Welcome to Plano City News, your weekly update
on what's happening in the City of Plano.
Sewer and Trash Rates Go Up Nov. 1
Changes are coming to monthly utility bills effective Nov. 1. City Council adopted these rates during the 2020-21 budget process. 

Residential Rates 
  • 5% sewer rate increase, taking the minimum charge from $14.67 to $15.40 for the first 1,000 gallons. All gallons over 1,000 are charged an additional $6.09 per 1,000 gallons. Sewer charges are calculated based on your winter consumption, which is known as your Winter Quarter Average (WQA). 
 
  • $1 increase per cart for trash collection: 
  • 68-gallon cart went from $11.25 to $12.25 
  • 95-gallon cart went from $16.10 to $17.10 
  • Extra carts went from $13.25 to $14.25 ($15 one-time delivery fee still applies) 
 
  • No water rates change 
Crank Down Your Outdoor Watering Nov. 1
Lawns and outdoor plants require much less watering as we roll into colder temperatures. Nov. 1 marks the moment to dial back landscape watering and to enjoy the water-use savings.  

Whether you are a resident or a business, please shift to the winter watering schedule on Sunday, Nov. 1. Limit sprinkler use to the once-a-week schedule based on the last digit of your house number: 
  • Odd numbers – Tuesday  
  • Even numbers, zero and homeowner associations – Thursday 

Follow these guidelines too:  
  • Turn off automatic sprinklers. Once cooler weather arrives, most grasses go dormant until spring which reduces your lawn's need for water. Subscribe to WaterMyYard for customized weekly watering recommendations. 
  • Set your sprinklers to run between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This is when the temperature is warmer. 
  • Don't plant cool season grasses. Ryegrass and fescues require extra water during winter. 
  • Avoid excessive water runoff and watering during rain, ice or snow. Runoff is prohibited because it leads to dangerous icing of streets and sidewalks. 
  • Only water if your lawn needs it. Just because it is your day to water doesn't mean you must water. 

These guidelines apply until March 31, 2021. 
Discover Ways to Manage Your Money in Tight Times
In these unpredictable times, your Plano Public Library can help. Use library resources to save money with access to digital newspapers, eMagazines and entertainment. Stream films and documentaries using Kanopy or check out movies on DVD. Learn to use Microsoft Excel for your family budget. Check out personal finance materials in print or eBook. Build your knowledge and create a plan for your money, both income and outflow. Develop a new skill with technology classes or Lynda.com to expand your job options. The possibilities are endless with your free Plano Public Library card!

Online Group Classes (Zoom registration required) 

On-Demand Training 

eBooks, eMagazines and Newspapers 
  • eBooks – Discover books on personal finance, home and auto repair, gardening and more.   
  • eMagazines – Find 100+ magazines, including Consumer Reports and Cooking Light.
  • PressReader – Stay on top of current events and job opportunities with the Dallas Morning News, Newsweek, Inc., Popular Science and other popular publications.
 
Borrow our Books 
  • “Financial Peace University” or "Smart Money Smart Kids" by Dave Ramsey
  • "Women and Money" and other titles by Suze Orman
  • "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and other titles by Robert Kyosaki
 
Leave a Legacy of Financial Freedom with Learning Tools 
  • Money as you Grow parent guides – Teach your children sharing, earning, saving and the wise use of money with these guides for children 4-10 years old.
  • Money STEAM Kits – Check out a kit and share learning activities with your child.

Check out the Money Smart page on PlanoLibrary.org. Follow the Plano Public Library’s web Facebook page, YouTube Channel and Blog for more free tools to help you reach your financial and career goals. 
Drive Thru and Drop Off Unwanted Items at Texas Recycles Day
A smaller but just as exciting Texas Recycles Day is ahead! Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce clutter that can be reused and recycled. This year's event includes three popular collections:  

You must remain in the vehicle and wear a mask. Staff will be wearing masks too. We'll see you at this drive-thru donation event: 
Saturday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-noon 
Chase Oaks Church parking lot, 281 Legacy Dr. 

If you have other items to donate for reuse, consider these organizations that aren't at this year's onsite event.  
Happenings

Due Sunday, Nov. 1

Households directly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for the rental, mortgage, utility and food assistance up to $2,500 per month up to 3 months. No new applications will be accepted after Nov. 1.


Mondays, Nov. 2 & Nov. 16 
7 p.m. (regular meeting) videoconference  

Each Planning & Zoning Commission meeting agenda is posted to the P&Z Commission webpage the Friday prior to the meeting. Instructions for commenting on an item are included on the agenda. 

Watch the meeting live on Facebook or planotv.org.

Monday, Nov. 2
4 p.m.

Plano native Blake Coleman is being honored for his role in the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team's Stanley Cup Championship win. Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and City Council members will present Blake with a proclamation and other special honors.

Watch the presentation live on Facebook or planotv.org.


Saturday, Nov. 7  
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  
Videoconference 

Topics include:
  • Establishing your neighborhood values  
  • Building a neighborhood network  
  • Preserving or increasing your home value  
  • Learning do-it-yourself home improvement tips from experts 


Due Monday, Nov. 16 

If your sustainability project is selected, it must be completed by Monday, Aug. 16, 2021.  


Due Friday, Oct. 30

The Sam Johnson Recreation Center Veterans Day Salute honors those who have served. This year's tribute is virtual. If you would like to be part of the video, please take our survey, which asks questions about your service. Then send a current photo and photo of your time in service to Kelly Fernandez.

Learn what it takes to be a Plano Fire-Rescue firefighter, including the necessary training and knowledge.
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