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Animal Control

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1. What do I do if my dog or cat dies?

It is the animal owner’s responsibility to dispose of their animal.

2. Can I be in my yard with my dog without a leash?

Only if the yard is fenced in and the dog has no way of getting out. The City of Elgin has a restraint ordinance and your dog shall be restrained at all times (Sec. 4-83 c.o.).

3. How often do dogs need rabies vaccination?

Rabies vaccinations are usually an annual shot but some vets give a three year vaccination. You can only receive a 3 year vaccination after two consecutive 1 year vaccinations.

4. What do I do if I find a baby raccoon?

Whenever wildlife is found you need to contact Texas Parks and Wildlife for local Rehabilitators.

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Building Permits

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1. Do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for any and all new construction or .... For more information, please visit the Planning & Development Page of this website. Google.

2. How do I obtain a building permit?

Building permits can be obtained at 1135 Swenson Blvd., Elgin, TX 78621...... For more information, please visit the Planning & Development Page of this website. Google.

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Downtown & Cultural Development - Historic District

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1. What is the Historic District?

View the map and learn more (PDF)

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General

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1. Can I pay bills online?

The City of Elgin accepts online payments for traffic tickets and utility bills. Use the "Pay Online" button on any screen to access the payment link you need. Pay Online

2. Who do I call to report a water leak or sewer back up?

Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm 

For a possible water leak at your residence or at the meter, call 512-281-5724 and choose option 2.
For water main breaks (water breaks in the street) or sewer back ups call 512-281-5724 and choose option 4.

For after hours issues call 512-285-5757 choose option 2.
 In case of an emergency dial 911   

3. Who do I contact about a Red Light Ticket?

Call the administrator at 866-790-4111 or the Elgin Police Department at 512-285-5757. You may also pay this violation online at www.violationinfo.com. ViolationInfo.com

4. Does Elgin have recycling services?

City of Elgin residents have curbside recycling. 

Trash & Recycling

5. Does Elgin have bulk trash pick up?

Bulk trash service is available to Elgin residents. Beginning April 2018, the city is changing the pick up schedule from twice per month to once per quarter.  See calendar for dates. Click here for more information.

6. How do I rent a Park Facility?

You may use our online reservation feature found in the Parks & Recreation section or call the Parks Department at 512-285-6190. See details at Facility Rentals

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Parks and Recreation

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1. What are the hours at the Rec Center?

Elgin Recreation Center Hours are:

Monday - Friday 6:00AM - 8:00PM 

Saturday 8:00AM - 8:00PM 

Sunday 12:00PM - 8:00PM

Hours may vary on holidays.

Fore more information, please visit our Elgin Recreation Center page. 

2. How much does it cost to go to the Elgin Recreation Center?

To come to the Elgin Recreation Center, you have two options: 

Daily Entry Fee:

• Children 0 - 5 years old: Free  
• Anyone 6 years and up: $5.00

Become an Elgin Recreation Center Member to use the Rec as often as you want for FREE.

To learn about membership fees or more about the Elgin Recreation Center, visit our Membership Homepage.

3. How do I know what events are coming up?

There are a few ways you can find out more about our upcoming events:

Parks & Recreation Program Guide - Program Guides are released twice a year and cover all programs and events the Parks Dept will be hosting for that season. These can be picked up at the Elgin Recreation Center, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, or at select businesses around town. 

Parks & Recreation Event Registration Page - This is where you'll need to register for events: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/elgin-tx/catalog. Registering in advance is necessary for any events that have a registration fee as we cannot take payments at the events. For all other events, registering ensures you're able to participate in the event faster (without waiting in line to register in person) and that we have enough supplies for everyone.

City Calendar - This calendar can be found on the main elgintx.com page and lists all upcoming city events .

Facebook - We have a list of all of our upcoming events, as well as updated information from the Parks & Recreation Department. 

4. How do I register for an event?

To register for an upcoming Parks & Recreation event or program, visit our Registration Page. 

On this page, you'll have the option to pick between "Adults" and "Family/Kids" for the type of upcoming event. Once you've selected which list of events you'd like to see, click "Register" for the event you're interested in. This will then walk you through completing your registration and paying the registration fee if applicable. 

You can see more about events and programs hosted by the Elgin Parks & Recreation Department on our Events & Programs page. 

5. Can I schedule a tour of a Parks & Rec facility?

Yes, you can schedule a tour of the Elgin Rec Center by speaking with a member of the front desk upon arrival, or of the Fleming Community Center by calling 512-285-6434 and scheduling a time.

