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1. Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I schedule a Fire Drill?

Fire drills observations can be scheduled by emailing Sandra Ramirez or calling 956-361-3880. Please try to schedule your Fire Drill at least 2 business days in advance.

2. Who do I contact to get a burn permit?

Burn permits inside the City Limits are issued on a case by case basis by contacting Sylvia at the Annex Building at 956-361-3804 ext: 403. Burn permits outside the City Limits are issued by the Cameron County Fire Marshall at 956-554-6700. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the governing authority on burn permits. Burn Permit Information (PDF)

Burn Permit information

3. I have a bee infestation at my house. Who do I contact for help?

The Fire Dept. is not equipped to remove wasps, does not respond to bees outside the City Limits, nor can they remove honey bees located inside the walls of a structure. An exterminator will have to be called. For honey bee removal from trees or the exterior walls of a structure, you can call the San Benito Police and Fire Dispatcher at 956-361-3880.

4. Who do I contact for a water break or a fire hydrant maintenance issue?

You can contact Public Works at 956-361-3804. For emergencies or after hours service, call 956-361-3880.

5. Who do I contact for an animal rescue or an animal removal?

You can contact Animal Control at 956-361-3800. For after hours service, call 956-361-3880.

6. How do I contact the Fire Marshall?

The Operations Chief is currently filling the role of the Fire Marshall and can be contacted at 956-456-3643.

7. Where can I pick up a fire report?

Fire reports can be requested by contacting Christina at 956-361-3819. Completed fire reports are usually available 3 business days after a fire.

8. How do I get more information about the types of Fire Safety Presentations and schedule one?

You can get more information about the types of presentations available by contacting either of the two Fire Department Stations. You can schedule a presentation by contacting the Assistant Fire Chief Jesus Tijerina at 956-626-5599.

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1. How do I pay my fine online?

You can visit the Traffic Payment link on our Web site or go to trafficpayment.com and search for San Benito Municipal Court page.

2. Can I call in a Payment for a traffic fine?

If you have a fine already assessed, you can call Traffic Payment at 1-800-444-1187.

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1. How Do I Get A Police Report?

To obtain a police report, please visit the Records Department with proper identification. The Records Department is located at 601 N Oscar Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586

2. How can I make a Police Report?

You can visit the Police Department at 601 North Oscar Williams Rd. San Benito, Texas 78586 or call for an officer to visit you at your location. If it is an extreme emergency Please Call 911. All Non-Emergency Calls Please Call 956-361-3880 Ext 0.

3. A Police Officer gave me a traffic citation. What do i do?

You have 10 days to present yourself to a Judge or the Court Clerk in order to avoid a warrant from being issued. Please visit the Municipal Court at 485 North Sam Houston San Benito, Texas 78586

4. How do I file a complaint against a Police Officer?

You can visit the San Benito Police Department at 601 North Oscar Williams Rd San Benito, Texas 78586 or Call for a Patrol Supervisor. The Patrol Supervisor will take your formal complaint and it will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Division for investigation.

5. How do I file a complaint against a Police Officer Supervisor?

You can visit our Police Department at 601 North Oscar Williams Rd. San Benito, Texas 78586 and request to speak to an Internal Affairs Division Detective. The Detective will take your report and it will be investigated.

6. I am leaving town on vacation. How can I request an extra patrol of my residence?

You can call the Non-Emergency phone line at 956-361-3880 Ext 0 and request the extra patrol or request an Officer to come to your residence in person to request the extra patrol in person. You will need a list of names and telephone numbers of local authorized family or friends that will visit and maintain the house in your absence. If anything is found disturbed these people will be contacted.

7. How much does a Police Report Cost?

A Police Report or Miscellaneous Report Costs is FREE and a traffic CRASH Report costs $6.00.

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1. How can I find the City's Code of Ordinances?

You can go to: http://z2.franklinlegal.net/franklin/Z2Browser2.html?showset=sanbenitoset

2. When is the Longest Lighted Christmas Parade in 2019?

The Christmas Parade is scheduled on Dec. 14, 2019 at 6 p.m. in downtown San Benito on Sam Houston Blvd. Please call 956-361-3830 for more information.

