FAQ

When will the City of Wells Community Park Open?

The Wells Development Corportation is hoping to have the new park location open by July 4, 2024.

Does the library make copies & fax for the community?

Yes, Copies are .15 cents per page & Faxing is $1.00 per page, Receiving fax $.15 per page

How can I get a library card?

Bring in a form of ID and we will get you a card during your visit. 

Does the library offer GED classes?

Yes, contact the library for more information.

How do I find the cemetery that my family is buried in?

You can search the internet for your family members' obituary or visit the Find a Grave website listed in related links. 

Who can run for a Mayor/Councilmember seat?

To run for office in a general law city in Texas, you must, among other requirements:

• be a citizen of the United States; and

• be at least 18 years old on the date of the election; and

• have lived in the State of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the filing date for the election, and in your city or ward for at least 6 months prior to the filing date for the election; and

• be registered to vote in the county you live in; and

• never been convicted of a felony.

Do I have to register to vote in Cherokee County?

Yes, once you move to a new county you must do a change of address with your local election office. You may pick up a registration card at city hall, visit your local election office at http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/othercountyoffices/elections.html

or registered online at https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp

Where do the residence in Wells (PCT 2) vote?

Early Elections are held at The River Church 595 S. Marcus Alto, Texas 75925

General Elections are held on elections day at First Baptist CHurcj 629 Rusk Ave. Wells, Texas 75976

City Elections are held on election day at Wells ISD Cafeteria 100 Bonita Wells, Texas 75976 

What hours is City Hall open?

We will be open Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. We will no longer be closed for lunch.

How do I get my driving record?

Go to the Texas DPS link https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager

Order form 3A. This form is required for Defensive driving, Deferred adjudication, and Pretrial diversion. 

Defensive driving can be ordered at any time during the 90-day program.

Deferred Adjudication & Pretrial diversion can only be ordered AFTER the end of the 90-day agreement. 

Do I have a warrant in your court?

You can call the court at (936) 867-0089 to check for warrants.

This court participates in the Texas DPS FTA Omni program with the State of Texas. Check your license on the website.  www.texasfailuretoappear.com/search.php 

This court also participates in the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC).

This is an agreement between the State of Texas and all other states in the United States. We will report all citations that are not finalized by a judgment or a payment in full to be sent to your state for non-renewal of your driver’s license, ID Cards, and Passport.

Who do I call if I have a medical emergency?

Always call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency. The 9-1-1 operator will dispatch the first responders to your location.

How do I know if were under a burn ban?

We will post when a burn ban is issued or you can check the forestry service website. 

Outdoor Burring in Texas

www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/publications/rg/outdoor-burning-in-texas-rg-49.pdf

www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/publications/gi/burning-questions-gi-415.pdf

https://agrilife.org/rxburn/laws-and-regulations/burning-laws-and-regulations/

https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/files/2021/12/Texas-Open-Burning-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf

Who do I contact if I have an emergency?

Always call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency. Give your 911 address and they will dispatch an officer to your location. 

For non-emergencies contact the Wells police department or Cherokee County Sheriffs Department Non-Emergency by calling (903) 683-2271 and requesting a Wells Police Officer be sent to your location. 

During the 8-5 business hours, you may contact (936) 867-5593 and ask the operator to send the Wells Police Officer to your location. This phone is not manned after 5:00 pm or on weekends. 

How do I anonymously report a crime?

Yes, click on the "Report a Problem" button located on the left of the page. Select Crime Stoppers in the drop-down window. If you want to remain anonymous do not put your name. Simple put Anonymous in the area marked "name".

How do I get a crash report?

Purchase a copy of your crash report (CR-3) online.

Fast, Simple and Secure.

TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System Website
https://cris.txdot.gov/public/Purchase

Costs and Ordering:
$6 for a regular copy
$8 for a certified copy - A certified copy is requested when a person needs an official document, such as for a legal proceeding.

Ordering a Crash Report by Mail

If you are unable to use the Crash Report Online Purchase System, you may purchase a copy of a Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3) by completing the appropriate request form and mailing it with the required payment to the address shown on the form.

Contact Information
Email: support@crishlp.com

Phone: 844-CRISHLP (844-274-7457)
Brought to you by the Texas Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Division

How do I apply with the Wells Police Department?

In order to apply with the Wells Police Department, you will be required to fully complete a Texas DPS applicant’s personal history statement. Return the paperwork to the following address

Wells Police Department

Application Department

PO Box 20

Wells, Texas 75976

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/RC-4A.pdf

All applicants must be licensed by the State of Texas as a Peace Officer with preferably (3) three to (5) five years of full-time experience of active service and live within 20-25 miles of the City of Wells. 

Starting pay to be determined by experience with certificate pay being one of the benefits as well as sick time, comp time, vacation time, holiday pay, health insurance, life insurance.

How do I make a formal complaint against an officer?

To make a formal complaint against an officer, you will need to write a detailed complaint stating your facts against the officer. 

Mail signed formal complaints to the following address. 

City of Wells

PO Box 20

Wells, Texas 75976

Where can I pay my City of Alto gas bill?

