Show All Answers

1. Are ballots accepted after the election?

Voters who are returning ballots from outside of the United States must have them postmarked at or before 7 pm on Election Day, and ballots must be received by Williamson County Elections no later than five days after the election.

2. Why canvass?

The purpose of a canvass is to account for every ballot cast and to ensure that each valid vote is included in the official results. For an election official, the canvass means aggregating or confirming every valid ballot cast and counted - absentee, early voting, Election Day, provisional, challenged, and uniformed and overseas citizen. The canvass enables an election official to resolve discrepancies, correct errors, and take any remedial actions necessary to ensure completeness and accuracy before certifying the election.

Show All Answers

1. How can tax revenue be used?

In 2021, a 1% sales tax in Leander generated $9.8 million in revenue which provided funding for infrastructure improvements, parks, recreation programs, public safety operations, economic development, and many other public services and projects.

In March 2022, Leander City Council passed a resolution (Resolution 22-007-00 Sales Tax Revenue Priorities (PDF) stating the City's desired priorities for the future use of an additional 1% general revenue sales tax in the event a majority of voters vote "No" to Proposition A and "Yes" to Proposition B. The priorities, in no particular order, include:

• Establishing a special revenue fund solely for economic development uses.
• Meeting the transit needs of the Leander community by providing public transportation services.
• Enhancing and expanding critical city infrastructure and services to support strategic residential and commercial growth.

All sales tax revenues allocated to the City of Leander are budgeted within the city's General Fund, and expenditures are subject to annual appropriation and authorization as directed by Leander City Council. View a historical summary of Leander's 1% sales tax revenue allocations.

2. What is the General Fund?

General Fund revenue comes from Leander property taxes, sales taxes, and development-related fees, and funds are used to support a broad range of city services and programs. Today, the city's General Fund budget is $59.1 million, and the three largest department categories include:

• $12.2 million for the Police Department
• $11.2 million for the Fire Department
• $5.5 million for the Public Works Department

The General Fund is one of 8 different fund groups managed by the City of Leander. Learn more about the city's annual budget on the Budget and Tax Rate page.

3. How long is the tax effective?

If Proposition B passes, the General Revenue Sales Tax would be effective until repealed by another election.

Show All Answers

1. What is a floodplain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a floodplain as a land area that is susceptible to being inundated by water from any source.

2. What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)?

A FIRM is a flood map created by FEMA to designate special flood hazards and risk premium zones applicable within the community. It is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance purposes.

3. What is a Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the computed elevation to which floodwater is expected to rise during the base flood. BFEs are shown on FIRMs and on the flood profiles. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or floodproofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure's elevation determines the flood insurance premium. Read more about BFE.

4. How do I know if I'm in a flood zone?

The FEMA flood map service center will show current map information to allow you to view and print your property area for a lender or insurance agent, if needed. Most agents or lending facilities want to see rate maps pulled directly from the FEMA website for their records.

You may also submit a request for floodplain information to City of Leander Engineering at 512-528-2766 or email Floodplain. Please include specific location and contact information with your request.

Show All Answers

1. What are PID assessments?

PID assessments are payments made to cover the costs associated with improvements and services in each district area. Improvements may include roads, water and wastewater lines, drainage, landscaping and irrigation, trails, parks, gateway monuments, or similar enhancements.

2. How are assessments calculated?

Fixed assessments are based on the size of the lots located within each district.

3. How do residents pay their assessments in full?

PID assessments can be paid in full at any time by contacting the Leander PID Administrator:

Jonathan Saba
Email Jonathan Saba
David Taussig and Associates, Inc.
1302 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 204
San Jose, CA 95125

Main Phone: 800-969-4382
Direct Phone: 949-955-1500, ext. 272

Show All Answers

1. How do I get to the Purchasing Division office?

The Purchasing Department is located at City Hall located at:
105 N Brushy Street
Leander, TX 78641

The office can be reached by calling 512-528-2792.

2. What are the office hours?

The Purchasing Division is open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding City holidays.

3. How do I sign up to receive bid notifications?

Vendors are encouraged to register with the State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List and the Texas Bid System, both of which the City of Leander utilizes when issuing solicitations by searching within applicable commodity codes.

4. How do I contact City departments to introduce my company?

Vendors are encouraged to contact the Purchasing Department before contacting other City departments.

