Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a birth or death certificate?

For information on obtaining a birth or death certificate, please view the following page. Birth & Death Records

2. When are City Council Meetings?

City Council Meetings are the second and fourth Mondays of each month, beginning at 5:30 pm.

They are held in the City Council Chambers, located at:
107 E Kaufman St.
Paris, TX 75460

3. When are elections held to elect Council members?

The City Clerk serves as the election administrator for all elections called by the City Council. This office provides voting district information, applications for ballots by mail, and early voting location.

Filing information and applications for candidates are also available in this department. The City of Paris is a seven-member District and Council Members are elected from District Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 6 in even-numbered years, and for District Numbers 4, 5, and 7 in odd-numbered years.

The members of the City Council shall serve not more than three two-year terms in succession.

Show All Answers

1. What is a junk vehicle and what are the consequences of failing to remove one after notice?

A junk vehicle is a vehicle that is self propelled and:

• Does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired license plate AND a valid motor vehicle safety inspection certificate
• Is wrecked, dismantled, discarded, or is inoperable for more than 72 hours if the vehicle is on public property; or 30 consecutive days if the vehicle is on private property

Inoperable means not capable of being used or operated due to legal or mechanical incapability. 

A junk vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle that is visible from a public place or public right-of-way, is deemed to be a public nuisance. 

If the owner of a junk vehicle fails to remove the same after notice and is convicted in the City of Paris Municipal Court, the fine could be as much as $2,000 for every day the violation exists. The vehicle can also be towed from the property. Once a junk vehicle is towed as a public nuisance, the vehicle must be demolished and it cannot be re-titled.

2. What are the codes regarding outside storage?

Property owners, residents, and businesses are required to keep property free and clear of all material subject to deterioration by the elements, such as furniture, boxes, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, paper, and other objectionable, unsafe, unsanitary and/or unsightly matter or items which are not intended for outdoor use. Material which is stored in a disorderly manner or in such a manner as to offer harborage of rodents and/or other vermin is also prohibited. 

If convicted of violating this ordinance in the City of Paris Municipal Court, the fine could be as much as $2,000 for every day the violation exists. The city can also correct the violation at the owner's expense and assess an administrative penalty of $220. If the costs of the work are not paid within 30 days, a lien will be filed against the property.

3. What are the codes regarding high grass and weeds?

It is a violation for any person owning, claiming, occupying, or having control of any property within the city to permit weeds, brush, vegetative growth, or any objectionable or unsightly matter to grow to a height greater than 12 inches. If the property is five acres or more, the owner or person in control is required to mow at least a 100-foot perimeter from the property line. 

If a person fails to comply with these requirements and is convicted in the City of Paris Municipal Court, the fine could be as much as $2,000 for every day the violation exists. The city can also correct the violation at the owner's expense and assess an administrative penalty of $220. If the costs of the work are not paid within 30 days, a lien will be filed against the property.

Show All Answers

1. How do you announce weather warnings to the public?

Warnings about weather are communicated to our citizens by several different methods. The City of Paris uses Rave Mobile Safety to issue information by voice over the telephone, text messaging, and e-mail. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for the service by clicking here. NWS weather warnings are sent out automatically by RAVE Mobile Safety whenever a warning involves the City of Paris. Outdoor warning sirens are used to notify people outside of their homes that severe weather is occurring. Upon hearing an outdoor siren, citizens should go indoors and listen to our local electronic media or scanners. The city also uses a service provided by Optimum communications, which allows city officials to interrupt the local cable system for emergency messages.

More...

2. Does the City of Paris use NIMS to manage emergencies?

Yes, the City of Paris Emergency Management personnel are trained in all area of operations with the NIMS (National Incident Management System) as ordered by Presidential Directive.

Show All Answers

1. How can I pay my ambulance bill?

Ambulance payments may be mailed to:
City of Paris EMS
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, TX, 75461

You may also pay in person at:
City Hall Annex EMS Billing Office
150 SE 1st St.
Paris, TX 75460

You may also pay by credit card by calling (903) 784-9229.
There is a 5% additional charge to utilize a credit card.

2. How do I contact the Administration of the Emergency Medical Services Department?

Please use the contact information on the following page. City of Paris EMS

3. How can I schedule a non-emergency transport?

Call (903) 784-6688 and select option #2 to speak with a dispatcher about scheduling a non-emergency ambulance transport.

Show All Answers

1. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, or maintain any structure or building.

This includes accessory buildings such as storage sheds; garages or car ports, etc; and fences.

The fee for a permit is based on the total cost of labor and materials.