City of Alto 404 W San Antonio Alto, TX 75925

Telephone: (936) 858-4711

Pay your bill at the Wells Commercial Bank location 1^st -10^th of every month

You can also pay your bill online at the link below. 

When are the garbage collection days?

Trash collection runs every Wednesday morning, Dumpster collection runs Monday and Friday.

Trash cart removal fee

Effective 9/1/2020 Revised 10/1/2023

A $10.00 trash cart Right of Way (ROW) non-removal fee has been applied to your utility account.

How to prevent this fee from being applied: Trash carts must be removed from the city ROW by 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.

The Wells City Council rules & regulations indicated that a $10.00 trash can removal fee is to be added to all water accounts that leave their trash carts on the city utility ROW after trash collection. The city employees will check every Friday morning for trash carts left in the city ROW, and the charge will be applied for each week that the trash cart(s) are left in the city ROW.  

The utility easement is from the electric poles and gas meters to the roadway; trash carts must be put out beside the roadway at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning and moved behind the utility easement no later than 6:00 a.m. on Friday morning.

It is the customer’s responsibility to remove the trash cart from the ROW even if the trash collection company leaves your trash cart in the city ROW.

Do I have to use garbage collection?

Yes, Trash service is mandatory inside the city limits.

I live outside the city limits; can I get trash service?

Contact city hall to discuss trash service in your area. 

Why am I charged for leaving my trash cart by the roadway?

Trash cart removal fee (Effective 9/1/2020 Revised 10/1/2023)

A $10.00 trash cart Right of Way (ROW) non-removal fee has been applied to your utility account.

How to prevent this fee from being applied: Trash carts must be removed from the city ROW by 6:00 am Friday morning.

The Wells city council rules & regulations indicated that a $10.00 trash can removal fee to be added to all water accounts that leave their trash carts on the city utility ROW after trash collection. The city employees will check every Friday morning for trash carts left in the city ROW, and the charge will be applied for each week a violation occurs. 

The utility ROW is behind the electric poles to the roadway; trash carts must be put out beside the roadway at 6:00 am Wednesday morning and moved behind the utility easement no later than 6:00 am on Friday morning.

It is the customer’s responsibility to remove the trash cart from the ROW even if the trash collection company leaves your trash cart in the city ROW.

If you feel that your trash cart has been mixed up with someone else’s trash cart, please contact city hall.

How could I have used this much water?

You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read. You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Just call the office and we'll work with you to solve the problem.

My bill is past due can I get an extension?

The city does not give extensions. The last day to pay your bill is the 25th of every month. Holidays and weekends do not change the due date. The city provides its customers with a  drop box for after-hours payments. 

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all.

When a customer pays their bill but does not pay the entire amount the system prints the balance due as a late fee showing the credit for the portion you paid. 

Adding your usage for water, sewer, trash, tax and late fee then subtracting the credit will equal the amount due. 

Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.

Why is my water discolored?

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The water in our area is high in hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H 2S. It is a colorless gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs.

If your cold water smells call us so we can flush your streets line. 

If your hot water smells you will need to flush your hot water heater. 

It is recommended that you flush the hot water heater every 6 months to prevent hydrogen sulfide buildup and lengthen the life of your hot water heater. 

How do I get a copy of the city permits to operate water & sewer plants?

Anyone can submit an open records request to obtain the city's permits.

What do I do in the boil water event?

Why do I have to boil my water?

When a water system's water pressure drops too low, the water could become contaminated. Contamination may be due to equipment failure, leaking pipes in the system, or insufficient disinfectant in the water supply. TCEQ requires that the water system place customers under a boil water notice. This notice will not be lifted until the water system determines that the water is 100% safe to drink without being boiled.

How do I boil my water during an advisory?

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage

Should I use bottled water?

You may choose to use bottled water if it is available.

I don't like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste, you can:

• Pour cooled water back and forth from one clean glass into another to add air to the water.
• Let the water stand for a few hours.
• Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

What about ice?

• Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers.
• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
• Purchase ice from the supermarket

How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and preparation surfaces?

• Wash fruits and vegetables with cooled, boiled water or bottled water.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before adding food to cook.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water.

 Should I give my pet boiled water?

Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them cooled boiled water.

Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

My water is cloudy and smells. What can I do?

Contact city hall. They will need to come out and flush the line. You will also need to flush your lines since the city can only flush up to your meter. Turn your outside faucet on, or if you do not have an outside faucet, turn on your bathtub for 10-15 minutes. This should flush your personal line.

 Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets, reptiles, frogs)?

Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system uses more chlorine or changes disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.

Is it safe to wash my laundry?

• Wash and rinse the laundry as normal using warm or hot water.
• Dry your laundry in a clothes dryer or by hanging them in the sun. The heat from the dryer/sun will kill any germs from the water.
• Do not wash new clothes in hot water. If the water system treats the water with extra chlorine, the water may bleach out these items since the clothes have never been washed to set in the color dye.
• Use your best judgment to wash your clothes.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

• Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option, Use a ready-to-use formula.
• Prepare powdered or concentrated formula with bottled water. If you do not have bottled water, use boiled water. Disinfect water for formula if you cannot boil it (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water).
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

How do I wash dishes during a boil water advisory?

