ASK THE MAYOR
Mayor explains city services to newly-annexed residents
MAYOR PHILLIP SPENRATH

Christmas in El Campo is truly one of the greatest times and places of the year. Twinkling lights, the Christmas parade, holiday gatherings, Jerry "Claus" Aulds, and a five-day break from school. What could be better? As many of us are preparing to celebrate the birth of our lord and savior with our extended family and friends, I wanted to welcome our newest city residents and remind them of their availability of city services that have been extended to them as a result of El Campo's most recent annexation project.

As of Dec. 17, all new and existing residents can contact the El Campo Police Department for protection and law enforcement assistance by dialing 9-1-1 for all emergencies. For administrative and non-emergency information please call the El Campo Police Department at 543-5311. Animal control services will also be provided through the ECPD.

Residential solid waste collection can now be provided at the curbside of your home once the appropriate deposits are received. The current residential monthly fee for collection is $19.06 including sales tax.

For commercial service, your fees may vary due to the many options that are available to meet your needs. If you are a commercial customer, the details of the level of service that you obtain will need to be negotiated directly with Allied Waste (AW). You may contact City Hall at 541-5000 to obtain the name and phone number of the contract person at AW to arrange for commercial service.

Solid waste collection will begin once a basic deposit of $25 is received by the city of El Campo at City Hall for each residential customer. A deposit equal to two months of service is required for commercial customers.

These deposits must be received by the city prior to your initial service. If you are currently under contract with another solid waste collector, you are not required to begin taking advantage of the city's service provider (AW) until Dec. 11, 2009.

Concerning all code enforcement, your City Council and staff are offering a temporary "grace period" for the remainder of December. We realize there was some discussion and possible confusion concerning the effective date of annexation.

While all of our recent annexation became effective as of Dec. 11, 2007, your City Council and staff believe that it is more reasonable and prudent to delay code enforcement until Jan. 1, rather than trying to begin implementation in the middle of the current month.

Building inspections, zoning inquiries, health code and environmental code issues or concerns, should be forwarded to the Inspection Department at 979-541-5020.

Building inspections, zoning inquiries, health code and environmental code issues or concerns, should be forwarded to the Inspection Department at 541-5020.

Street and drainage concerns or questions should be forwarded to the Public Works Department at 541-5075.

Water and sewer construction in the annexed areas should be completed within 2 1/2 years.

Your City Council and staff would like to wish all of our citizens a very merry Christmas. Please make time to share with family and friends your fondest Christmas season memories that have occurred within our great community while dreaming of what is yet to come.

Nothing is more priceless than a car full of kids singing Christmas carols, a Thermos of hot chocolate, and a drive through our incredible neighborhoods enjoying all the beautiful homes adorned with Christmas lights. Thank you, Lord, for all of the many gifts and blessings that you have bestowed upon us.