ADMINISTRATION
What
is the population of the City of Miami?
2000 Census reported 13,704.
Where do I call to get my utilities turned on?
Call the City of Miami
Department of Public
Utilities office at
(918) 542-6685 for
electric and water
service (see also,
City departments subdirectory "public
utilities"). For
gas service, please
contact Oklahoma Natural
Gas at (800) 664-5463. If
relocating to this
area, please (click
here) for additional
information.
Who do I contact to find out about my property assessment or the
ad valorem taxes I will pay annually?
Contact the assessor's
office at the Ottawa
County courthouse
at (918) 542-9418.
Who do I contact to enroll my child in school?
Contact Miami Public Schools at (918) 542-8455. Miami
Public Schools
How do I get information
about renting the
civic center or other
public facilities?
You should contact
the civic center day shift supervisor, Tim Howard or if after 3:00 p.m., Howard Fairman at (918)
541-2262.
How do I contact the Miami Police Department for non-emergency related
calls?
Call (918) 542-5585.
How do I find out if I need a building/zoning permit for the improvements
I am planning for my home/property?
You will need to call
the City's office of engineering at
(918) 541-2329 (see
also, city departments
subdirectory "engineering.")
What form of government do we have?
The City of Miami
operates under the
council manager form
of government.
When does the
city council meet
and where?
The council meets
the first and third
Mondays of every month
at 6:00 p.m. in the
council chambers at
the civic center at
129 5th NW.
Who is the city
manager and how do
I reach him?
Tim Wilson
serves as Miami's
interim City manager (see
also, City departments
subdirectory, "administration").
Mr. Wilson welcomes
your calls and can
be reached at (918)
541-2203.
If
I am a vendor that
would like to bid
on items the City
purchases, who do
I contact?
Purchasing Agent Randy Hinds or
his assistant, Deanna Johnson,
at (918) 541-2224.
What
are the procedures I need to follow to get married in Miami?
1. Both
must have valid
driver's license or
a certified copy of
birth certificates
2. Both must
be 18 years or older. As
of November 1, 2004,
blood tests are no
longer required.
3. Acquire
a marriage license
from the Ottawa County
Courthouse.
The Ottawa County
Courthouse (fee required)
and Lavern's Chapel
(fee required) are
both open Monday through
Friday 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Lavern's
does not require prior
reservations, they
operate on a first
come/first serve basis,
although they do require
you to arrive before
4:30 p.m. to receive
service for that day.
Ottawa County Courthouse
(918) 542-2801, 102
E. Central, Miami,
OK
Lavern's
Wedding Chapel (918)
542-4806, 15 B St.
SE, Miami, OK (across
the street from the
courthouse)
How
do I obtain a
copy of my marriage
certificate?
Mail
the following: both
names of the individuals
married (maiden
name of wife),
date of marriage,
$1.50 money order,
and a self addressed
stamped envelope. Send
it to Ottawa County
court clerk, 102
East Central,
Suite 300, Miami,
OK 74354. If
you have any other
questions or concerns
regarding Ottawa
County, please
feel free to call
them at (918)
542-2801.
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AIRPORT - Miami Regional Airport
How
long is the existing
runway?
Runway #17 is 5,620 feet,
runway #35 is 5,020 feet.
Do you ever have jets land
at your airport?
Yes we do. We can easily accommodate
the largest corporate jets.
What is the price of fuel?
Please call (918) 541-2290
for the current price of jet
fuel and AV gasoline.
Does the airport have a
fuel truck or fuel island?
We do not have a fuel truck, but do have an island for AV gasoline and jet fuel.
What are your business
hours?
We are open Monday through
Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hours service is available
by calling (918) 541-2290
during business hours to schedule.
Do you offer flying
lessons?
Flying lessons are
available. Call (918)
541-2290 for details.
Is
a
courtesy
car
available
at
the
airport?
Yes.
Can I purchase an airline
ticket through your airport?
No airline services are available.
Is a mechanic available
at your airport?
Yes.
What is the cost for hangar
rental?
Depending on size, hangars
range from $75-$200 per month.
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FINANCE
How
do I get on the
bidder's list
for the City of
Miami?
Provide the purchasing division
(P.O. Box 1288, Miami, OK
74355-1288 or email: Purchasing Agent Randy Hinds)
with the following information
about your company: name,
address, telephone number,
e-mail address and description
of services/products your
company can provide.
Why do I have
to fill out an affidavit
for contracts and
payments before
I can get paid?
This is a requirement for
any services or purchases
which exceed a dollar value
of $1,000.00 per year (Title
11 of the Oklahoma Statutes
62 O.S. 1993, ss310.9B).
What is the sales
tax number for the
City of Miami?
The City of Miami is not
issued a sales tax number
by the State of Oklahoma
because it is exempt from
state/local taxes pursuant
to Title 68 O.S. 1998 Supp.,
Section 1356(1). We can
provide you with a copy
of a letter from the Oklahoma
Tax Commission for verification.
