Frequently Asked Questions
CITY COUNCIL
Q. When and where are the City Council meetings?
A. The City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Tuscola City Hall, 214 N. Main. The pending meeting agenda, currently approved minutes, and yearly schedule of meetings is available by clicking here .
Q. How can I be placed on the agenda for a City Council meeting?
A. You may stop by City Hall to complete a form to be placed on the agenda. The form is also available on this web site on the City Council page. Forms must be returned to City Hall by noon on the Friday prior to the requested meeting.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Q. How do I rent the community building?
A. Contact City Hall (253-2112).
Q. What is the rental fee?
A. Click on the link to Community Buiding Information
Q. What is the size of the community building?
A. The community building is an air conditioned building with an auditorium measuring 68' x 70' = 4,760 sq. ft.; occupancy load with chairs only - 475; with tables and chairs - 300. For more details about fire safety and safe use of the this building, see Exhibit B • Community Building Rules DOWNLOAD PDF • DOWNLOAD WORD
COMPLAINTS
Q. Where do I call to report a complaint regarding weeds or trash on properties within the City Limits?
A. All weed and trash complaints are to be handled by the Tuscola Police Department (253- 2351). Complaint forms are available by clicking here.
Q. Where do I call to report a complaint regarding junk buildings or fences within the City Limits?
A. All complaints of this type are to be handled by the building inspector at City Hall (253- 2112). Complaint forms are available by clicking here.
Q. Who should I contact with all other complaints.
A. You may contact our City Administrator at City Hall (253-2112) or your council person. Council members are listed on the Officials web page.
GARBAGE/LANDSCAPE WASTE
Q. When is pickup day for garbage?
A. Pickup day for garbage is Wednesday. Veolia Solid Waste Midwest, Inc. request that garbage be placed out for pickup by 6:00 a.m.
Q. How do I acquire a garbage tote on wheels?
A. You must call Veolia Solid Waste Midwest, Inc. (1-800-469-7404) to rent a garbage tote on wheels. The cost is $16.50/year.
Q. What is the fee for garbage collection?
A. The fee is $10.84 per month, which is included on your water bill.
Q. Who do I call if my garbage was not picked up?
A. Veolia Solid Waste Midwest, Inc. (1-800-469-7404)
Q. How do I dispose of old appliances or other large items?
A. Tickets for large items may be purchased at Tuscola Do-It-Best. The cost is $15.00. Once a ticket is purchased, it should be placed on the item and put out on the normal garbage pick-up day.
Q. Where can I take my yard waste?
A. Yard waste may be taken to the landscape waste facility located on the first road south of the railroad track going east off of Prairie Street. No limbs over 4 inches in diameter and no plastic bags are allowed.
Q. What are the hours of the landscape waste facility?
A. Monday thru Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 7:00 a.m. to noon
Q. Does the City pick up yard waste?
A. No, the City does not pick up yard waste unless it is storm debris. Storm debris must by placed out by the street shortly following the storm.
Q. Does the City allow the burning of trash or landscape waste?
A. No, city codes and state laws do not allow burning of any material within the city or the city's zoning jurisdiction of 1 1/2 miles. Exceptions: Recreational fires (usually for cooking). Approved fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Closed furnace incinerators approved by the fire chief. Environmental burns approved by the fire chief. Contact information on the Fire Department page.
PARK AND POOL
Q. Can I reserve a pavilion at the park?
A. The park pavilions are on a "first come; first serve" basis. No reservations are taken or required.
Q. How do I reserve the pool for a private pool party.
A. Call the Tuscola pool at 253-4932.
Q. What are the pool hours?
A. Pool hours are 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The pool does close due to inclement weather and should the temperature fall below 70 degrees.
Q. What are the park hours?
A. Ervin Park shall be open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday of each week, throughout the months of April through October of each year. However, the opening and closing of the park may be accelerated or delayed by the City Council, depending upon the weather conditions.
PERMITS
Q. What kind of building related construction permits does the City require?
A. Building and Electrical Permits. Plumbing and HVAC are inspected but not permitted at this time. Go to the Building Department web page and download the "Contractor Information" page for complete information.
Q. Who should I contact for a building or electrical permit?
A. The Building Inspector at City Hall (253-2112). Applications for all permits as well as other contractor codes, fees, and requirements are available on the Building Department web page.
Permit fees may be paid online. Go to the city's E-Pay web page
Q. What are the required setbacks from property lines, for structures, fences, yard sheds, etc. in the city’s zoning jurisdiction (that includes a mile and one half outside the corporate boundaries)?
A. In Residential Zoning Districts: Main structure: 25’ front, rear, and any street-facing yard. 8’ side yards are required, 10’ from alleys. If the lot or subdivision was recorded before 12/31/53, a 25% reduction of the above setbacks is allowed. Accessory Buildings and other structures are not allowed in the front yard setback or street facing yard, except a fence that does not materially impede vision or one not more than 30" tall. Otherwise, setbacks for accessory structures are 10’ rear and alleys and 6’ side yards (and must be at least 5’ from the main structure) and require a footing and foundation at, or below frost level (32 inches in Central IL) Exception – if 400 square feet or less AND 10 feet or less in height, they may be 3 feet from rear and side PLs and 10 feet from alley PLs, and do not require a footing and foundation below frost level.