2. How long does it take to obtain a permit?

Applications for all nature of permits are reviewed as quickly as possible. However, depending on the number of applications pending review and their complexity, it may take up to fourteen business days to issue a permit if no changes to the plans are required.

You can download an application or pick one up at:
City Hall Annex
150 SE 1st St.
Paris, TX 75461

3. Who do I call with questions related to neighborhood zoning?

Please contact Engineering, Planning & Development at (903) 784-9234.

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a burn permit?

Burn permits are acquired from the Fire Marshal's office. You may pick a permit up in person at: 

Paris Fire Department
135 SE 1st ST.
Paris, TX 75460

Complete the permit and then bring it back to the Fire Marshal's Office. You may also download an Application for Open Burning Permit

2. Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof during a fire?

As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) stops that damaging outward movement and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently, resulting in less damage to the structure in the long run.

3. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the fire report?

Fire reports are obtainable through the Fire Department Administrative Office at:

Paris Fire Department
135 SE 1st St
 Paris, TX 75460.

 An Open Records Request Form is required to obtain a copy of a fire report. The Open Records Request Form can be picked up at the Fire Department Administrative Office, or download the Open Records Request Form here. Completed forms may be faxed using the fax number listed or emailed to dburge@paristexas.gov

Show All Answers

1. How do I take care of a traffic citation?

Violators are allowed up to 10 days from the date of the offense to appear in Municipal Court to plead not guilty and ask for a trial date, plead guilty, or plead no contest and pay a fine. Defensive driving courses and other arrangements are done through the municipal court. Please click on the link provided.

More...

2. How do we announce weather warnings to the public?

Warnings about the weather are communicated to our citizens by several different methods. The City of Paris uses Rave Mobile Safety to issue information by voice over the telephone, text messaging, and e-mail. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for the service by clicking here. NWS weather warnings are sent out automatically by Rave Mobile Safety whenever a warning involves the City of Paris. Outdoor warning sirens are used to notify people outside of their homes that severe weather is occurring. Upon hearing an outdoor siren, citizens should go indoors and listen to our local electronic media or scanners. The city also uses a service provided by Optimum communications which allows city officials to interrupt programming on the local cable system for emergency messages.

More...

3. What are the codes regarding outside storage?

Property owners, residents, and businesses are required to keep property free and clear of all material subject to deterioration by the elements, such as furniture, boxes, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, paper, and other objectionable, unsafe, unsanitary and/or unsightly matter or items which are not intended for outdoor use. Material which is stored in a disorderly manner or in such a manner as to offer harborage of rodents and/or other vermin is also prohibited. 

If convicted of violating this ordinance in the City of Paris Municipal Court, the fine could be as much as $2,000 for every day the violation exists. The city can also correct the violation at the owner's expense and assess an administrative penalty of $220. If the costs of the work are not paid within 30 days, a lien will be filed against the property.

Show All Answers

1. What is IT?

IT is short for Information Technology and is the name of an academic discipline and major which focuses on the organizational application of computing systems.

2. What types of career options does an IT professional have?

Typical career options for IT students graduating with the BBA in MIS include: systems analyst, business analyst, consultant, project manager, database administrator, software designer, systems architect, and application developer, eventually leading up to senior positions such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

3. What do you do in IT?

IT professionals analyze, design, and acquire systems; administer or design databases; manage the information system for their company; or design web applications.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a library card?

You can apply for a library card in person or online through the library website.

Persons applying for a library card must have photo identification and proof of current residence with them to receive a library card.

A parent or legal guardian's signature is required for a library card for a person under the age of 18 years. Additionally, parental permission will be required on the application for Internet use for those under 18 years.

2. How many items may I check out, and for how long?

Patrons may have up to 40 items checked out to their card at one time.

The total may be any combination of material types: books, audios, or videos.

Print books and audio books check out for three weeks; videos may be checked out for one week.

3. Can I renew items over the telephone?

Yes, items may be renewed over the telephone. They may also be renewed in person or online by accessing your library account.

Items may be renewed up to two times unless they are on reserve for another patron.

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to do if I received a citation for Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility but I have valid liability insurance?

If the vehicle or driver was covered with liability insurance that was valid on the date of violation, your ticket may be dismissed.

Bring your valid insurance card to the court, complete and sign a form provided by the court clerk.

Insurance information must be verified with insurance agency before dismissal.

2. Can I do community service instead of paying my fine?

Community service must be approved and ordered by the Judge.

Contact one of the providers on the list, have them give you a letter to the court stating that they approve you for community service with them, and bring that letter to the court clerk on a scheduled court date. Please contact the clerk at (903) 737-4107 for dates and times.