If there are further questions,
contact the Oklahoma Tax
Commission.
How do I get
a purchase order
number for a product
purchased by the
City of Miami?
If a purchase order is required
prior to the purchase being
made, the person making
the purchase should contact
the purchasing agent's office
for a number.
How do I get
information about
my services/products
to the various departments
of the city?
All information on products/services
should be directed to the
purchasing division for
distribution to the various
departments. After the information
is reviewed by the department
heads, they will contact
the vendor if there is a
need for that particular
service/product.
When will my
city, utility,
or special utility
authority claim
be paid?
City - The Miami City
Council meets twice
monthly (1st & 3rd
Monday of the month)
and approves payment
of claims at that
time. Claims are paid
approximately one
week after they are
approved for payment.
Utility Department - If
the claim is for purchases
made by the utility department,
that board meets the second
Wednesday of each month
and claims are approved
for payment at that time.
Claims are paid approximately
one week after they are
approved.
Special Utility Authority
- If the claim is for purchases
made by the special utility
authority, that board meets
the third Monday of each
month and claims are approved
for payment at that time.
Claims are paid approximately
one week after they are
approved.
May I substitute
a product for the
one which was specified
on an order?
If vendors are unable to
provide the product ordered
and asks to substitute another
product, they would be asked
for specifications of the
product being proposed as
a substitute. Purchasing
will check with the appropriate
department to see if the
substitute is acceptable.
May I be paid
even though the
purchase order I
was issued has not
been completed?
No. Payment is made upon
completion of the purchase
order. At the time the orders
are made, the vendors should
let purchasing know if they
cannot supply all of the
order at the same time.
If this is done, a separate
purchase order would be
issued for the product which
will come in at a later
time.
How long are
vendors kept on
your vendor's list?
Standard time is one (1)
year. If they wish to be
removed from the list, the
purchasing division should
be contacted for removal.
When are items
bid?
Items are bid as
required to provide
services to the
citizens of Miami.
Purchases are made
according to the
provisions set out in the
purchasing policy of the
City of Miami. A copy of
that policy is available
at the office of the purchasing
agent.
What
is the sales tax
percentage in Miami?
8.85%
(4.5% State, 1.35%
County and 3.0% City)
Do
I need a business
license in Miami?
No, the
City of Miami does
not require a business
license. However,
if you have mechanical,
electrical or plumbing
contractor's license,
you must register
at the city to do
business within city
limits.
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EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
What is the City's
standard operating
procedure during
sever weather?
During periods of severe
weather, we begin monitoring
the national weather service
WSR-88 D radar. When we
see that the weather system
is getting close to Ottawa
County, we send trained
weather spotters out to
pre-determined positions
throughout the county. They
in turn relay reports back
to the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) about conditions
that they observe. We usually
have at least 10 spotters
in the field during severe
weather events.
Where are public
shelters located
within the city?
The only public shelter
within the City of Miami
is located at the civic
center. You go down the
ramp on the south side of
the building leading to
the gym entrance and turn
left. (Do not go into the
gym itself.) By turning
left you will go towards
the concession stand. This
area will lead you towards
the EOC which is a hardened
shelter with 12" concrete
walls around it as well
as being underground. We
can accommodate approximately
100 people.
What does WSR-88D
radar mean?
This stands for Weather
Service Radar commissioned
in 1988 the D stands for
Doppler. Doppler simply
means that the radar can
detect the Doppler shift
associated with particles
that are moving either away
from or towards the radar.
Do you have the
ability to view
radar from the EOC?
Yes, we have access to real-time
weather service radar.
How many people do you
have in your organization?
We have over 50 volunteers
in addition to the deputy
director and director, who
are paid city employees.
The state and federal government
match 50 percent of office
costs.
What is Project
Impact?
Project Impact is a partnership
between Miami, the state,
and FEMA to make Miami a
more disaster-resistant
community. There are several
ways that we attempt to
accomplish this. Public
education makes people more
aware of actions that they
can take to protect themselves
and their property is only
one way that we can accomplish
the task of making Miami
a disaster resistant community.
Have homes
have been acquired
in the flood zone?
We have bought and removed
homes located in the flood
plain. All the houses that
have been purchased are
repetitive loss flood structures
and are located throughout the City.
What actions
does the City take
when there is a
disaster?
When there is a disaster
or emergency situation in
the community, the emergency
management coordinator is
the point of contact between
all state and federal aid
that is available to the
City. The emergency management
coordinator helps coordinate
the efforts of all City
department heads to ensure
emergency situations are
responded to effectively.
This individual also coordinates
damage assessment. No state
or federal assistance is
issued until damage is fully
assessed.
How do I join
the volunteers and
become active in
emergency management?
We meet every fourth Tuesday
of the month at the EOC
located at the civic center.