5. How do I obtain copies of bid documents and specifications?

Solicitation documents may be obtained through any of the following methods:

• Download from the Bids and RFP's web page
• Contact the Purchasing Division at 512-528-2730 or email Purchasing
• Pick up at:
  105 N Brushy Street
  Leander, TX 78641

6. How do I learn if a bid has been awarded?

Award information is posted to the City's Bids and RFP's web page.

7. How do I register as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) vendor with the State of Texas?

Vendors must register with the office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

8. How do I find information about upcoming auctions?

City of Leander auction items are periodically posted to the GovDeals website.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Leander Fire Department's ISO rating?

The Leander Fire Department's ISO rating for businesses and residents within the city limits of Leander is a Class 2. This rating became effective January 1, 2018. You may be able to save costs on your homeowner's insurance due to this new rating, but you will have to bring this change to their attention, especially for mid-term policy adjustments.

Find out more about the ISO classification. Contact your taxing entity to find which fire service responds to your home.

For more information on your specific address, please contact Fire Administration at 512-528-2848 or email Kimberly Penberg. You may wish to have your insurance company contact us directly.

2. I live in the city limits of Leander; why can't I burn my tree trimmings and brush?

Burning within the Leander city limits is prohibited by city ordinance.

Section 5.05.003 Prohibited Acts; Exceptions

It shall be unlawful for any person within the city limits, in any way, to intentionally, knowingly or carelessly burn or cause to be burned any combustibles, including but not limited to grass, weeds, timber, rubbish, leaves, or other natural or synthetic materials, garbage, trash, rubbish, litter, solid waste, hazardous waste or any such like substances, on any street, alley, lot or premises. Such prohibited fires shall include bonfires and fires used for ceremonial purposes not in compliance herewith. The following exceptions to burning apply:

1. Burning may be conducted for the purposes of outdoor cooking in a device designated and constructed for such a purpose in compliance with this article. No burning of waste or garbage shall be permitted in cooking devices.
2. Firefighter training conducted under the supervision of the fire marshal.
3. On-site land clearing on lots of greater than two acres upon which the owner intends to clear the lot itself of selected trees, brush and other plant growth. When approved by the fire marshal, burning may be permitted in a manner approved by the fire marshal, provided a standby firefighter is present if required by the fire marshal and the on-site land clearing is conducted in compliance with state, federal and local laws and regulations. A permit shall be acquired and approved safety measures shall be employed.

Outdoor Burning

The City of Leander has enacted Ordinance 13-038-00 Article 5.05 prohibiting outdoor burning within the City limits. Areas falling outside the provisions of this ordinance must comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality laws and regulations. Read more on the Outdoor Burning page.

3. Why do both a fire truck and an ambulance always show up for a medical emergency?

When a 911 call comes in, dispatchers often are not given precise or complete information. As such, units are dispatched on a worst-case scenario. To ensure the highest level of care, Leander Fire Department (LFD) sends the closest fire engine (staffed with a minimum of three personnel) or squad (staffed with a minimum of two personnel). Williamson County EMS sends an ambulance (staffed with two paramedics).

No medical call is "routine." Most require assessing the patient, obtaining their vital signs, providing oxygen therapy, and moving them, at a minimum. EMS may also need to place an advanced airway, administer drugs intravenously, or monitor cardiac conditions. All of these procedures are completed more efficiently when the appropriate amount of help is on scene. Efficient care is our goal, and efficient care often is the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, units have no way of knowing what they will encounter on a call until they arrive. They work in a "what if" and "all risk" business. Responding to the unknown is public safety.

4. Why do so many units respond to “simple” incidents?

Dispatch always assigns units for a worst-case scenario. Time is also of the essence in emergency situations. Our response typically includes an engine or two engines and a supervisor (called a Battalion Chief). Other units might include Leander Police patrol officers, Williamson County Sheriff's patrol deputies, and a Williamson County ambulance.

Getting the correct number of responders to the side of the patients is the priority, but not all responders are needed to directly touch the patient. For instance, often times you will see two large fire engines and multiple other EMS and Police units at what appears to be a very minor vehicle collision. This is done to protect the citizens involved in the collision, protect the citizens driving near the collision, protect the emergency personnel providing care and all while facilitating the removal of the damaged vehicles so that the roadway can be reopened.

5. Why do fire trucks go through a red light with lights and sirens then turn off their lights and slow down?

Most likely, the call has been canceled. This often happens when the first unit arrives at the scene, surveys the situation, and determines that the request for assistance can be handled by that individual unit. Therefore, the other units will then be canceled so they are ready to take another call.

