To protect the health of our employees and those we serve, we will continue at North Richland Hills city facilities to follow health and safety protocols recommended by the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Service to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes frequent sanitizing, social distancing and wearing of face coverings by staff and visitors at City Hall, Municipal Court, NRH Library, NRH Centre, Richland Tennis Center, Animal Adoption & Rescue Center and our public safety facilities. We will also continue to offer the curbside and online services that have been provided throughout the pandemic. Our priorities are keeping employees and the public safe while continuing to provide city services.

In announcing that statewide coronavirus mandates would be lifted effective March 10, Gov. Abbott said: “Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for your family members and caring for your friends and caring for others in your community. Personal vigilance to follow the safe standards is still needed to contain COVID.” He also stated that businesses and other entities can continue implementing health and safety protocols at their discretion.

While we are encouraged by the declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increasing vaccinations, we cannot let up on the practices that have helped keep our community safe over the last year. Masking up, distancing from others, avoiding large gatherings and practicing good hygiene is still essential to reduce transmission of COVID-19. We encourage residents and businesses to continue practicing these habits. We also encourage you to take advantage of COVID-19 vaccines when you become eligible to receive one.

Thank you for understanding and for helping us protect our employees and the community we serve.

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced this week that people ages 50 to 64 will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination on March 15. Vaccines will also continue to be offered to healthcare workers, persons 65 years of age or older, person 18 and older with preexisting conditions, and educators. To register for a vaccine from Tarrant County Public Health, visit www.tarrantcounty.com/covidvaccine. If you are not eligible at this time, you can still register and you will be added to the wait list for future phases. There is no charge to get the vaccine and it is being administered on a voluntary basis. All vaccinations are given by appointment only. Anyone who does not have an appointment will be turned away. Some area pharmacies are also now offering limited numbers of vaccinations to qualified individuals. More information and registration: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger.

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The City of North Richland Hills will hold an election on May 1, 2021 for City Council Places 1, 3, 5, and 7. To learn about the candidates and obtain their contact information, please view their application form at www.nrhtx.com/filings. School board candidates will also be on the ballot. For more information, please visit your school district website.

NRH voters can go to any voting location in Tarrant County. Early voting and Election Day polling locations include the Dan Echols Center, 6801 Glenview Dr., and NRH Library, 9015 Grand Ave. On Election Day, the former Bursey Road Senior Center, 7301 Bursey Rd, will also be open for voting. View a complete list of locations.

If you have questions regarding the City Council election, please visit www.nrhtx.com/election or call 817-427-6060.

Many resources are still available to assist residents and businesses recovering from last month's winter storm.

Permit Fees Waived: The City Council voted to waive building permit and inspection fees for home and business repairs related to February's winter storm. The waiver is in place through May 14. The fees range from $39 to $43 depending on the work being done. Property owners who have already paid a permit fee for winter storm repair can request reimbursement. For assistance, contact 817-427-6300 or nrhpi@nrhtx.com. The City’s permit and inspection process helps ensure quality work is being done that meets current building codes and prevents similar issues from happening again in the future. Find building permit applications online.

Water Leak Adjustments: The City of North Richland Hills allows for leak adjustments on water accounts that had significant water loss from burst pipes as a result of the winter storm. Proof of repair such as a plumber’s bill indicating the date and location of the leak must be submitted to the Water Department for consideration of a leak adjustment within 90 days of the repair being made. Customers can also request payment plans. If you have questions, please contact the Water Department at 817-427-6200 or customerservice@nrhtx.com.

Sewer Rate Calculation: Normally residential sewer charges are set on a Winter Quarter Average. The Winter Quarter Average is calculated each year based on your average water usage during the months of December, January February. Because many customers were dripping faucets to prevent freezing pipes or experienced burst pipes, the city has opted to leave the 2020 Winter Quarter Average in place for the next twelve months.

Atmos Gas Bill Information: Atmos Energy is addressing concerns regarding natural gas bills following the winter storm. For more information or assistance paying your bill, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/winter-storm-information.

Electric Bill Information: Most Texans are on fixed-rate plans for electricity, which protect you from wholesale power price swings. This means you shouldn’t see a rate increase for February usage because of the winter storm. If you used more energy than normal to heat your home during the severe cold, you could see an increase due to increased usage. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has ordered power companies to halt disconnections for non-payment until further notice. They are also requiring providers to offer payment plans to customers when requested. Find latest updates at http://www.puc.texas.gov/winterstorm21/.

FEMA Disaster Assistance: Tarrant County has been approved for assistance as part of a federal Major Disaster Declaration. This assistance may help cover some of your costs. If you have insurance, you will need to file a claim with your insurance first and then apply to FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362.

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans: Tarrant County businesses are eligible for Winter Storm SBA Disaster loans, both for physical damage and economic injury. Learn more at https://sba-oda.force.com/ela/s/.

Temporary Property Tax Exemption: In an area declared a disaster area by the Governor, Tax Code Section 11.35 allows a qualified property that is at least 15 percent damaged by a disaster to receive a temporary exemption of a portion of the appraised value of the qualified property. A property owner must apply for the temporary exemption by May 28, 2021. For more information, visit the Tarrant Appraisal District at https://www.tad.org/temporary-exemption-for-disaster-damage/ or 1-800-621-3362.

Winter is not kind to roadways. The freezing and thawing of moisture in the ground weakens the pavement, leading to cracks and potholes. NRH Public Works is patching potholes that surfaced after the winter weather last week. If you see a pothole crew, please use caution as you drive by. Remember to move over and slow down to keep everyone safe. You can report a pothole at https://www.nrhtx.com/requesttracker.aspx and they will add it to their list. We appreciate your patience, as they work to get caught up.

In addition to pothole repair, Public Works has started working on the 2021 Preventive Street Maintenance Program. Crews will be crack sealing 45 streets over the next few weeks. Asphalt overlay, slurry seal and partial concrete replacement projects will begin in early Spring. We will post a map of the Preventive Street Maintenance projects below and you can find more information at https://www.nrhtx.com/312/Preventive-Street-Maintenance-Program.

27 streets are also scheduled for reconstruction through the 2020 Street Bond Program. We will post a map of those projects below. You you can find the construction schedule and more information at https://www.nrhtx.com/1142/2020-Bond-Program.