If you want to become a
member, you must fill out
an application, which is
reviewed by the emergency
management review board.
After background checks
and verification of information
are satisfactorily completed
and you are accepted by
the board, you will be issued
an ID card and a radio number.
Where does a
person go to serve
as a Miami emergency
volunteer?
We have a variety of different
positions available. For
example, if you specialize
in communications or computers,
we will try to place you
in a relevant position.
If you want to be a storm
spotter, we will provide
training in that area and
assign you to that task.
Regardless of whether or
not you have specialized
training, we will eagerly
utilize your abilities to
help the community and its
citizens.
Oklahoma Road
Conditions (click
here)
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Code Enforcement:
What are the nuisance code administrator's main areas of concern?
- mowing of property
- trash and debris
- securing of abandoned buildings
- removal/remodel of dilapidated structures
- removal/storage of abandoned vehicles
What are the procedures for addressing violations?
- abatement letter issued, giving a compliance deadline
- failure to comply will result in a City cleanup followed by a lien against the property, or the issuance of a citation to appear in the City's municipal court
What constitutes trash and debris?
Garbage and litter fall under this category, but it also includes any indoor item (furniture, appliances, etc.) that is outside and any items that appear to have been discarded or unkempt. Any such items must be stored in an enclosed area or disposed of accordingly.
When is my vehicle considered abandoned?
Any vehicle that is: not currently tagged, has flat tires, is partially dismantled or wrecked, is not in operating order, or in any way appears to be abandoned is considered an abandoned vehicle. If you own such a vehicle, it is never to be kept on the street or on the property.
If I have a disabled vehicle, what must I do to be in compliance?
If the vehicle is going to remain on your property longer than ten (10) days, you must obtain a vehicle permit from the code enforcement office. Permits are issued for a six (6)month period of time to the owner of the vehicle. Progress toward making the vehicle operable must be shown during this six (6) month period. If no progress is made, the permit can be revoked.
How high does the grass have to be before I am in violation of the City code?
The grass and/or weeds cannot exceed 12 inches.
Am I responsible for the mowing and upkeep of the alleyway since it is a City easement?
The answer to this question is YES! A city easement is really only a right-of-way that allows the City access to maintain its improvements. The property actually belongs to the owner, from the center of the alley to the center of the street. Any upkeep or improvements thereof, are the responsibility of the owner.
Do I have to give my name when reporting a possible code violation?
No, you are not required to identify yourself. However, identifying yourself does allow us to perform follow-up calls in cases where the problem may not be a City code violation or may fall under the jurisdiction of another agency.
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ENGINEERING
AND INSPECTIONS
Floodplain
and Stormwater Management:
How
can I find out if
my property is in
the floodplain?
The FEMA floodplain map
is located in the engineering
office for review.
Can
I build in a floodplain?
You
can build in a floodplain
if you build your
structure above the
flood plain level
and if you have an
engineer certify that
your project will
not raise the flood
elevation above 0.5
foot. Note: All projects in the floodplain require a permit per FEMA guidelines. Please call (918) 541-2327 for information.
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Utility and
Infrastructure Design:
What
are the design
standards for streets
and sewers?
Design
standards are established
by the City engineer
and are on file in
the engineering office.
Who
can do the design
of utilities and
public works infrastructure?
An
oklahoma registered
engineer must sign
all utility and infrastructure
plans.
Does
the City of Miami
have a standard
drawing sheet
that engineering
consultants must
use to design utilities
and infrastructure
for the City of
Miami?
A
standard drawing sheet
can be obtained by
calling the engineering
office. A copy can
be sent to the design
engineer by U. S.
mail or e-mail.
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Zoning and
Planning:
Where
is a street located?
The
engineering office
maintains official
copies of the street
maps of the City of
Miami. You may call
or visit our office
to determine the location
of streets.
What
is the address for
this property?
The engineering
office assigns addresses
for property inside
city limits. Addresses may
be assigned or found by
visiting our office.
Is there an easement
located on this
property?
The engineering
office can review
the City maps and
subdivision maps and determine
if your property has any
easements.
How
can I find out
if this property
is zoned for business?
A City zoning
map and a copy
of the City of
Miami Zoning Code
is located in
the engineering
office. This map
and the code can
be referenced to determine
what use a property is
suitable for.
Are
utilities in place
at or near the
site?
Utility maps for
water, sewer and
electric are located
in the engineering office.
Where
is this property
located?
With a legal description
the location can be determined.
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Inspections:
When
is a building permit
required?
A permit is required for almost any building project. There are a few exceptions for cosmetic changes to a building. Please call the engineering office (918) 541-2329 to discuss any changes you are proposing to determine if you need a permit. Electrical
and plumbing permits are
required for any electrical
or plumbing work.
