August 2022
CITY NEWSLETTER
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Do Your Part to Conserve Water |
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We want to remind everyone that we are currently in Phase 2 of our Drought Contingency Plan. Phase 2 Response is Voluntary - Next Phase moves to Mandatory
Phase 2 of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan asks customers to make “voluntary” efforts to reduce water usage. One of the reasons for a Drought Contingency Plan is to ensure the city is able to maintain adequate water levels in order to provide necessary services. We implemented Phase 2 over two weeks ago, but we are not seeing a reduction in usage. In fact, the most recent billing cycle showed an increase in water usage on many of our customers’ accounts which not only hinders efforts of conserving but also makes for a higher than average water bill for our customers.
Below is a brief look at what happens if we have to implement Phase 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan.
Water Restrictions Mandatory and includes a Penalty for Violation
- Suggested watering days for specific addresses and times to water will all become MANDATORY.
- Customers with a street address ending in an even number will ONLY be ALLOWED to water on Sundays and Thursdays.
- Customers with a street address ending in an odd number will ONLY be ALLOWED to water on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
- Watering times will ONLY be ALLOWED between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 10:00 a.m. and between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight).
- Watering of landscaped areas will continue to be allowed BUT must be done by either a handheld hose, a faucet-filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or less, or a drip irrigation system.
- Use of water to wash motor vehicles (including motorcycles, boats, trailers, airplanes, or other vehicles) will ONLY be ALLOWED during the customer's assigned watering days and allowable hours (mentioned above) and must be done with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Vehicle washing will still be allowed at commercial car washes or commercial service stations. There is an exemption for vehicles that require washing to keep the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
- Filling, refilling, or adding of water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool, wading pool, or Jacuzzi-type pool will only be allowed during the customers designated water days and the designated times (mentioned above).
- Only fountains or ponds used to support aquatic life or equipped with a recirculating water system will be allowed to operate.
- Use of water hydrants will be limited to fire-fighting, related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare. The use of fire hydrants for construction purposes will require a special permit issued by the City.
- All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to patrons except upon request of the patron.
The following non-essential uses of water will be PROHIBITED:
- Wash down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas;
- Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection;
- Use of water for dust control;
- Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street; and
- Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s)
Fortunately, we have been able to stay voluntary. However, the future does not look promising with weather conditions forecasted to continue being hot and dry. Now is your chance to take part in these water-reducing efforts!
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At the July 5th City Council Meeting, the council approved a rate increase request made by Waste Management. The request is to compensate for the cost increases Waste Management has experienced in fuel, workers’ wages, cost of equipment, and garbage disposal over the past 12 months. The current solid waste contract states Waste Management can request base increases per the Consumer Price Index (CPI), US Average for All Urban Consumers, Garbage and Trash Collection.
The not seasonally adjusted increase, according to the CPI, was 5.44% from May 2021 to May 2022. Based on this Waste Management requested a 4.34% increase. In addition, the contract allows Waste Management to request an increase of 1% when the per gallon rate of diesel reaches $3.00, based on the U.S. Department of Energy Weekly Retail rates on Highway Diesel prices for the Gulf Coast. It also permits an additional 1% increase for each 25-cent increase over $3. Diesel reached $3 in May of 2021, but Waste Management did not request an increase at that time. Since then, the price has risen to $5.37 and has stayed around that price in the most recent data. Based on this amount, and according to the contract, Waste Management can request an increase of 10% in addition to the 4.34% CPI increase. Waste Management has acknowledged that contractually they can request an increase up to 15.44%. However, due to the potential hardship to residents and based on the valuable partnership between the City and Waste Management, they are only requesting an overall total increase of 10% which would make the fuel surcharge 4.56%.
The fuel surcharge is reviewed annually and lowered based on the price at that time. Based on the surcharge requested, the increase would be reduced if the price per gallon drops below $3.75 at this time next year.
Customers will still receive the same level of service; weekly trash cart & bulk/brush pick up, every other week recycle cart pick up, and household hazardous waste disposal through Waste Management’s “At your door” Special Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
What does this mean for you as a customer?
The following changes went into effect on July 15, 2022.
