this service.