Firefighters will tell you, this cancelation always seems to happen as the big red truck comes up to an intersection and surprises the citizens in their vehicles sitting at the traffic light. It is often times safer to complete the passage of the intersection and then turn off all of the lights and siren rather than turn them off as drivers have already reacted to the apparatus' presence.

6. What do firefighters do during the day when not on emergency calls?

Preparation

When a firefighter arrives at the station for a shift, their first priority is to check the trucks and personal protective equipment and get ready for the next call. Although they do not fix major mechanical problems with the fire engines, the firefighters often do minor repairs.

Planning & Training

Firefighters are constantly training and learning and practicing. The LFD Training Division makes sure that firefighters keep up with Medical, Fire, Special Operations, and other trainings. Firefighters train as a department 3 days a week, and with their individual companies every shift.

Housework

Firefighters also address "house work." Leander firefighters live at the stations 24 hours; it is their second home. The stations and trucks are viewed as the citizens property which the firefighters are responsible for maintaining and caring for. Firefighters sweep, mop, throw out the trash, dust, wash linens and windows, and clean the fire trucks. We also take care of small maintenance issues such as painting.

Public Outreach

Firefighters often provide station tours for the public or speak at special events. These talks cover many topics such as: babysitting safety, exit drills in the home, wildfire safety, fire prevention, and using a fire extinguisher.

Physical Training

Leander firefighters must work out for 1 hour each shift. Firefighters undergo a battery of exams and self fitness assessments, and physicals to help ensure that we remain healthy from year to year.

Equipment Testing

Individual companies inspect and test all of the fire hydrants and every linear foot the fire hoses throughout the year to ensure that they are prepared to fight fires.

Reporting / Documentation

Firefighters must document each event they respond to, no matter how big or small. Most reports take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Also, each individual piece of equipment check or maintenance is documented and recorded. A Leander firefighter can often times spend between 2 to 6 hours a day on documentation.

7. Why do firefighters go to the grocery store together on a fire truck while on duty?

Your Leander firefighters are always ready to respond! One of the unique oddities of the trade is that the shifts are 24 hours long. The company an individual firefighter is assigned to becomes a surrogate family. Firefighters eat together, spend 24 hours (and sometimes 48 hours) together at a stretch, have disagreements, laugh, and generally experience long periods of busy work interjected with short bursts of life threatening and split-second decisions. Firefighting has long been recognized as one of the most stressful careers available.

The Leander Fire Department encourages it's firefighters to sit down with each other at least once a shift and have a meal together. It is very much like having dinner with your family at home. Meals are often filled with lots of general conversation and lots of laughter. In order to facilitate some of these meals, the firefighters go as a group to the grocery store. They go as a group so that they can (and often do) stop shopping, leave the grocery cart where it sits, and respond to a request for assistance from the citizens.

Our firefighters are never far away from the engine or each other. They get no formal "breaks." Even though they may be buying groceries, these firefighters are still available for 911 calls.

8. What do firefighters do at night?

Firefighters are always in "ready response" mode, so their day is by no means over after 5 pm. In fact, sometimes companies work throughout the night with no sleep at all.

When not responding to calls, Leander firefighters are allowed to "relax" after 6 pm. Firefighters spend this time to call home, visit with family, study for tests (promotion, annual re-certification, college degree etc.), read, or watch T.V.

Sometimes the department conducts periodic "night drills" at odd hours to keep firefighters adjusted to differing conditions.

Usually the stations are fairly quiet at night and have been cleaned and prepped for the "shift change" that takes place promptly at 7 am the following morning. Firefighters try to catch some sleep (trucks coming and going from the station, dispatch radio squawking in the background, etc) but are always ready to jump and run at a seconds notice.

Show All Answers

1. Will the department accept paper applications?

No. Applications must be submitted electronically. Apply at Government Jobs.

2. What is the minimum age for applicants?

You must be 18 years of age by the date of application.

3. What is the maximum age for applicants?

There is no maximum age limit for application.

4. Are there any local residency requirements to apply?

There are no residency requirements.

5. Do you have to be a US citizen to apply?

No. If you are not a United States citizen, your immigration status must be current and must permit you to work a full-time job in this country. If you have questions about your immigration status or work permit, please contact Immigration officials.

6. Do you have to be a high school graduate or have a GED?

Yes. You must submit proof of either one during the hiring process.