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All pricing has been updated on our website here. |
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Are you curious about the inner workings of police departments? Do you want to know more about law & crime prevention, animal control, criminal investigation, and defense tactics? Sign up for the Robinson Citizen Police Academy!
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on August 26th. For more information or to apply click here, or call the Robinson Police Department at (254) 662-0525 to speak with Officer Lopez or Lt. O’Connor.
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It seems this summer is flying by! Before you know it, the kiddos will be heading back to school. Check out the tips below to make returning to school safer, and maybe a bit easier.
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Backpacks – Backpacks should have wide padded straps and a padded back. Both straps should be worn at all times to help distribute the weight. A child’s backpack should never weigh more than ten to twenty percent of their body weight. When loading the backpack, utilize all compartments and place heavier items closer to the center of the back.
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Get a good night’s sleep – Getting enough sleep is critical! Those who do not get enough sleep have difficulty concentrating throughout the day. Set a strict bedtime for your kids (and even yourself!) and stick to it. Another tip is to turn off or put down all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed. The light from these devices can delay your body’s natural sleep process and keep you alert for longer.
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Eat a good breakfast – Be sure to eat a nutritious breakfast each morning! Studies show that children who have a good breakfast have better concentration and more energy throughout the day.
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Riding the Bus – Remind your child to stand six feet back from the edge of the street while they wait for the bus to arrive. The bus should come to a full stop before your child tries to board. As always, it’s important to stay seated while the bus is moving***NEVER PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN THEIR YELLOW OR RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING, NO MATTER IF THEY ARE ON A ROADWAY WITH TWO LANES***
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Walking to School – Children are generally ready to start walking to school between the ages of 9 and 11, but this can differ from child to child. Once they start walking to school, be sure they always take the same route, never take a detour, and only cross the street at crosswalks or traffic-controlled intersections. Remind your child to NOT talk to strangers, and if one does try to approach or engage them, encourage your child to report this to a teacher or yourself. If possible, have them walk to school with friends or classmates that live in your neighborhood.
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Driving – When entering a school zone, slow down and do not pass other vehicles or change lanes. Be on the lookout for school crossing guards, as well as children who may be walking to school or unloading off of a bus. If you have a teen driver, limit the number of passengers they can have and encourage them to eliminate all distractions while driving like texting, talking on the phone, or eating.
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Bullying – Be sure your children understand that bullying can take many forms, from physical to verbal to social. Remind them that bullying doesn’t just happen in the classroom, but it can happen on the playground, on the bus, in the neighborhood, and online. Encourage your kid to report bullying to a teacher or trusted adult, no matter if they are the victim or just a witness. Reassure them that this reporting is the right thing to do and is not tattling.
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City Council Candidate Packets Available |
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Candidate packets are now available for those interested in running for a place on the Robinson City Council. Three councilmember positions and the Mayor’s position are expiring this year. Filing dates are from Monday, July 25 to Monday, August 22, during regular business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Candidates must file with the City Secretary in person. City council elections will be held with the November 8, 2022 General Election.
Click here for the Candidate Packet
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Mark your calendars for Robinson Family Fun Day Saturday, September 10th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 204 South Strauss Street (behind the Fire Station and City Hall). There will be lots of fun activities for the whole family!. The best part? It’s free! Follow Robinson Events on Facebook for more information! |
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The City Council will meet in person and virtually for their monthly City Council Meeting.
The meeting agenda and packet can be found online here. Para la agenda en español, visite este sitio web, aqui.
Individuals have the option to participate in the meeting in person or virtually, either by telephone or video through GoToMeeting. The City has set up a section on our website to provide instructions on how to both view and submit a public comment for the meeting and navigate the virtual event. The access code and toll-free number will be provided in the agenda.
Public comment will only be allowed via telephone or video conference via GoToMeeting if choosing to attend remotely. All speakers must register to speak at least two hours in advance of the meeting. All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting under the public comment item. Speakers must join the meeting at least 15 minutes prior to it starting in order to speak. Written comments may also be submitted two hours in advance of the meeting. To register to speak or to submit written comments, please email the City Secretary, Misty Cryer.