To get a building permit, the City as a minimum, requires a scaled site plan of the work to be performed. The site plan can be drawn on simple grid paper. Placement of the work within the lot lines is very important. You may print out a copy of the permit and a sheet of grid paper to make your drawing on the forms portion of this website. A sample site plan is also listed on the forms page. Please refer to the permit checklist below to make this procedure as smooth as possible. Engineering personnel can help you with any questions you may have.
Permit Checklist:
1. Does this work comply with current zoning requirements?
2. Is this site over 1 acre? If yes, you must apply for a stormwater permit from the ODEQ.
3. Is this work in the floodplain? Work in the floodplain must have a floodplain permit and meet all floodplain requirements.
4. What is the estimated cost of this work?
5. Who are the licensed contractors performing the work?
How much does
a City building permit
cost?
There is a minimum $10 charge
for a building with construction
costs of up to $10,000.
An additional $1 per $1,000
over $10,000 of construction
costs will be added to the
$10 minimum fee.
When do we need
a City inspection?
Any type of construction
will require an inspection.
What
are the adopted
building codes for
the City of Miami?
1.
2000 International
Building Code
2. 1999 National Electric
Code
3. 2000 International Electric
Code
4. 2000 Property Maintenance Code
5. 2000 International Mechanical
Code
6. 2000 International Plumbing
Code
7. 2000 Residential Building
Code
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
What are the statistics
on fire deaths?
Each year over 4,500 Americans
die and more than 30,000 are
injured in fires, many of
which could be prevented.
Unfortunately, an average
of 100 firefighters lose their
lives annually.
What should I do
in case of fire?
There is little time! In less
than 30 seconds a small flame
can get completely out of
control and turn into a major
fire. It only takes minutes
for thick black smoke to fill
a house. In minutes, a house
can be engulfed in flames.
Most fires occur in the home
when people are asleep. If
you wake up to a fire, you
won't have time to grab valuables
because fire spreads too quickly
and the smoke is too thick.
There is only time to escape.
Dial 911 from a neighbor's
house.
Can a person die
in a fire without
being burned?
Yes! Smoke and toxic gases
actually kill more people
than flames do. Fire uses
up the oxygen you need and
produces smoke and poisonous
gases that kill. Breathing
even small amounts of smoke
and toxic gases can make you
drowsy, disoriented, and short
of breath. The odorless, colorless
fumes can lull you into a
deep sleep before the flames
reach your door. You may not
wake up in time to escape.
What is the leading
causes of fires and
fire deaths?
Cooking is the leading cause
of home fires in the United
States. Cooking fires often
result from unattended cooking
and human error, rather than
mechanical failure of stoves
or ovens.
Careless smoking is the leading
cause of fire deaths. Smoke
alarms and smolder resistant
bedding and upholstered furniture
are significant fire deterrents.
Heating is the second cause
of residential fires and ties
with arson as the second leading
cause of fire deaths. However,
heating fires are a larger
problem in single family homes
than in apartments. Unlike
apartments, the heating systems
in single family homes are
often not professionally maintained.
Arson is the third leading
cause of residential fires
and the second leading cause
of residential fire deaths.
In commercial properties,
arson is the major cause of
deaths, injuries and dollar
loss.
Who is most at
risk?
Senior citizens and children
under the age of five have
the greatest risk of fire
death. The fire death risk
among seniors is more than
double the average population.
The fire death risk for children
under age five is nearly double
the risk of the average population.
Children under the age of
10 accounted for an estimated
18 percent of all fire deaths
in 1995. Over 30 percent of
the fires that kill young
children are started by children
playing with fire. Men die
or are injured in fires twice
as often as women.
What can I do to
increase my chances
of surviving a fire?
A working smoke alarm dramatically
increases a person's chance
of surviving a fire. Approximately
90 percent of U.S. homes have
at least one smoke alarm.
However, these alarms are
not always properly maintained
and as a result might not
work in an emergency. There
has been a disturbing increase
over the last ten years in
the number of fires that occur
in homes with non-functioning
alarms.
What can I do to
insure smoke detector
is working?
Replace batteries
yearly. Dead batteries
is the leading cause
of smoke detector failure.
Use your birthday or
some other significant
day to help you remember.
Replace the entire smoke
detector every ten
(10) years.
Do smoke detectors really
save lives?
YES! Most fatal home fires
occur at night, while people
are asleep. Poisonous gases
and smoke from a fire in your
home can numb the senses in
a very short time. Every home
needs a device that can wake
people up in time to escape
from a fire. Of all the low-cost
fire alarm devices you can
buy, Miami Fire Department
considers smoke detectors
to be one of the most effective.
Where do fires
in the home most often
start?:
1.Kitchen 29%
2.Bedroom 13%
3.Living Room 7%
4.Chimney 5%
5.Laundry Area 4%
6.Miscellaneous/Unknown 42%
Should I install a sprinkler
system in my home?