Dishwashers are safe to use if the water reaches a temperature of at least 160°F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:

• Wash and rinse the dishes as normal using hot water.
• Add one teaspoon of unscented household bleach in a separate basin for each gallon of warm water.
• Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely.

I already drank the water. Will I get sick?

Most people who drink this water will not get sick. If you get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.

 What should I do if I have symptoms?

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health or that of a family member.

When do trash carts need to be put out?

Effective September 1, 2020, the city council passed a rule regarding trash carts.

All trash carts must be placed by the roadway no later than 6:00 am Wednesday morning for collection and removed from the city right of way (R.O.W. is from the light poles to the roadway usually behind the water/gas meter) before 3:00 pm on Thursday.

A $10.00 fee will be added to all accounts that left the trash cart in the R.O.W.

The city employess will check trash carts on Friday morning.

If there is a leash law but who in forces it ?

When we finally get a police department they will enforce it. Until then the city can only let pet owners know that there is an ordinance and they as adults should be able to follow the law. Unfortunately, a majority of the dogs are dumped in Wells. Dumping dogs is illegal and that should be reported to the Sheriffs Department if it is witnessed.ONly the police department for Wells can enforce an ordinance. 

Why do I need a personal meter shut off?

Each customer is required to have a personal meter shut off so that when the customer has a water leak they can turn the water off and on as needed. Also when the customer goes out of town they can turn the water off. You never know when a water leak will occur so it is better to turn it off than to come home to a flooded house and yard. 

**Remember when turning your water off cut the power to your water heater to prevent it burning up when there is no water going into it. 

Water meters are the property of the City of Wells and at no time should they be turned off by the customer. Any damage caused by the customer turning off the water meter will be charged to the customer. This cost can be as high as $200.00

Why do I have to pay for the water when I have a leak?

Any time water runs through a meter the customer is responsible for paying the water fees. If you have a leak that does not allow the water to go into the sewer then your sewer charge will be reduced to your average usage.  In most cases, the customer will be given a 3-month payment plan to pay for bills with a leak on them. Contact city hall for more information.  

How do I sign up to receive Alerts and News & Notices?

Simply click the "Sign Up for Alerts" button located ……fill out the brief form with your preferred contact information and click submit

Where do I go to vote?

All City elections are conducted by the City of Wells please visit the elections page for locations and upcoming election information.

Local Elections are held at First Baptist Church located at 629 Rusk Ave.

How do I establish a Water Service?

Print and fill out the Contact of Service Information Sheet & Service Agreement found below.

Bring the agreement to city hall; please come in before 3:00 P.M. so that services will be turned on that day.

Items to bring with you:

1. Photo ID/ Drivers License
2. Lease / Proof of Purchase
3. Service Deposit (Due in full at the time service is requested)

What do I need to do when I move to Cherokee County?

The State of Texas requires that anyone moving to a new address is required to update their information.

1. Update your driver's license online or at any Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Visit the TxDPS Website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/renewal.htm

2. Update your voter's registration to vote in the county and precinct that you now live in.

Please fill out the attached voter's registration card and mail it in or update your information online at https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager

To vote, your voter's registration card and Texas Drivers' license must have the same name and address.

Who is my commissioner?

Precinct 2 Commissioner Steven Norton 

Phone: 936-858-4785 Fax: 936-858-4786

email:  snorton@cocherokee.org 

County Judge Chris Davis is over the Commissioners Court

Phone: 903-683-2324 Fax: 903-683-2393

email: cojudge@cocherokee.org

Commissioners meet twice per month on Tuesday mornings. Agendas are posted here: https://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/index.html

Who is my Justice of the Peace?

Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace
Judge Amber Hood

Phone: 936-858-4732
Fax: 936-858-2271
Email:  ccjp2@cocherokee.org

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 553 Alto, TX 75925
Physical Address:
123 W. San Antonio, Alto, Texas

Current Projects for the WDC

The Wells Development Corporation is proud to sponsor the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.

Honor your loved one with a personalized brick Set your Veteran name in stone for generations that come home to pay tribute to their service to The United States of America

Honor any active or honorably discharged military Veteran, living or deceased, residence worldwide,

of any US military branch of service which is recognized by the Department of Defense, including Reserves and National Guard.

Memorial Bricks may also be purchased in tribute to your loved ones for eternal remembrance. 

Brick size/prices are 4x8 $50.00 or 8x8 $100.00 (choose a symbol for the 8x8 bricks)

Proceeds go towards the city park improvement

Visit our website www.bricksrus.com/order/wellsdevelopmentcorp

Thank you for your contribution and for supporting the community!

What day is the pantry open?

Regular schedule for distributon for Vegetable & PAntry days each month is:

Vegatable Day 4th Wednesday of each month

Pantry Day 4th Thursday of each month. 

*the dates change in months with a Holiday.