October 2021
CITY NEWSLETTER
|
|
Understanding Property Taxes |
|
The new budget for the City of Robinson begins today, October 1st, which includes a new tax rate. Your property tax bill is a summary of taxes assessed by a number of government entities. Below you will find a quick summary of how your property tax bill and the FY 2021 - 2022 budget break out.
|
|
Halloween is quickly approaching! You will find safety tips below that will ensure you have a spooktacular time. Everything from costume safety, to trick-or-treat safety, to alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and stay Covid safe. |
|
-
Carving Pumpkins: Planning on carving some pumpkins? Remember…
- Painting pumpkins instead of carving them is far safer for young children.
- Use a flashlight or glowstick instead of a candle to light your jack-o-lantern.
- If you choose to use a candle, use a votive.
- When using a candle for your pumpkin, place your jack-o-lantern on a sturdy table and away from flammable curtains.
-
Costumes: One of the best things about Halloween is getting to dress up as someone else! Be sure to follow these tips:
- Costumes should fit properly so you don’t trip or fall.
- Make sure costumes and treat bags have reflective tape to help with visibility.
- Glow sticks or flashlights help increase visibility.
- Masks can obstruct your child’s view. Choose non-toxic makeup or face paint instead.
- Make sure accessories such as swords or wands are not sharp because these items can cause injury.
- Don’t decorate masks that are intended to protect you from Covid as paint or markers can be toxic.
- Don’t wear a costume mask over a cloth mask.
-
Trick-or-Treating: Candy is hands down the best part of Halloween. And who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned trick-or-treat night? If you and your kids are planning on going trick-or-treating, be sure to remember the below tips:
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, instruct them to only go to familiar, well-lit areas and review their route with them. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Walk direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again before crossing, and keep looking as your cross
-
Driving: There’s sure to be lots of kiddos out and about on Halloween night, so take extra caution when driving.
- Watch for children walking on roadways medians and curbs.
- Double-check that your driveway is clear before backing up.
- Watch for children in dark clothing/costumes when it begins to get darker out.
- Discourage new drivers from driving on Halloween.
- Don’t drink and drive.
-
Trick-or-Treating Alternatives: Expecting trick-or-treaters for Halloween but want to take some precautions?
- Place candy in a bowl
- Put out pre-filled goody bags on trick-or-treat table.
- Create a candy chute to slide the candy to trick-or-treaters.
- Use a long kitchen utensil to hand out candy.
- Create a pulley system to deliver candy.
- Hang candy bags from your trees or fence to be picked.
- Tape candy to bamboo skewers or popsicle sticks and stick them in your yard.
-
During COVID: Planning a “Covid Safe Halloween”? You can still have fun and make a ton of memories!
- Wear a cloth mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing
- Keep gatherings small.
- Keep gatherings outside and try to maintain social distancing if possible.
- Create a scavenger hunt with candy or goody bags instead of trick or treating.
- Have a virtual costume party with family and friends.
- Drive around to look at decorations.
- Have a Halloween-themed pinata.
- Have a glow-in-the-dark candy hunt.
|
|
Election Dates and Information |
|
- Place 5: Candidates include Mike Baker & Brittany McLean
- Councilmembers Jimmy Rogers, Place 1 and Steve Janics, Place 3: both ran unopposed but will still be included on the November 2nd election ballot since we cannot cancel part of an election.
- Last day to register to vote: October 4
- First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance: October 18
- Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked): October 22
- Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance: October 29
- Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail: November 2 at 7:00 p.m. OR November 3 at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military deadlines apply).
|
|
|
|
If you have conducted any city business in person or over the phone recently, then you have probably already had the privilege of meeting Cyndi Carnes, the new Customer Service Representative at City Hall. Many of you had become familiar with Paulette York, which resigned back in July to pursue an opportunity with the city of Waco. Cyndi fills the vacancy created by Paulette York leaving, so if you have not had the pleasure of meeting Cyndi, we are happy to introduce you to the first smiling face you will see when coming up to City Hall.