Each person must answer that
question for themselves. Although
we protect our businesses
from fire, what actions do
we take to protect our families,
our homes, and our possessions
from fire?
Millions of Americans have
installed smoke detectors
in their homes in the past
few years, but a detector
can only alert the occupants
to a fire in the house. It
cannot contain or extinguish
a fire, but residential sprinkler
systems can. Studies by the
Federal Emergency Management
Agency's United States Fire
Administration indicate that
the installation of residential
fire sprinkler systems could
have saved thousands of lives,
prevented a large portion
of those injuries and eliminated
hundreds of millions of dollars
in property losses.
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LIBRARY
What
are your hours?
-
Monday,
Wednesday, & Thursday:
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-
Tuesday,
Friday, & Saturday:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-
Sunday:
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
How
can I get a library
card?
In
order to obtain a
card, a resident must
come to the library
in person and show
verification of his
or her current address
and personal information. A
library card is free
to residents of Ottawa County,
and $5.00 a year for
a person living outside
of Ottawa County.
Do
you have a genealogy
department?
Yes,
we do. Patrons may use the genealogy department on their own any time during regular library hours; however, individuals needing help with research will need to come during the hours the department is staffed, which are the following hours:
Monday 1 - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - noon
Wednesday 1-5pm
Thursday 1-5pm
Friday 1-5pm
Do
you have a copier/fax
machine/internet
access?
Yes,
we have all three.
Copier costs: $.10 per page
Fax machine costs: $1.00
per page plus $1.00 per
long distance phone call
Internet access is free. Printing costs $.10 per black & white page; $.25 per color page .
Is
my book still on
hold?
You can check what you have on hold by logging onto your account on our online catalog at www.miami.lib.ok.us and click on the catalog icon. Enter the barcode number from the back of your library card. Your password is your last name.
You can also check on holds by calling the library at (918)
541-2292.
Do
you give instructions
on internet use?
We
do give very basic
instructions on how
to get on the internet
and do basic searches. However,
we do not have the
available staffing
required for detailed
instruction.
When
is the book sale?
It
is usually held the last weekend in April each
year. Please
call 541-2292 to verify
the exact date.
Do
you take donated
books?
Yes. We
accept books throughout
the year.
What
is your telephone
number?
(918)
541-2292 and (918)
541-2293
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MUNICIPAL COURT
What
are some reasons
my driver's license
can be suspended
by the
Oklahoma Department of Public
Safety (DPS)?
1. Failure to notify
previous insurance carrier
when changing insurance
to another company;
2. Failure to pay
fines assessed to you in
any state in the United
States;
3. Failure to appear
for scheduled court appearance
in any state in the United
States;
3. DWI charge: license
may be reinstated upon completion
of attending state mandatory
DWI school;
4. Possession of drugs;
4. Exceed number of
allowable points as per
DPS regulations;
5. Drop out of school
before 18 years of age (if
not in school and you apply
for DL - you cannot receive
one until you reach 18 years
of age or proof of attending
school).
KEEP YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE CURRENT
If your driver's license expires, even by one day, you will be required to present your birth certificate and another form of ID as required by the licensing agency - before your license can be renewed. This may take several weeks, if you do not have the necessary documentation. Until you obtain a current license, you will not be legal to drive, and charges may be filed against you for driving without a current driver's license.
My citation was for
driving with no insurance?
What if I have found
my proof of insurance?
Bring your proof of insurance
in to court BEFORE the court date on your citation
during normal business hours. If insurance coverage was obtained AFTER your citation, you MUST appear in court on the date noted on the citation.
What if I forget my
court date?
Contact the court as soon
as possible. If you
failed to appear, the judge
will have ordered a bench
warrant for your arrest
and violation information
will be forwarded to DPS.
What
is DPS?
Oklahoma's Department of
Public Safety [DPS] is the
record keeping agency for
this state. Oklahoma has
a reciprocal agreement with
all but three states within
the United States. When
a citation is forwarded
to DPS, you will most likely
lose your driving privileges.
Driving privileges will
be reinstated only after
paying all outstanding citations,
and the reinstatement fee
as charged by the state.
May I pay my fine or
payments in cash or personal
check?
Cash is preferred if paying
in person. Personal checks
are accepted only if approved
by the court staff. If mailing
payment, money order or
cashiers check is accepted pay.
Can I pay after hours, weekends, and holidays?
Payments may be made at the Miami Police Department. A receipt may be obtained the next business day at the court. Additional after hour payment information.
What if I cannot pay
my fines today?
You must appear in court
and ask the judge for a
payment agreement. The court
will suspend your driving
privileges and/or issue
a warrant for your arrest
if you fail to pay your
fine on time. These types
of actions will result in
additional cost to you.
How many points will
appear on my driving record
as a result of
citation?
You must call Department
of Public Safety for that
information (405) 425-2098
or (918) 296-5810 .