3. Can I get an extension to pay my fine?

An application for an extension is available at the court clerk's window at the courthouse: 2910 Clarksville St. Paris, TX 75460 Extensions can be granted for 30 days with a 25% down payment. If the total amount is not paid within 30 days, a $15 state-mandated time payment fee will be added on the 31st day and you will be required to appear in court before further extension can be granted. Failure to appear could result in a warrant being issued and/or referral to a collection agency which will result in additional fees being added.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get an accident report?

By state statute Texas accident reports cost $6.00 each and are available through our records division, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM More...

2. How do I take care of a traffic citation?

Violators are allowed up to 10 days from the date of the offense to appear in Municipal Court to plead not guilty and ask for a trial date, plead guilty, or plead no contest and pay a fine. Defensive driving courses and other arrangements are done through the municipal court. Please click on the link provided. More...

3. How do I report an incident to the police?

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For other police service, call 903-784-6688. If you need to make a report, select option 0 More...

4. How do I find out if someone is in jail?

You can call 903-784-6688 and select option 0. If you are looking for someone in the Lamar County Jail, call 903-737-2400.

5. How do I check the status on an investigation?

Call 903-737-4138, the CID secretary. It will expedite the request if you know the officer's name assigned to the case or the case number of the investigation. You may also contact Capt. Danny Huff at 903-737-4134.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get bulk items picked up from my residence?

The City of Paris Sanitation Division will pick up one bulk item per week, free of charge, on a resident's second trash pick-up day of the week (Thursday or Friday).

2. Who do I contact about getting a Think Child Safety sign placed on my street?

Please contact the Public Works Department, Traffic Division at (903) 784-9289 or submit a service request to the Traffic Division.

NOTE: If there is a speed limit sign on your street we will not post a Think Child Safety Sign.

3. Who do we contact about a water leak, a problem with our water meter, or a problem with a fire hydrant?

Contact (903) 784-9277 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and (903) 737-4125 after-hours and on weekends. We need your name, address, and telephone number. We need to know if the leak is in the street or behind the curb and if you know if the leak started that day. When the leak is reported a staff member is sent within two hours to look at the leak.

If it is a large leak, Dig Tess will be called and an emergency locate of the gas, electric, telephone, and cable lines will be requested. Once these lines are located, a crew will be scheduled to do the work.

If it is a smaller leak, a regular request will be made to Dig Tess which allows them 48 hours to send locators from Dallas, Tyler, or Texarkana to locate the lines. Once the lines are marked we can schedule a crew to do the repair.

In the case of an emergency water leak we will try to notify businesses if we have to turn their water off. If it is a scheduled repair we also try to notify businesses that the water will be off. Given the number of leaks we resolve in a day and the size of our work force usually, we cannot notify residents before we turn water off in their area.

Show All Answers

1. What's the difference between Smart911 and RAVE Alert?

RAVE Alert is the City's mass notification system, which replaced CodeRed in 2023. It allows for two-way communication for both emergency and non-emergency situations via automated phone calls, text messages, and email.

Smart911 is an enhanced public safety tool that allows users to create individual profiles with vital information such as home address, mobile phone number, special needs, and emergency contact information. 

Together, RAVE Alert and Smart911 are intended to better connect citizens with both emergency personnel as well as timely, relevant location-based information.

2. Can I include my family members?

You are encouraged to create a Safety Profile that includes everyone in your household. You can also create a Safety Profile on behalf of elderly parents, those with disabilities, or anyone not comfortable with computers, designating yourself as the emergency contact.  

3. How do I know my Safety Profile was successfully created?

When you complete registration, Smart911 will automatically direct you to your Smart911 Safety Profile and will send a message to your registered email address confirming your account. Smart911 will not deliver your Safety Profile to 9-1-1 answering centers unless you have verified the phone(s) listed in your profile by responding to the text message or automated call placed to that phone.

4. How does Smart911 work?

Smart911 allows individuals to provide the additional details that 9-1-1 call takers may need in order to assist them during an emergency. When you dial 9-1-1 today the information received by the 9-1-1 call center can be limited based on the type of phone you are calling on. With Smart911, anytime you make an emergency call from a phone registered with your Safety Profile, the 9-1-1 system recognizes your phone number and automatically displays your profile on the screen of the call taker who receives your call. Example of information that can be included in your profile is if someone at the address utilizes supplemental oxygen or is diabetic.

5. How long does it take to create a Safety Profile?

Setting up a profile can take as little as 5-10 minutes, depending on how much information you wish to provide. You can always go back and update existing, or add additional information to your profile.