Live Streaming of Meetings
Council meetings are now being live streamed to the city's YouTube accounts, the link to the streaming will also be shared on the city's Facebook page. All live streaming is for viewing purposes only, viewers wanting to participate virtually will have to do so via GoToMeeting. Meetings can be viewed live on YouTube, but meeting recordings will only be available on YouTube.
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The Robinson City Council will conduct a Public Hearing to receive input regarding the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget and to adopt the tax rate and budget for FY 2022-2023. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and the public may participate in the meeting in person or virtually by clicking here. The public can also watch the meeting Live on the City’s YouTube channel. |
The Robinson City Council will conduct an additional Special Called City Council meeting for the adoption of the FY 2022-2023 budget and the 2022 tax rate. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and the public may participate in the meeting in person or virtually by clicking here. The public can also watch the meeting Live on the City’s YouTube channel. |
Reminder: The City of Robinson echos McLennan County on burn bans. On June 21 st, McLennan County's Commissioners Court issued an Order Prohibiting Burning county-wide, simply put, a burn ban is in effect until otherwise. You can find more information here. |
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Recycling is picked up every other week on your designated collection day. |
Bulk/Brush Day is July 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5158 South 12th Street, Robinson, TX. City staff will NOT be available to help place bulk items in the containers so make sure to bring enough help to get items in the 40-yard roll-off.
Reminder: customers have the option to set bulk/brush items at their curb to be collected weekly, during their normal collection day. For hazardous materials, customers may use the At Your Door Special Hazardous Waste Collection offered monthly with their Waste Management services. |
The Robinson City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting/Budget Workshop in person at City Hall and online on Saturday, August 6th starting at 8:30 a.m. To join the meeting virtually, click here and use access code 963-926-853. You can also dial in using your phone by calling (646) 749-3335 and using access code 963-926-853 and audio pin 3. The public can also watch the meeting Live on the City's YouTube channel.
The proposed budget may be examined on weekdays at City Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or on the city website.
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An important note, setting the tax rate for the City of Robinson is only a portion of property owners' tax bills. Several types of local governments may tax property. Cities and special purpose districts such as hospitals, junior colleges, or water districts may all collect certain property taxes. These taxing entities set tax rates and collect property taxes to help fund local services including schools, streets, police, fire protection, and many other services.
A Quick Run-Through on setting Property Tax Bills and Taxing Units Role
The appraisal district in each county appraises the value of property each year and can answer any questions about local appraisal processes, exemption administration, agricultural appraisal, and protests.
Local taxing units, including school districts, counties, cities, junior colleges, and special purpose districts, decide how much money they will need to be able to pay for providing public services and set property tax rates according to their budgets. Local taxing units can answer questions about tax rates and tax bills.
In many counties, taxing units contract with the county tax assessor-collector to collect property taxes for other taxing units in that county. The assessor-collector then transfers the appropriate amounts of the collected levy to each taxing unit. Although some taxing units may contract with an appraisal district to collect their taxes, the appraisal district does not levy a property tax.
You can find more information on the McLennan County’s Appraisal Districts website. There you can also find a very helpful document that covers Property Tax Basics. |
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The City of Robinson is hiring! We are looking for individuals to join our culture that values community, service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and fiscal responsibility.
Love where you Connect. Grow. Live.
- Building Official
- Maintenance Technician I
- Utility Operator
- Communications Specialist (Dispatcher)
For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
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Don't forget to sign up to receive alerts about road closures and water shutoffs! We partner with the Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management to be able to notify our citizens by text or phone call in case of these events.
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Waco-McLennan County Mobile Library
The Waco-McLennan County Mobile Library will be offering Kids Books, Teen Books, Adult Books, Audiobooks & more at Peplow Park every third Tuesday! Be sure to give them a visit on August 16th between 3 and 4:30 p.m.
You will be able to use your Library Card to check out a book or audiobook. Don't have a library card? Don't worry! You can bring your I.D. and proof of residency and they'll get you all set up! (For more info about proof of residency documents, check out their website).
The books can be returned to any Waco library location or to the Pop Up Library when they return the next month.
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You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
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