Link to Christmas Parade Forms

3. I need a trap to catch a possum. Where can I get one?

You can borrow one from the City by calling 361-3800. The wait time can be as much as three weeks. Or, you can buy one yourself and once the possum has been trapped, you can call the number above to ask an animal control officer to come pick it up.

4. I have some stray cats and dogs. How can I get them picked up?

You can call the City at 361-3800 and file a request for the animal control officer to come pick them up.

5. Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

You can go the City Hall at 485 N. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas 78586 and speak with the Vital Statics Registrar. Telephone 956-361-3800

6. What is your speed bump policy?

Please see policy here:

7. How do I report a sewer problem?

You can call 956-361-3804 (Ext. 212, 213 or 214)

8. When is ResacaFest?

ResacaFest 2014 is scheduled on July 6, 2018 at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie, San Benito, Texas.

ResacaFest website

9. How can I get my water bill balance due?

You can call the Utilities Department at 956-361-3804 (Ext. 212, 213, 213)

10. How do I obtain a building permit?

You canacall 361-3804 Ext. 403.

11. Where can I find information about using a City park?

You can call 361-3804 Ext. 214.

12. Where are the Museums of San Benito located?

At the San Benito Community Building, 210 E. Heywood. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

13. Do you offer any events to honor US Veterans?

Yes, we do. Memorial Day is observed on May 26 with a Silent March at 8:45 a.m. from City Hall to the Veterans War Memorial and a ceremony at 9 a.m.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 with a March of Veterans at 8:45 a.m. from City Hall to the Veterans War Memorial and a ceremony at 9 a.m. the Veterans War Memorial is located at the intersection of Sam Houston Blvd. and Rowson Street near the railroad tracks.

14. How can I sign-up to volunteer for ResacaFest or other City-sponsored event?

You can call the Parks & Recreation Office at 956-361-3830.

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1. I am a Teacher/Principal in San Benito. How can I get a Police Officer to come and speak with our Students?

You can email your requests to rbanda@cityofsanbenito.com or mgalvan@cityofsanbenito.com. We have many topics that we can share with your students and special presentations to cover a wide variety of topics.

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1. What does SWAT stand for?

Special Weapons And Tactical

2. Why does the San Benito Police Department have a SWAT Team?

The San Benito SWAT Team is used for barricaded subjects, active shooters, to assist surrounding agencies as required, and to serve high risk warrants.

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1. When is my bill due?

If your account begins with 01-07, your due date is every 25th of the month.
If your account begins with 08-15, your due date is every 5th of the month.
If your account begins with 16-23, your due date is every 15th of the month. www.paymentus.com

2. What are the fees to re-instate services after a cutoff?

To re-instate services, you will need to pay the re-connect fee, past due balance and a deposit upgrade if not up to date with current rates in effect (Ordinance 2409F>Section A-3)

3. What happens if I don't pay the re-connect fee after a cutoff?

After a cutoff takes place, the customer has 5 business days to pay the re-connect fee, past due balance, and deposit upgrade (if applicable). After the 5th business day, the meter is removed from the service address and the fee to re-instate services is now $50.00 plus the past due balance on the account and deposit upgrade if applicable.

4. How do I dispute my water consumption?

You can call us at (956) 361-3800, or  you can come by in person to the Business Office and speak to a Business Office representative.

5. How do I report a meter leak?

Please contact the Utility Billing department at (956) 361-3800 or email us at UtilitiesNotify@cityofsanbenito.com to report the issue. Report Water Problems

6. Where do I mail my water bill payment?

Attention Water Department
485 North Sam Houston
San Benito, Texas 78586

Please mail in advance prior to billing date to prevent disruption of services.

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1. What is the fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Currently the fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $23.00. This fee can be paid by cash or money order.

2. What if I don't have a current photo identification?

If applicant does not have a current photo identification, then an immediate family member can submit the request on their behalf.

3. Who is considered an immediate family member?

Immediate family members for purposes of requesting a birth or death record are limited to mother, father, sister, brother or spouse.