Will I be required to
perform community service?
As a part of your sentence
for certain offenses, the
judge may require you to
perform a certain number
of hours of community service.
Community service is performed
under the supervision of
the court administrator.
You will be charged a filing
fee and monthly fees.
Can I pay my citation
prior to the scheduled
court date and not appear
in court?
Certain violations may be
paid prior to your scheduled
court date. A complete
list of payable offenses
is available by accessing
a Fine Schedule, which is
usually given to you by
the arresting officer or
the court administrator's
office. Citation Instructions and Citation Report
If I pay my fines before
going to court, will the
fine be less; and will there
be no court costs?
No, the amount of the fine
will be the same. Court
costs are always paid. Going
to court does not mean you
will pay more.
Where does the money
go that is collected from
fines, court costs, etc.
paid to the court?
All money collected from
fines and court costs is
deposited with the City
treasurer's office and credited
to the City's general fund. State
mandated fees of $19 are
sent to C.L.E.E.T. and O.S.B.I. The $35 bond fee is added to the initial filing of any bond, of which $25 goes to the jail entity (Ottawa County Sheriff's Office).
Marriage
licenses, small
claims, and tickets
issued by state
patrol (OHP) and
other jurisdictions:
Contact
the Ottawa County
court clerk's office
(918) 542-2801 during
normal business hours.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Where
do I go to pay a
traffic ticket?
The Miami Civic Center municipal
court room, 129 5th Ave.
N.W., Miami, OK 74354.
Where do I go to get
a copy of an accident or
offense report or arrest
record?
A copy can be obtained at
the police department records
division.
Do you provide handicapped
stickers?
No, but we do provide the
application forms that must
be completed by you and
your doctor.
Do you have an animal
shelter?
Yes, the animal control
officer can be contacted
by calling the police department at (918) 542-5585.
Can you provide financial
aid to citizens in need?
Yes, we can help through
funds from the Salvation
Army after paperwork has
been completed and approved.
I need to obtain a
protective order, how
do I apply for one?
To apply for a protective
order you need to go to
the Ottawa County Courthouse, 3rd
floor.
Where
do I go to make
a report?
The
police department,
where the dispatcher
will contact an officer
to come in and take
your report.
Where
do I pay for a parking
ticket?
Parking
tickets may be paid
at the police department's
City court.
When
is a suspect going
to be arrested?
As soon as the district
attorney or City judge makes a decision
on the case, which can take
several weeks.
When can I get my property
back?
Once a case is completed
and the district attorney
gives a release of the property,
which can take from 6 months
to 5 year.
How do I get restitution?
You must seek civil, not
criminal action through civil court.
When is the City auction?
It is usually once a year,
watch newspaper advertisements
or you can contact the purchasing
department at 541-2224.
When is the property
room officer in?
9 am -5 pm, Monday - Friday.
except Holidays
Where are the "lost & found" bicycles
held?
In the fenced area at the
west end of the department.
Why can't suspects
be arrested ?
Each case has a set criteria
that must be met to formulate
the case for an arrest.
Many times, if all criteria
are not met, an arrest cannot
be made.
Why is my electricity
off?
It is either storm related,
an accident, a power surge,
or a
transformer problem. You
can call the utility operation
center (541-2240) for more
information.
What are the road conditions?
The current weather information
that our department passes
along is provided by the
Oklahoma State Highway Patrol or the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety website.
Can we shoot fireworks within city limits?
No, it is against City ordinance.
I locked my keys in my
car, can an officer come
and unlock my door?
Under City policy, we are
not allowed to unlock vehicles.
You will need to contact
either a locksmith or wrecker.
What is the number
to the Ottawa County sheriff's
department?
(918) 542-2806
Are we having school
today?
We are not generally notified
of school closings. However,
your local TV station can
advise.
Is it going to flood?
How high is it going to
get?
We suggest that you get
in touch with the City's
emergency management department
at (918) 541-2275.
What are the animal
control officer's hours?
The animal control officer
is on duty from 7:00 a.m.
- 2:45 p.m., Monday - Friday
(excluding holidays). We
can transfer you to his
extension to leave a message
regarding adoptions or retrieving
pets that have been picked
up.
Can you run my car
tag or license and see
if I'm suspended?
State law allows this to
be done only for law enforcement
purposes.
How
do I contact the
Oklahoma Highway
Patrol?
You can
dial them directly
at (918) 256-3388
or *55.
When there is
an activity scheduled
for the weekend
at the civic center,
can you open the
civic center or
gym?
No, but we can contact the
maintenance department or
you can dial direct (918)
541-2262.
Can I call 911 to verify
my 911 address?
911 should not be dialed
for any reason other than
an emergency. Pat
Dale, 911 director, should
be contacted for information
regarding 911 at (918) 541-2319.
What if I have a need, but it is not an emergency?
