FAQ

Q1.

When are my pick-up days for garbage, recycling, waste, limbs, and bulky items.

A1.

This depends on your address. Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000 and a Citizens Service Representative can assist you with that information.

Q2.

A2.

A citizen can pick-up an application from the Citizens Service Center at 100 10th - Ground Floor or call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000 for more information.

Q3.

What time on pick-up day does my trash need to be placed on the curb?

A3.

7:30 a.m.

Q4.

Do you pick-up construction materials?

A4.

No, according to the City Ordinance Sec. 13-167.8 Columbus, Georgia, shall not be responsible for the collection and hauling of construction or demolition wastes originating from private property preliminary to, during, or subsequent to the construction of new, remodeled, or renovated structures. Said materials shall be removed by the contractor, owner, lessee or occupant of said property.

Q5.

I need to pay a traffic and/or parking ticket. What department handles this and where is it located?

A5.

Recorder's Court handles all traffic tickets issued by Police and Georgia State Patrol (if issued in Muscogee County), located at 702 10th Street; Phone number: 706-653-4256.

Columbus State University traffic tickets, Fish/Game tickets (Georgia Dept of Natural Resources) & Sheriff traffic tickets - Sheriff's Department - 706-653-4225 - 4th Floor Tower

Parking tickets issued by METRA Parking Enforcement are paid through METRA Parking Management, located at 919 Broadway.

Q6.

What is the fee for garbage collection?

A6.

$14.00, which is included on your water bill. Residential reduced rate collection fee is $10.50 if qualified.

Q7.

What department should I contact if I have a question, request for service, register a complaint and/or offer a suggestion regard?

A7.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000

Q8.

Where do I call to report an unkempt yard?

A8.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000

Q9.

What should I do about a ditch that is full of debris and not draining?

A9.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000 and we will put in a work order.

Q10.

Who do I contact about attending a City Council Meeting?

A10.

No one, it is an open forum, anyone can attend.

Q11.

I have a dead animal. What do I need to do to get it removed?

A11.

Call the Dog Pound at 706-561-8602 or 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000.

Q12.

How can I get a Recycle Bin?

A12.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000

Q13.

Where do I call to report potholes in the road?

A13.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000

Q14.

What can I place in the recycle bin?

A14.

Newspapers, glossy magazines, phonebooks, aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, plastics (#1 and #2 - The number 1 or 2 will be on the bottom or towards the bottom of the container inside the recycling triangle), glass, (these items must be rinsed out - anti-freeze, transmission fluid and motor oil containers). For additional information on recycling, please call 3-1-1 or
706-653-4000 and request a pamphlet.

Q15.

There is "raw sewage" flowing in the street, who do I need to call?

A15.

Call the Columbus Water Works at 706-649-3410.

Q16.

How do I go about getting a handicapped parking permit?

A16.

The Tag Office handles these permits. They are located on the ground floor of the East wing. 706-653-4208.

Q17.

How do I find out what jobs are currently available with the City of Columbus?

A17.

There are several avenues available for job searching. CCGTV 16, which is the Government's Access channel (carried by all three cable networks). The City's Internet web page is www.columbusga.org and a bulletin board located in the Human Resources Office (West Wing, 1st Floor) or call 706-653-4059.

Q18.

What method of payment does the Muscogee County Tax Office accept?

A18.

Cash, money order and/or personal check drawn at a local bank.

Q19.

How tall do weeds/grass have to be to be in violation of the City Code?

A19.

Any grass and/or weeds 18 inches tall and within 100 feet of a main building is in violation of the City Code (Sec. 13-113). If the overgrown weeds are more than 100 feet from a house/business, it is not in violation of the City Codes. Fines and fees are determined by the Judge on an individual basis.

Q20.

Why will the City NOT remove any part of a cut down tree?

A20.

The City Ordinance, code section 13-67.2(6)(7) states that "All trees cut or cleared must be disposed of by the owner or agent." However, trimming/pruning from trees and shrubbery will be picked-up by the City in the event that they are no longer than four (4) feet in length and six (6) inches in diameter.

Q21.

When will the right-of-way be cut?

A21.

5 to 10 working days from the time a service request is generated. Please contact the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000.

Q22.

Will the City repair, replace or install driveway pipes?

A22.

No, Citizens are responsible because the driveway provides right-of-way to and from personal property. Citizens need to contact the Engineering Department at 706-653-4441 for a permit to do the driveway themselves or hire a contractor (a permit is required for either).

Q23.

What department should I contact regarding repaving my street?

A23.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000.

Q24.

Where can I get a copy of the City's Budget?

A24.

You can get a copy from the Columbus Library, Clerk of Council's Office or the Finance Department. You can also access the current budget via the website at www.columbusga.org/finance/Budget_Books.htm.

Q25.

How does a business get a solid waste permit?

A25.

Contact Revenue Collection at 706-653-4100 to complete the solid waste permit application and remit appropriate fee for each thirty-two gallon container in use to receive required decal. The term solid waste shall mean disposal containers, non-disposable containers, bulk containers, and/or volume reducing equipment meeting the specification as set forth in the ordinance.

Q26.

New traffic signal requests and operational inquiries?

A26.

A new signal request can be made through the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or
706-653-4000.

Q27.

Is my property in a flood zone?

A27.

You can contact the Department of Engineering to determine if your property is in a flood zone at 706-653-4441. Flood insurance is available throughout Columbus, Muscogee County area. You may contact your insurance agent to determine your rate.

Q28.

Muscogee County is made up of how many square miles?

A28.

221 square miles (216.3 square miles are land; 4.7 square miles are water).

Q29.

There are limbs on city right-of-way that's hanging in the street, who should I call?

A29.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000.

Q30.

I need to find out if licensing for an ordained minister is the same in Muscogee County as in other areas, who would I call?

A30.

Please contact your minister, they will be able to ordain you. Also Beacon University
706-323-5364 is able to provide information on this as well.

Q31.

Who should I contact to report old dilapidated abandoned houses?

A31.

Call the Citizens Service Center at 3-1-1 or 706-653-4000.

Q32.

What department should I contact reference to rats coming out of ditch in my backyard?

A32.

Call the Health Department at 706-321-6300.

Q33.

I would like to place my business on the City's bid list, what department should I contact?

A33.

Contact the Finance Department - Purchasing Division at 706-653-4105. Vendor registration forms are also available on the website at www.columbusga.org/finance/Purchasing.htm.

Q34.

If someone wishes to be placed on the Public Agenda to appear before Council, what department should they contact?

A34.

Contact the Clerk of Council's Office at 706-653-4013 or complete a Public Agenda Form online click here.

Q35.

What department should you contact for a temporary street closing permit?

A35.

Contact the Columbus Police Department at 706-653-3100.

Q36.

What department handles senior programs?

A36.

Parks & Recreation at 706-653-4176.

Q37.

A37.

Clerk of Superior Court, 2nd Floor, Tower at 706-653-4351.

Q38.

What department should I contact to obtain a permit to erect a sign?

A38.

Contact Inspections and Codes at 706-653-4126.

Q39.

Where can I obtain a copy of a birth certificate/death certificate?

A39.

Contact the Health Department,  at 2100 Comer Avenue, 706-321-6300.