7. Do you have to have a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification in order to apply?

Yes. You must attach a copy of a current Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) firefighter certification to your application. Failure to attach a TCFP certification will result in your application being rejected. Please note, we will not accept out-of-state, IFSAC, or Pro-Board certifications in lieu of a TCFP certification.

8. Do you have to have a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT certification in order to apply?

Yes. You must attach a copy of current DSHS EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic certification to your application. Failure to attach a TCFP certification will result in your application being rejected. Please note, we will not accept out-of-state or NREMT certifications in lieu of a DSHS certification.

9. Where can I get information regarding the written exam?

Find additional information regarding the written exam.

10. If I have any questions regarding the testing/hiring process, what should I do?

Call 512-528-2858 or email Recruiting.

Show All Answers

1. What is the definition of a firework?

A firework is any device that can be used or intends to produce a striking display such as light, noise, or smoke, or a combination of those, by the combustion of explosive or flammable composition.

The exceptions defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation do not classify the following items as common fireworks, and their use is allowed within the city of Leander:

• Snake, GlowWorms - Pressed pellet of pyrotechnic composition that produces a large, snakelike ash upon burning. The ash expands in length as the pellet burns. These devices may not contain mercuric thiocyanate.
• Smoke Device - Tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that, upon ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
• Wire Sparkler - Wire coated with pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items may not contain magnesium and must not exceed 100g of composition per item. Devices containing any chlorate or perchlorate salts may not exceed 5g of composition per item.
• Trick Noisemaker - Item produces a small report intended to surprise the user. These devices include:
  • Party Popper - (also known by other names such as "Champagne Party Poppers," and "Party Surprise Poppers,") Small plastic or paper item containing not more than 0.25mg of pyrotechnic composition that is friction-sensitive. A string protruding from the device is pulled to ignite it, expelling paper streams and producing a small report.
  • Booby Trap - Small tube with string protruding from both ends, similar to a party popper in design. The ends of the string are pulled to ignite the friction-sensitive composition, producing a small report.
  • Snapper - Small, paper-wrapped item containing a minute quantity of explosive composition coated on small bits of sand. When dropped, the device explodes, producing a small report.
  • Trick Match - Kitchen or book match that has been coated with a small quantity of explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
  • Cigarette Load - Small wooden peg that has been coated with a small quantity of explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
  • Auto Burglar Alarm - A tube which contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and/or smoke when ignited. A small quantity of explosive, not exceeding 50 mg, also may be used to produce a small report. A squib is used to ignite the device.

2. What is the penalty for violating the city ordinance prohibiting fireworks within Leander city limits?

• Explosives and fireworks located within the fire limits are declared to be a public nuisance.
• Any person violating any portion or provision of the specific article of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by the assessment of fines up to $2,000.
• A person commits an offense, without regard to his mental state, if he encourages or in any way aids a person less than 18 years of age in possessing or discharging fireworks or explosives within the fire limits of the city.

Show All Answers

1. How is Knox Box installed?

Each system from the Knox Company is shipped with complete mounting instructions; however, the Prevention and Life Safety Division can assist you in choosing the proper location for mounting. The Knox Box should be mounted no more than 6 feet and no less than 4 feet. Once installation is complete, contact the Fire Marshal's Office to conduct an inspection and secure the Knox Box. Once that is completed, the Knox Box is ready to provide immediate access to emergency personnel 24 hours a day, 365 a year.

2. How secure is a Knox Box?

Knox Boxes are designed for maximum protection. Each virtually indestructible box, switch or lock features a special high-security Medeco lock and key. This Medeco restricted locking system guards against unauthorized key duplication. Keys are not available to locksmiths or lock distributors; only the Knox Company can supply these keys. All Knox Box stations in a city are keyed alike and only the Authorizing Fire Department has the master keys.

3. What if I change my locks?

Only the Fire Department carries the master key that will open the box. Whenever locks are changed, the inventory of keys contained within the boxes must also be updated. New keys can be placed inside the Knox Box by emailing the Fire Marshal's Office and requesting an appointment to secure new keys.

Show All Answers

1. What is a pre-incident plan?

In a continued determination to save lives and property with commitment and excellence, the Leander Fire Department has created a program to ensure vital knowledge is obtained and utilized.

The Pre-incident Planning Program is the process of gathering information used by Fire Department personnel in response to an emergency incident at a specific location.