211 is a free dialing code with the United Way that puts people in need with the services provided in our community, such as shelter and food. For more information on this program contact United Way Director Tisha Able at: (918) 542-8677.
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PUBLIC UTILITY
DEPARTMENT
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General:
What
is the cost for
a sewer tap?
There is no initial cost
although there is a monthly
charge based on water consumption.
What is the cost of
a water tap?
It varies with the size
of line required:
Normal
Residential: ¾ inch
tap $475
Normal
Commercial:
1
inch tap $ 600
2 inch tap $1,850
3 inch tap $3,100
4 inch tap $3,750
6 inch tap - installed on
a time and materials cost
basis.
Why are you changing
out my water meter?
We keep records of when
a meter goes into service.
We periodically change meters
out to insure the accuracy
of the reading.
Who sets utility rates?
The utility board recommends
rate changes to the City
council who makes the final
decision on all rate increases.
When I am affected
by an outage, how long
will my electric be off?
Most outages can be corrected
within a few minutes, in
a storm situation it can
be much longer. When you
experience an outage, please
call 542-6685 and give the
operator your address. The
operator will give you a
good estimate of the duration
of the outage. If you are
affected during a large
outage at night, please
turn your porch light switch
to the "on" position
for our workers. They can
efficiently make repairs
when they can easily see
who has power and who is
still without power as they
progress in their work to
restore service.
Why is my water rusty?
Rusty water indicates a
disturbance in the water
line, which could be caused
by a crew fixing a water
leak nearby or a fire hydrant
in use. It should clear
up in a few hours. It is
best to refrain from washing
clothes during this time.
The brown color is from
iron (rust) suspended in
the water; though the water
is not harmful to drink,
it can discolor clothes.
If you experience rust problems
in your laundry, BEFORE
drying that laundry, give
us a call for help on removing
the rust.
What is the quality of the water produced by the City of Miami?
Current water quality report
How long will my water
be off?
For routine maintenance,
service is usually interrupted
for 15 minutes or less.
If a large water leak has
occurred, it could take
as long as 2 hours for crews
to repair it. Call 542-6685
and give the operator your
address. The operator can
give you a good estimate
of the duration of the service
interruption.
Why is it necessary
to trim/cut my trees?
We have a tree-trimming
program, which keeps tree
limbs from disrupting power.
We monitor trees in the
easements and alleys for
this purpose. This preventive
maintenance program helps
insure that small storms
will create fewer power
problems, if any, and large
storm outages can be handled
in a more timely manner.
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Utility
Billing:
Why is my sewer
charge more than
my water bill?
The cost to collect
and treat our
wastewater is
considerably higher
than the cost
to pump our water
from the wells and treat
(chlorinate) it. Therefore,
the sewer rate is $2.90
per 1,000 gallons water
used and the water rate
is $2.25 per 1,000 gallons
water used.
Where can I pay my
utility bill?
You can pay at any of the
following locations:
a. Miami Public Utilities office at 129 5th Ave NW
b.
Drop off at
our night deposit box at 129 5th Ave NW
c.
Through the mail
d. By automatic bank draft
This
list is also provided
on your utility bill.
What are the
utility office hours?
Office hours are 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except holidays.
Why is my water bill
so high?
The most frequent problem
is a toilet stool leak.
We have free dye tablets
available in the utility
office that can help detect
a leak in the toilet. Many
times this can be fixed
with a $3 part available
at any local hardware store.
We can install water meters
used specifically for summer
activities for a small installation
fee. No sewer charge is
assessed on this meter.
Please contact the Utility
Office if interested.
Why is my electric
bill so high?
Tips to help keep costs
down:
a. When using your air conditioner,
keep the temperature fairly
stable all day. Do not turn
off during the day and start
in the evening.
b.
Change air conditioner
filter monthly.
c.
Turn off lights when
not in use.
d.
Use of electric heaters
in the winter will
cause consumption
to increase.
How does the City of Miami Public Utility Department's rates compare with other cities?
Rate Survey
Can I change
the due date of
my utility bill?
The City of Miami is divided
into four sections. This
is to provide a route for
the meter readers to read
each meter each month. The
bills are then prepared
once a month for each section
of town.
How can I get faster
service at the utility
window?
Be prepared by having your
bill and check made out
before you get to the window.
If you do not need a receipt,
we have a second drop box
lane, adjacent to the window
in which to leave your payment.
We check this box at 8:00
a.m. every business day.
Why is my deposit so
high?
The utility billings office
now has standard deposits
for residential customers,
$75 for a homeowner and
$125 for a lessee. Our office
will also accept letters
of credit from previous
utility services.
Can I pay my deposit
in installments?
No. The full deposit must
be paid before service will
be authorized and activated.
When I disconnected
my service, I paid my
bill in full. Why do I
have a final bill?
The bill you paid in full
at the time of your disconnect
order was actually for the
previous month's service.