Cyndi began with the city on August 16th and brings over 20 years of experience in customer service and clerical work. Before joining the city, she worked for Neighborly as a Contract Administrator for about two and a half years, and prior to that, she worked as a Utility Clerk for the City of Waco for many years.
|
|
Born in Irving, TX, Cyndi lived there until her dad's job with Roadway brought them to Lorena, TX, in 6th grade. Moving from a larger city to a smaller one made her appreciate the smalltown feel and is one of the things that interested her about the job opportunity with the city. Now that Cyndi is here, her immediate goals are to learn more about planning and zoning and familiarize herself with Robinson's roads. She plans to retire from the city, serving the Robinson residents for the next 20 years. "Everyone here is so inviting and friendly. I have also enjoyed the variety in my job duties. It definitely keeps it interesting and makes it hard to get bored", states Cyndi. "My boss, Justin French, has been great too," mentions Cyndi.
During Cyndi's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter and her six-year-old grandson. Cyndi explains, "my grandson is the light of my life. I just thought kids were great, but grandkids are pretty special."
We are excited to welcome Cyndi to the city of Robinson!
|
|
The City Council will meet in person and virtually for the October City Council Meeting.
The meeting agenda and packet can be found online here. Para la agenda en español, visite este sitio web, aqui.
The telephone and video meeting will be hosted through GoToMeeting. The City has set up a section on our website to provide instructions on how to both view and submit a public comment for the meeting and navigate the virtual event. The access code and toll-free number will be provided in the agenda.
Public comment will only be allowed via telephone or video conference via GoToMeeting if choosing to attend remotely. All speakers must register to speak at least two hours in advance of the meeting. All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting under the public comment item. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting starting in order to speak. Written comments may also be submitted two hours in advance of the meeting. To register to speak or to submit written comments, please email the City Secretary, Misty Cryer.
An audio recording of the virtual meeting will be made available to the public in accordance with the Open Meetings Act upon written request.
|
City Hall will be closed on October 11, 2021, in observance of Columbus Day. Solid Waste will run as normal.
|
|
Recycling is picked up every other week on your designated collection day. Can't keep track of which week is a recycle week? Download the Recycle Coach app today and never miss recycle week again!
|
Bulk/Brush Day is September 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5158 South 12th Street, Robinson, TX. City staff will NOT be available to help place bulk items in the containers so make sure to bring enough help to get items in the 40-yard roll-off.
Reminder: customers have the option to set bulk/brush items at their curb to be collected weekly, during their normal collection day. For hazardous materials, customers may use the At Your Door Special Hazardous Waste Collection offered monthly with their Waste Management services. |
|
The City of Robinson is hiring! We are looking for individuals to join our culture that values community, service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and fiscal responsibility.
Love where you Connect. Grow. Live.
- Communications Specialist (Dispatcher)
- Utility Operator
- Utility Supervisor
For more information on the jobs, and to apply, visit our website.
|
|
Avoid Recycling Contamination |
|
|
|
Recycling contamination happens when things are thrown in the recycle bin that is not recyclable. This has become a big issue throughout the country in the past few years as recycling has changed. When a load of recycling becomes contaminated, it costs recycling businesses a ton of additional money and ends up sending the entire load to the landfill. The following are things you can do to prevent recycling contamination: |
|
- Empty and clean your containers
- Get rid of food grease before disposal
- Never put plastic bags in your recycling bin
- Donate your plastic containers
- Double-check you are only throwing plastics #1 and #2 in your cart
- Do not throw batteries in the recycling bin
- Disposable coffee cups are NOT recyclable
- Look at the label on freezer boxed items
- Paper towels, napkins, tissues, etc. are NOT recyclable
|
|
Robinson Volunteer Fire Department Opening
Founded in 1955, the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department is made up of volunteers from the community to provide fire, EMS, rescue, and educational services for the City of Robinson and the surrounding area. RVFD responds to approximately 1,200 calls/year, which is double the volume since 2018. Due to the increase in call volume, RVFD is looking to grow its membership to best serve our town. Our volunteer firefighters do more than just put out fires. We are looking for people who will contribute and do their part to better the City of Robinson and our neighbors. If you are interested in learning more about joining Robinson Volunteer Fire Department, please click here or call 254-662-3801. |
|
You can always reach us by phone during business hours by calling (254) 662-1415.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