6. How do I rent a facility?

Visit: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/elgin-tx/catalog to check the availability of your desired facility and book your rental. You may also check availability by calling Rec Staff at 512-285-6434. You can book a facility or park rental online at: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/elgin-tx/catalog or go to the Elgin Recreation Center, 361 N. HWY 95. Payments cannot be made over the phone. 

7. How long will it take to get my deposit back?

Deposits from facility rentals will be returned in 2 - 4 weeks depending on facility condition. Deposits left with a check or cash will be returned via check mailed to the address on file. Credit Card payments will be refunded to the card used to make the payment. 

8. How do I apply for a job with the Elgin Parks & Recreation Department?

To apply for a job with the Elgin Parks & Recreation Department, you will need to apply with the City of Elgin on their Job Openings page.

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Police Department - Communications

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1. Where is the Police Department located?

The Elgin Police Department is at the corner of Depot St. and N Ave C

• 202 Depot St
• Elgin, TX 78621

2. How do I file a complaint/police report?

You can file a complaint or request an officer by calling the Elgin Police Deparment:

• 512-281-3330
• 512-285-5757
• 9-1-1 (emergencies only)

3. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

• Accident reports can be picked up at the Elgin Police Department 24 hours a day.
• It typically takes 7-10 business days for the report to be ready.
• Records department has an additional 10 business days to complete your records request. 
• There is a fee of $6.00, cash, check or money order only
• No credit card payments accepted.

4. How do I get a copy of my driver's license and/or criminal history?

• You can obtain a copy for your driver's license history and criminal history through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Austin.
  1. DPS phone number is (512)424-2000
• For online assistance you can go to the DPS website:
  1. For driver record online go to: https://dpsrecords.com
  2. For Criminal History online go to: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory

Texas Department of Public Safety

5. How do I get information on someone that was arrested?

• Dispatch is unable to give information on why a person was arrested. 
• All persons will be transported to the Bastrop County Jail or Travis County Jail. If you are unsure where a person was taken, the dispatcher or officer will be able to tell you. 
  1. Bastrop County Jail: (512)549-5073
  2. Travis County Jail:(512-974-0845 opt 4

6. How do I pay for a traffic ticket I received?

Make sure you have your ticket number and amount due. This information is available through Municipal Court.

• Traffic tickets are paid through Elgin Municipal Court (512) 281-0318.  
• Tickets can also be paid by phone (800) 444-1187
• Tickets can also be paid online.

The Payment Group

7. What is the procedure for obtaining an Alarm Permit?

Any business or residence (inside the city limits) that has an alarm needs to obtain an alarm permit through the city.  

• The City Ordinance for Alarms can be obtained on the city website.            
• You will need to fill out an application for the alarm permit that can be obtained at the Police Department, or on the city website
• There is a fee of $50 for business and $25 for residential alarms paid by check or money order only; no cash or credit cards accepted.
•  Alarms are to be renewed annually.

8. Where can I find information about Registered Sex Offenders in my area?

All Registered Sex Offender information can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website,

DPS Sex Offender Registry

9. What is the procedure for filing a complaint against someone in the department?

• Any citizen can come to the Police Department to pick up a complaint packet. 
• The packet contains an explanation of the process and a statement form.
• Once the form is filled out you can turn it back into the department and you will receive a receipt. 
• The forms are given directly to the Chief of Police.  
• Someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible to give you an update.

10. How do I find out if I have a warrant?

 Warrant information cannot be given over the phone 

• To find out warrant information you can come into the department and speak with an officer.
• You may also contact Elgin Municipal Court for that information.
•  Some warrant information can be found online on the DPS website.

DPS Failure to Appear/Failure to Pay

11. How do I obtain a police report?

• You will need to fill out an open records request at the Police Department.  
• If it is an open/active case there is a minimal amount of information that can be released.
•  If the request is approved, the records department has up to 10 business days to complete your request.

12. Who can help if I locked my keys in my vehicle?

• Nancy’s Keys is available at (512) 470-5397.
• The officers do not carry lock out kits due to liability issues.   
• If it is an emergency contact the Police Department immediately.
  • Child locked in vehicle

13. Is there an animal shelter in Elgin?

• There are no longer animal shelters in Elgin. 
• The closest shelter is Bastrop County Animal Shelter located at 589 Cool Water Dr, Bastrop, TX 78602  Dr. 
• The Bastrop County Animal Shelter’s number is (512) 549-5160.