All other Zoning Districts: Go to the Table & Height & Area Table in the City Ordinances or check with the building official.
Q. Do I need a permit to sell fireworks or discharge fireworks for display?
A. Yes, and the permit application is available on the Fire Department page,
Fire Prevention Tab.
Note: The City of Tuscola does not permit or allow "Consumer Fireworks" or "Consumer Fireworks Displays"
Q. What is the Tuscola Building Department ISO Rating?
A. ISO 4
WATER/SEWER
Q. Water are the Water and Sewer Tap Fees?
A. Water taps – $600.00 for a tap of a ¾” lateral line (from the main) , up to 40 feet, and the meter. Add $300.00 if more than 40 feet or lateral line traverses a paved street. Larger than ¾”, will be actual cost of installing the meter and appurtenances.
Sewer taps – Residential $250.00. Add $40.00 per unit or room for multi-family and motels. Commercial $300.00. Industrial $500.00
Q. How do I apply for water service?
A. An "Application for Municipal Water Service" must be completed and returned to City Hall, 214 N. Main. Driver's license (or state ID) and social security numbers are needed. If renting, a $100.00 deposit is required. Applications are available on the Water Department page.
Q. When is my deposit returned?
A. Deposits are returned after twenty-four months of good pay history, should you move out of town, or purchase a home.
Q. When is my water/sewer bill due?
A. Bills are due on the 10th of the month. As of the 11th, a 10% penalty is applied. The 20th of the month is disconnect day.
Q. Should my water be disconnected due to nonpayment, what are the requirements to have it reconnected?
A. To have water reconnected due to nonpayment, the amount of the bill is required along with a $25.00 reconnect fee. A $100.00 deposit will also be required, if one is not already on file.
Q. Where should I pay my water bill?
A. You may pay your water bill at any banking facility in town, or at City Hall, 214 N. Main. Should you pay at City Hall, you may pay in person, or use our drop box. You may also pay with a credit card by going to the city's E-Pay web page or by direct bank payment - see link below.
Q. Can I pay my water/sewer bill with a credit card?
A. Water/sewer bills may be paid online. Go to the city's E-Pay web page
Q. Can I pay my water/sewer bill by direct bank payment?
A. Yes, go to the Water Department page, and download the Direct Pay Authorization Form, and submit it to the City of Tuscola.
Q. What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my water bill?
A. If you are unable to pay the entire bill before disconnection, we can make a payment agreement to defer 1/2 of the total amount due. The agreement must be made at City Hall prior to disconnection of service. The balance of the bill must be paid before the end of the month in which the agreement was made. A customer is allowed 3 payment agreements within a twelve month period. If a customer has a hardship and cannot pay even 1/2 of the bill, we will refer them to a charitable organization to apply for assistance.
Q. If I fill a swimming pool, do I have to pay the sewer portion of water used to fill the pool?
A. Yes, we do not give discounts on the water or sewer portion of your water bill due to the filling of a swimming pool.
Q. Who should I contact if I have a water leak after hours or on the weekend?
A. You may contact the Douglas County Sheriff's office (253-2913). They will page our City Services Foreman.
Q. Are water meter readings ever estimated?
A. The only time readings are estimated is due to inclement weather such as meter pits being covered with snow or full of water.
Q. Who should I contact if I am having problems with my sewer lines?
A. Please contact City Hall (253-2112) prior to contacting a repair service. Our sewer department will be able to verify if the problem is on the City's side or if you need to contact a repair service.
OTHER
Q. Are City Ordinances on this web page?
A. Yes, go to City Ordinances
Q. Who should I contact if there is a loose dog in my neighborhood?
A. Call City Hall (253-2112). After hours, contact the City of Tuscola Police Dept. (253-2351) or the Douglas County Sheriff's office (253-2913).
Q. Where do I pay a speeding ticket?
A. All traffic violations are to be paid at the Douglas County Circuit Clerk's office (253-2352) located in the Douglas County Courthouse.
Q. What is the telephone number for the Driver's License Examining Station (DMV)?
A. 253-2813
Q. How do I apply for membership on the fire department:
A. Go to the fire department web site to download an application form.
Q. What is the Tuscola Fire Department ISO Rating?
A. ISO 5
Q. What does the "StormReady Community" sign posted as you enter Tuscola, mean?
A. Tuscola is one of 33 communities in the State of IL who have this designation. StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, awareness, and warning systems. In order to obtain the designation the city had to meet stringent criteria. For more detailed information about this designation, visit the National Weather Service "Storm Ready" link.
Q. What is the Tuscola Building Department ISO Rating?
A. ISO 4
Q. What is the sales tax rate in Tuscola?
A. 6.75%
Q. Who should I call to report a streetlight that is out?
A. Most streetlights should be reported to Ameren CIPS (1-888-789-2477) unless it is one of the decorative lights on Main Street. In that case, you would contact City Hall (253- 2112).