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1. When are City Commission meetings held?

The first and third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Meetings are held in the Cesar Gonzalez Meeting Hall at the Municipal Building, located at 401 N. Sam Houston Blvd. All Regular Commission Meetings are streamed live on the City’s Website at https://www.cityofsanbenito.com/562/Live-Stream

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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 by contacting Planning & Development Department at 956-361-3804 Ex: 402. Burn permits outside the City Limits are issued by the Cameron County Fire Marshall at 956-554-6700. 

City Burn Permit Application (PDF).

Do’s and Don’ts for Outdoor Burning at Your Residence (texas.gov)

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 obtain a copy of a police report?

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

2. How can I make a Police Report?

You can visit San Benito Police Department headquarters at 601 North Oscar Williams Rd. San Benito, Texas 78586 or by calling police dispatch to place a call for service. In certain situations, an officer may handle the call over the phone, but will respond to your residence to process a crime scene or if police intervention is necessary. You can reach us for non-emergencies (956) 361-3880. For emergencies please dial 9-1-1.

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?

Please utilize our Vacation Watch Request services by filling out the required information here. You can also visit our department headquarters and speak to Lieutenant Eloy Martinez in person to setup a watch request. 

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 San Benito Christmas Parade?

The 2022 Christmas Parade is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 10 at 6 p.m. in downtown San Benito on Sam Houston Blvd.

3. I need a trap to capture an animal. Where can I obtain one?

You can borrow a trap to safely capture an animal at large from our Animal Control Division. The Animal Control Division operates normally on Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. The Animal Control Division can be reached at (956) 361-3880 by leaving a message or by emailing the City's Animal Control Supervisor Police Lieutenant Eloy Martinez at emartinez@cityofsanbenito.com . We ask for your patience as there may be a wait time for a city owned trap. Keep in mind that certain wild animals native to the area such as opossums and raccoons will not be picked up by our animal control division. 

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

You can leave a message for the City's Animal Control Division by contacting the police non-emergency phone line at (956) 361-3880. An animal control officer will promptly be dispatched to your location to pick up the animal(s) in question. Please review the Animal Control Division page here to enter a call for service from an online source. 

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. How can I find Valley Metro bus routes and schedules?

Visit: /DocumentCenter/View/5025/Valley-Metro-PDF

7. How do I report a sewer problem?

You can call 956-361-3804 (Ext. 212, 213 or 214) or fill out a report at: Form Center • San Benito, TX • CivicEngage (cityofsanbenito.com) 

8. When is ResacaFest?

ResacaFest is traditionally scheduled on the first Saturday in July around Independence Day at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie, San Benito, Texas.

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?

Please call 361-3804 Ext. 403.

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

You can call 361-3804 Ext. 307.

12. Where is the museum located?

The San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum is located at 250 E. Heywood St., San Benito, Texas, 78586.
For more information, go to: Cultural Arts Department | San Benito, TX - Official Website (cityofsanbenito.com) 

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

Yes, we do. Specific events will be announced through social media and on our website.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11.
The City's Veterans War Memorial is located at the intersection of Sam Houston Boulevard and Rowson Street near the railroad tracks.

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

You can email your requests to Sergeant Dario Gonzalez at dgonzalez@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 Tactics

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

Special circumstances such as barricaded subjects, active shooter response, assistance to surrounding agencies and when serving high risk warrants calls for the need of a SWAT team.

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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.