Bastrop County Animal Shelter

14. Are there any wrecker services in Elgin?

There are 4 main wrecker services used by the Elgin Police Department,

• US Auto      (512) 541-1429
• JP Towing   (512) 541-1429
• Texas Pride (512) 718-2432
• Freedom Towing and Recovery (512) 818-2155

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Police Department - Open Carry FAQ

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1. Where can I open carry?

A License Holder may openly carry a properly holstered (belt or shoulder holster) firearm anywhere a license holder has previously been permitted to carry a concealed firearm.

2. Where can I NOT open carry?

Any place that is prohibited under the concealed handgun law also applies to the licensed open carry of a firearm.

3. Who can ask to see my license to carry?

You must present your License To Carry when requested by a peace officer or magistrate.

4. What weapons are not allowed to open carry?

Any weapon prohibited by law (Texas Penal Code Chapter 46, Prohibited Weapons).

5. Do public schools have to post "no carry" signs or is it just understood they are a "no carry" zone?

No signage is required. A law already exists that prohibits weapons on school premises (Texas Penal Code Chapter 46, Places Weapons Prohibited).

6. Can private businesses opt-out of open carry?

Yes, by posting appropriate signage (Texas Penal Code 30.07) or providing oral or written notice that the carrying of firearms is prohibited in their establishment.

7. What should a citizen do if a business tells them they cannot have their gun exposed but don't have the prohibited sign posted?

The business owner has the right to limit or prohibit the carrying of firearms inside their establishment. If a license holder is asked to leave by the business owner or an individual with the apparent authority to act on behalf of the owner, the citizen shall do as requested and leave the premises.

8. Is there a limit to the number of firearms you can carry?

The law does not specify limitations on the number of handguns.

9. Can an individual carry a handgun in a private vehicle?

An unlicensed individual may carry a concealed handgun inside a private vehicle. A License Holder may openly carry a handgun in a belt or shoulder holster or carry a concealed handgun inside a private vehicle.

10. What is campus carry?

It is a separate law going in effect Aug. 1, 2016, that allows concealed carry on college campuses as prescribed by the law.

11. Does this change the law for open carrying of long arms and black powder guns?

No.

12. Would a license holder have to conceal a weapon if they are dropping off a child at a Elgin ISD school or facility? (Not actually entering the premise)

No, so long as they remain in the permitted areas as specified in the statute. (Texas Penal Code Chapter 46).

13. If I currently have a Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL), will DPS issue me a new License to Carry Handgun (LTC) when HB 910 (open carry) becomes effective?

Only if requested by the License Holder or upon renewal.

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Public Library

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1. Are library cards free or do I need to pay a fee?

There is no fee for residents of Elgin to get a card in order to check out books and materials.  Effective 10/01/2019, anyone who lives outside the city limits of Elgin will have an annual non-resident fee of $15.00.   The library does charge a printing and copying fee of .20 per page and there is a .10 per day late fee for each overdue book.  Fines are not accrued on days that the library is closed. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224

2. How can I get a library card?

Becoming a member at EPL is quick and easy.  You will need to show a photo ID and proof of your current address and fill out a brief form and you will be issued a card.  Youth in 5th grade and up will need to have a parent/guardian present. The parent/guardian will need to show a photo ID and proof of current address.

3. How long can I check out books and other materials?

All materials are checked out for two weeks.  We can extend the due date at the time of check out if you have special circumstances. Speak to one of our front desk associates. Books automatically renew up to 10 times unless another patron has placed a Reserve/Hold on an item and therefore, the item must be returned before the due date. Patrons can check for their due date by contacting the library or logging into their account online with their Library Card Number and Pin which is their birth month and day: Example: January 1st = 0101. 

4. Is there a limit to how many items I can check out at a time?

We limit the check out of audio books and movies (DVDs & VHS) to 10 items per visit. Adults have a maximum limit of 25 items to checkout; youth (5th grade and up) have a maximum limit of 5 items; however, we hope you will only check out as many books as you can read in two weeks so that other patrons will have access to our materials.  We also request that you not check out a complete series of books as these are very popular and other patrons would like to enjoy them as well.

5. Can I renew items?

Typically, you can renew items several ways.  The fastest way is to call us during our business hours and give us your account number (or we can look you up by your name).  You can go to our website and enter your card number and 4-digit number of your birthday (mm/dd) and renew them yourself. This must be done BEFORE the due day.  You can also come into the library and renew them in person.   The only exception would be if another patron has reserved an item, in which case it would not be available for renewal.