6. Is my information secure?

Yes. Your privacy is important to us. Your information is made available ONLY to 9-1-1 call takers and responders ONLY in the event you call 9-1-1. Your information is stored in geo-redundant databases that restrict access to everyone- including Rave Mobile Safety employees. Your Safety Profile is non-searchable and your information will only be displayed to 9-1-1 dispatchers for a limited amount of time. In some areas, you can choose to allow Smart911 to share your profile with Emergency Managers as they prepare for and respond to emergencies. If you reside or work in one of these areas, you will be presented with this option.

7. Is there a cost to sign up for Smart911?

There is no fee to create or maintain a Safety Profile with Smart911.

8. Once I have signed up do I need to do anything else?

The more up-to-date your information is, the better. Smart911 prompts users to verify their information every six months. However, you should update your profile anytime there is any change to your information.

9. What if English is not my primary language?

You can create a Safety Profile in multiple languages and specify your primary language on Smart911.com. When your profile displays at the 9-1-1 center, it will be translated back into English. If an interpreter is required, the 9-1-1 Call Taker will be able to see which language you designated as your primary language.

10. What is a Safety Profile?

A Safety Profile is a set of information about an individual, or a household that is contained within one account on Smart911.com or on the Smart911 App. Information can include details about all members of the household, all phone numbers (mobile, landline or VOIP) and all addresses including home, work and even vacation homes. Users can also add details about medical conditions, medications, vehicles, pets and even emergency contacts.

11. What is the Smart911 App?

The Smart911 App provides 9-1-1 and first responders information in an emergency and receive targeted alerts including from the National Weather Service. The Smart911 App is available and free on the Apple Story or Google Play.

12. What kind of information can I list in my safety profile?

You can include as little or as much information in your profile as you like. Information may include address, medical and security information. This service is voluntary, so you decide what information you want emergency responders to know about you when you call 9-1-1.

13. Who should create a Safety Profile?

Anyone can create a safety profile.  Those that are especially encouraged to sign up are people with medical or disability information. Wireless phone users are also encouraged, as wireless phone calls to 9-1-1 only provide a general location of the caller, not an exact address.  Adding your home, school and work addresses (including apartment and room numbers) can help responders locate you more easily.

14. Will my Safety Profile still work if something happens to the Rave Mobile Safety databases?

Yes. Your information is stored in geo-redundant databases that are located on opposite sides of the country. In the unlikely event of a database shutdown, the system will automatically transition all of your information to the backup database, resulting in zero impact to your Safety Profile.

Show All Answers

1. What day will my trash be picked up?

You can click here to see a map of the collection zones or call 903-784-9266 for help.

2. Can I schedule a bulk collection for large items?

Yes, bulk collections will be scheduled on Fridays and will follow the bulk pickup policy. If you would like to schedule a bulk pickup, please call 903-784-9266.

3. Will solid waste fees be reduced as part of this schedule change?

No, there has not been an increase in the solid waste fee since 2010. The reduction of collection days will help to delay future increases.

4. Can I drop off trash between pickup days?

As part of the city contract for landfill services, Sanitation Solutions allows city residents to drop off up to 4 cubic yards once per month at their drop-off site behind 1802 Church Street. (link to google map) A current water bill is required to utilize this service.

5. Where can I drop off recyclables?

The city plans to reopen the compost and recycling drop-off location on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. More information can be viewed here.

Show All Answers

1. I just rented / purchased a home. How do I open a utility account (water, sewer, and trash) in my name?

To open an account, you should come to the City Water Office at 120 E. Kaufman and request service. You should bring a valid picture identification such as an unexpired drivers license. It must be your ID not someone else’s ID.

A residential deposit is currently $125 and must be paid before service can be started. Service startup is scheduled for the day following your request. You will be given a two-hour time frame when you can expect our service representative to turn on your service.

If you cannot be at home when the service is started, you may sign a statement stating that the City is not liable for any water damage that may result from the water being turned on. This option is available only to property owners. You will also be charged a $25 new account fee on your first bill. Commercial account deposits vary depending on the nature of the business.

No person with a previous charge off can open an account without first paying the charged off amount. The City will not open an account in any name if we have reason to believe that a person who has an unpaid charge off will be living at that address.

2. Can I open an account over the phone?

No, accounts can only be opened by coming into the Water Office. The purpose of this requirement is to obtain a copy of your picture ID, and have you sign the water deposit agreement.

Both of these steps have helped the City to reduce its charge-off losses by 50%. This savings helps hold down water, sewer, and sanitation rates.

3. Will I get my deposit back?

Your security deposit will be applied to your final bill when you no longer require service.

If your deposit exceeds your final bill, the difference will be refunded to you. No interest is paid on your deposit, but interest earned on all deposits is used to hold utility rates down.