The National Fire Protection Association defines a pre-incident plan as a written document resulting from the gathering of general and detailed data to be used by responding personnel for determining the resources and actions necessary to mitigate anticipated emergencies at a specific facility.

2. Is a pre-incident plan the same as a fire inspection?

A Pre-incident Plan is not a Fire Inspection. The program is used only as a method of gathering information, not as a code enforcement procedure as with a formal "Fire Inspection". However, our firefighters are a knowledgeable resource and welcome emergency safety related questions, offering constructive recommendations when appropriate.

Show All Answers

1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

Show All Answers

1. How do I request a facility?

Pavilions, the Bledsoe Amphitheater, the Mason Homestead and Athletic Fields can all be requested through our online catalog.

2. How far out can I rent an athletic field?

Athletic fields can be rented 14 days in advance including the day of the reservation. Example: If today is March 13th and you are able to rent through March 26th.

3. How do I know if I need a Special Event Permit?

• Will your group be more than 100?
• Will you be using inflatables?
• Will you be having amplified sound? (Band or DJ)
• Will you be selling Alcohol?
• Will you be needing electricity? (more that 2 small outlets at pavilion)

If you do need a special event permit:

• Fill out the Special Event Permit Form (PDF) and submit to the Leander Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on Special Events in the Park, reference the Policy and Procedures guide (PDF).

4. Can I have inflatable at my rental?

Yes! You can find which parks allow inflatables in the Special Events in the Park Policy and Procedures document (PDF). Supplemental permits for inflatables can be found in the Special Event in the Park Permit Application (PDF).

5. Can we use a slip and slide or dunk-tank at the park?

No. Water is not available at the parks for this type of use.

6. Can we have a pinata?

No. Pinatas are prohibited in the parks.

7. Do all of the Park pavilions have electricity?

No. Benbrook, Bledsoe and Lakewood Park Pavilions are equipped with electricity. These are able to handle small electronics like radios and crock-pots. Inflatables are not to be plugged into the pavilion. The outlets are not able to handle that much power, if inflatables are plugged into the pavilion, the renter will will be responsible for the damages. Devine Lake Park Pavilion does not have electricity.

8. Can you hold a rental space?

No, rentals are not scheduled until we receive the reservation fee paid in full.

9. Can we use a grill at the park?

Yes. There are small onsite charcoal grills available for use. Outside grills are prohibited. Coals must be properly disposed of. Do not dump on the ground or put into trash can! View grilling safety from the Leander Fire Department (PDF).

10. Can I rent the Robin Bledsoe Pool?

Yes, call the Parks and Recreation office at 512-528-9909 for availability. We will open the pool Memorial Day weekend and close Labor Day weekend. The pool is not available for rental during normal pool hours.

11. Can I rent the splash pad?

No. The splash pad is always open to the public and can not be rented for exclusive private use. There are three picnic tables in the splash pad area which are available on a first come first serve basis. The water splash pad operates April to October, 7 days a week from 9 am to 8 pm.

12. When do I get my deposit back?

Deposits are returned as long as everything is left in good order. We will process these refunds the week following your rental. If paid by cash or check, it will be returned via check to the household address of the reservation holder. If payment for the rental was done by credit card it will be returned to the card used.

Show All Answers

1. Who can use it?

The Development Hub is available for all subdivisions, site development, dry utility, license agreement, zoning, easement, and permit applications with the City of Leander.

2. How do I get started?

Create a new account on the City of Leander - Development Hub website.

3. What about resubmittals?

Permit Applications

1. You should first create a new account.
2. Then email ABPC and include your Project Name and Project Number in the message.
3. Once your email is received, we will link your account to the project's existing plan set. 
4. Do not submit documents until your new account is linked! 

Subdivision, Site Development, Dry Utility, License Agreement, Zoning & Easements

1. You should first create a new account.
2. Then email Planning and include your Project Name and Project Number in the message. 
3. Once your email is received, we will link your account to the project's existing plan set. 
4. Do not submit documents until your new account is linked!

FIRE APPLICATIONS

1. You should first create a new account.
2. then email LFD Prevention and include your Project Name and Project Number in the message. 
3. Once your email is received, we will link your account to the project's existing plan set. 
4. Do not submit documents until your new account is linked!