6. Are there digital books available?

Yes.  The EPL is part of the Central Texas Digital Library Consortium. They have a shared subscription to Overdrive: https://ctdl.overdrive.com/. The EPL is also part of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's  E-Read Texas program where patrons are invited to download the SimplyE App to access the Overdrive books in addition to a collection of eBooks provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.  

7. Does the library have computers?

Yes!  We have 12 computers available for public use.  To log on you must use your library card bar-code number and the 4-digit number of your birthday (mm/dd).  Patrons are given the opportunity to sign up for computer access when they get a card.  Access to the computer will be restricted if patron's have overdue materials or fines on their account. If you do not have an account and need to use a computer, we will take a photocopy of your ID and issue you a one-time temporary card.  Patrons printing from a computer will be charged .20/page.  We do not have a color printer available to the public. ALL COMPUTERS ARE SHUT DOWN 15 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME.

8. Can I pay for fines or printing with a credit or debit card?

Yes, we are able to accept payment of this type.

9. Can my child get a library card?

Youth 5th grade and up can obtain a library card with a parent/guardian present when they apply. Youth under 5th grade will check out books and movies to under their parent’s or guardian’s card. Any parent/guardian who signs off for a youth library card or checks out material under their adult card is the person who will be responsible for loss or damage of any materials.

10. Can my child use the computer with my card?

No.  Only the patron whose name is on the account can log on with the card.  If you wish for your child to have computer privileges and they do not have their own library card with permission to use the computers, then we can issue a minor computer access card which can be used to log onto the computer.  Books and other materials must still be checked out on the parent/guardian card. All parents/guardians must complete a Minor Internet Access form. 

11. Can I use my computer at the library?

Yes, our WIFI password is posted at various locations around the building.  However, you will not be able to print from your computer.

12. Can I send a fax from the library?

Yes.  We have a fax service.  The fee for sending a fax is $1.50 for the first page and .50/page for each subsequent page. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

13. Can I have a fax sent to me at the library?

Yes.  Our fax number is 512-285-3015. The fee is .50/page.  For your convenience, we suggest you request your name and phone number be included on the fax so we can contact you when it arrives. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

14. Can I get documents notarized at the library?

No.  The library does not employ a notary.

15. Can I scan and email documents from the library?

Yes.  We have a machine that will scan and email documents that you may use.  There is no charge for this service.

16. Can I research my ancestry at EPL?

While we do not have a designated genealogy section, you are welcome to use the computers to conduct ancestry research.

17. How can I find out about library programs?

Our monthly newsletter is available on the Elgin City Website, on Facebook for Elgin Public Library and at Elginpubliclibrary.org.  We also post updates about our programs on Instagram @ #elginpubliclibrary.  Or, you can pick one up at the front desk when you check out books and DVD's.

18. Can I donate old books to the library?

Elgin Public Library welcomes the donation of current books in excellent condition.  Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, we are unable to accept books that are out of print, damaged, written in or otherwise defaced.

19. What if you don’t have a book I want?

If the book is a recent release you may submit a request to have the book added to the library’s collection.  If the book is older, you may request an inter-library loan.  In this case we would collaborate with another library in Texas to bring the book to ELP for you to check out.  You would have to agree in advance to pay for postage for the book to be returned.

20. What happens if I lose my library card?

 You may show your identification and we will find your account and check material out to you.  You can a fee of $1 to receive a new card with a different account number but that is not necessary. All fines and fees have been approved in the City of Elgin Municipal Code Sec. 34-224 

21. Can I bring a pet to the library?

While service animals as described by the American Disability Act are welcome on the premises, we regret that we are unable to accommodate pets.

22. Can I drop my children off for library programs?

We want everyone to have a safe and rewarding experience at the library.  To ensure this, all children under 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible sibling who is at least 16 years old.

23. How can I support the library?

The Friends of Elgin Library is a group of citizens who help the library by raising funds and hosting literary events.  To join, stop by the library and fill out a membership card.

24. How can I get a job at the library?

Positions at EPL are highly sought after.  The best way to see if one is available is to check the Jobs listings on the HR page of the Elgin City website.

25. Can I donate a book in honor of or in memory someone?

Yes, we are happy to accept donations in memory of or to honor someone.  When you make the donation, let us know who you would like to honor and, if you want, you can suggest a title or topic for the book.  We will add a memorial plate to the front of the book stating the name of the honoree as well as your name.  Individuals or groups are welcome to make donations.