We go out and get a final
reading on your disconnect
date, and your final bill
is for the last month you
lived there.
What method of payment
can we use to pay our
utility bills?
Check, cash, money order,
cashier's check, visa debit
cards and master card or by automatic bank draft. This service is provided free of charge. Sign up forms for this service are available at the utility office or online.
What are the benefits of being on automatic bank draft?
It saves you time by not having to write out a monthly payment. It also saves postage (if you pay by mail) and gas (if you pay in person), and ensures that your account is paid on time.
Who can sign up for automatic bank draft?
Residential and commercial customers who have a current utility account and a checking or savings account can sign up.
How much is the fee to be on automatic bank draft?
This service is free of charge to our customers. However, check with your financial institution to see if they charge any related fees.
When will my automatic bank draft start?
Your utility account balance must be current, with no outstanding balance due. Then, at the next billing cycle, you should be enrolled in automatic bank draft unless your new bill was printed during the enrollment process.
Will I continue to receive a bill?
Yes. You will receive a bill each month. Once you are enrolled with automatic bank draft, you will notice a message on the bill that states: "Draft Customer Do Not Pay."
How will I know when the money will be taken out of my account?
Each month, the exact draft date will be noted on the bill you will continue to receive in the mail. If this falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be processed on the next business day
Can I select the date to have my payment taken out of my account?
Dates cannot be selected due to the billing cycle process.
What if I don't have money in my account on the draft date?
If the draft is dishonored or returned, a $25 fee will be added to your utility account. Once the utility office has been notified, you will have a 24-hour notice to pay your bill and the $25 fee to avoid disconnection of your utilities.
Can I specify how much you can draft from my account?
No. At this time, the entire utility bill is drafted for payment.
What if I change financial institutions (bank, savings & loan, credit union)? Contact us immediately at 918-542-6685 to let us know of the change. Then, you may submit the new information by mail or in person. We will need for you to submit a voided check from your new account in order for us to verify information through the bank.
What if I move to another address in Miami?
No problem, automatic bank draft can be transferred to another account. You will need to call 918-542-6685 to advise us that you want the draft forwarded to the new address.
The utility account is not in my name. Can I still pay from my bank account?
Yes. When you complete the Automatic Bank Draft Application Form, include the account's service address and your voided check and bank account information.
What if I have more than one utility account?
We can draft for more than one utility account. Just complete one application form, list all the utility accounts on a separate sheet and return both with a voided check.
What if after I sign up, I decide I don't want to automatic bank draft my account any longer?
If you decide you no longer wish us to draft your account, contact us immediately at 918-542-6685. Then, at the next billing cycle, you should NOT be enrolled in automatic bank draft unless your new bill was printed during the discontinue process.
How do I enroll?
You may come by our office Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 129 5th NW to pick up an application or contact us at 918-542-6685 to have an application mailed or faxed to you. When you complete the Automatic Bank Draft Application Form, include the your utility account number and your voided check with bank account information. Then, at the next billing cycle, you should be enrolled in automatic bank draft unless your new bill was printed during the enrollment process.
What if I have any other questions?
Our customer service representatives will be glad to help you with any further questions about this or any other program or service offered by the City of Miami. You may come by our office Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or contact us at 918-542-6685. What
happens if my service
gets disconnected
for non-payment
of the bill?
You must pay your full bill
plus a $30 service charge
to be reconnected during
regular business hours.
After hours reconnection
service charges are higher
due to having to pay the
additional expense of calling-in
city personnel to complete
the work. Also, depending upon account information, an additional security deposit starting at $50 may be required.
How much notice is
needed in order to have
utility services connected?
We can issue an order the
same day and complete the
activation if it is placed
by 4:00 p.m.
How much does it cost
to put service in?
A $20 service charge plus
deposit. Please note, someone must be home during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) to set the water service. If you need to schedule turning your service on after 5:00 p.m. it will be an additional $40 between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and $50 after 9:00 p.m.
What if I cannot pay
my bill?
Please contact the utility
office for payment arrangements
before the bill is due.
How do I get a security
light?
You must come in and sign
a contract to keep the light
for 1 year. The department
issues a work order to install
it. If you use an
existing pole, it is a $10
a month starting January
1, 2006. If you need a pole,
it is a $100 one-time
charge and the light is
$13 a month and the contract
is for 3 years. Flood
lighting is available for
commercial usage. (Click
here) to download
an agreement for area light
service.
Other
billing questions?
Please
contact Teresa Asbell at 918-541-2205.
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Technical:
How do I get
a seasonal meter?
Any customer
wishing to have
a seasonal meter
installed needs
to visit the
utility office
to fill out
the appropriate
paperwork requesting the
meter and pay the additional
charges to obtain the seasonal
meter. The customer
will need to obtain a licensed
plumber. The licensed
plumber needs to call the
city inspector to advise
what kind of watering system
will be inst |