Show All Answers

1. What does our patch symbolize?

• The Guardian: Represents the noble warrior, defender, and protector.
• The Armour: Protects the heart, mind, and soul of those chosen to wear it. It is only worn by those willing to bear its weight.
• The Wings: Symbolizes the "Guardian Spirit" within all those who are called to protective service.
• The Spear: Represents the weapons that are sometimes necessary to preserve life, a value that some have little regard for.
• The Great State of Texas: We defend her people, her laws, and her honor with vigilance and courage.
• The Three Stars: Represents the principles of discipline, integrity, and teamwork.
• The Olive Branches: The symbol for peace is our goal to resolve all operations in a peaceful manner, with no loss of life.

Show All Answers

1. What time would the curfew be in effect?

• 12:01 am to 6 am, Monday through Friday
• 1 am to 6 am, Saturday through Sunday

2. What age applies to the curfew?

Any person under 17 years of age not including those individuals who have, in accordance with Chapter 31 of the Texas Family Code, had the general disabilities of minority removed.

3. What are the exemptions to the curfew?

• Minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• On an errand at the direction of the minor's parent or guardian, without any detour or stop.
• In a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel.
• Engaged in an employment activity, or going to or returning home from an employment activity, without any detour or stop.
• Involved in an emergency.
• On the sidewalk abutting the minor's residence or abutting the residence of a nextdoor neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to the police department about the minor's presence.
• Attending an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, Leander Independent School District, a civic organization, church, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor, or going to or returning home from, without any detour or stop, an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, Leander Independent School District, church, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor.
• Exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly.
• Married or had been married or had disabilities of minority removed in accordance with Chapter 31 of the Texas Family Code.
• Under Section 8.02.032(c) the owner, operator, or employee of an establishment promptly notified the police department that a minor was present on the premises of the establishment during curfew hours and refused to leave.

4. I am under 17 years old. What happens if I violate the curfew?

• You may be detained by a law enforcement officer.
• Your parents and/or legal guardian may be required to respond and take custody of you.
• You may be issued a citation that requires your appearance in municipal court.
• When making your court appearance, your parent or guardian must come with you.
• If found guilty, the municipal court judge may impose a fine, probation, or community service.

5. I am a parent or guardian. What happens if my child violates the curfew?

• You may be detained by a law enforcement officer.
• You will be required to respond and take custody of your child.
• If you allowed your child to violate the curfew, you may be issued a citation that requires your appearance in municipal court.
• If found guilty, the municipal court judge may impose a fine, probation, or community service.

Show All Answers

1. What is backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water from its intended direction in a pipeline or plumbing system. Backflow can occur when pressure is reduced in the distribution system due to a break in the main line, firefighting, or other distribution system situations. Backflow can allow contaminants to enter private plumbing systems and city water distribution systems.

2. What type of properties require annual backflow device testing?

• Residential properties with both irrigation systems and onsite sewage treatment facilities.
• Commercial properties such as hospitals, restaurants, industries, etc. where backflow issues can create a public health hazard.

3. How do I get my backflow device tested?

The City of Leander has partnered with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) to administer its cross-connection and backflow prevention program. If you are notified by the city that a test is due on a backflow assembly on your property, it is your responsibility to contact a licensed backflow tester and have the results submitted to BSI. For a list of licensed, registered testing agencies, go to the Backflow Solutions website.

Show All Answers

1. How can I lower my winter quarter average?

Since some billing cycles overlap between months, try to limit your overall water usage during the months of November, December, January, and February. If you need to fix any irrigation leaks or running faucets, do so before the winter season and apply for a leak adjustment with City of Leander Utilities so that your leaked water doesn't count against you. Call 512-259-1142 to learn more about our leak adjustments and how to qualify.

2. Why do we have winter quarter averaging?

Unlike your drinking water, household sewer is not connected to a meter. Therefore, the city establishes an average rate for each customer during the winter months to determine a fixed amount to charge for wastewater service. Since most homeowners reduce irrigation, swimming pool, and other outdoor water activities in the winter months, overall water usage is typically lower compared to other months. Therefore, lower usage during this time translates into lower sewer charges in your utility bill for an entire year.

3. Why do I pay for sewer if I don’t have a separate meter?

Water and wastewater are separate city services. Gallons of wastewater from your home's sewer pipes are transferred out to our lift stations every day and pumped into city treatment facilities. Your sewer charges cover the maintenance, operation and upkeep required to sustain our wastewater infrastructure throughout the city.

4. What if I just opened my utility account with the city?

To establish a winter quarter average, you must open your city utility account prior to November. Otherwise, your sewer usage will be set at 6,000 gallons each month until you are able to establish your winter quarter average during the next winter cycle.