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Administration

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1. Who do I call to report a street light not working?

Call Loup Power District Service Center at (402) 564-4129.

2. Who is my councilmember and how do I contact them?

Check out information on the City Council to see which councilmember serves each ward and how to contact them.

3. Where do I go to vote?

Please see information from the Platte County Election Commissioner to find polling locations.

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Airport

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1. How do I arrange for fuel or rent a car?

Avcraft is the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and can be contacted at (402) 564-7884 or (402) 910-5247. Services & Facilities

2. Is there any commercial air service at the Columbus Municipal Airport?

No, Columbus Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that provides a critical link to the national airspace system. The airport supports a variety of users, including those utilizing business jets and turboprops, as well as recreational users.

3. How many airplanes are based at the Columbus Municipal Airport?

There are 33 single-engine and seven multiengine airplanes based at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

4. What benefit does the airport bring to Columbus?

The airport brings essential services, including air ambulance service, law enforcement and fire control, courier delivery of mail and high valuable parcels, and business development through companies such as Becton Dickinson, Behlen Manufacturing Co., Vishay / Dale Electronics, Carneco, FLEXCON, Archer Daniels Midland, Columbus Hydraulics, Orion Corporation, and Nebraska Public Power District.

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Animal Control

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1. How do I license my pet and how much does it cost?

Dogs and cats are required to have a city animal license. Licenses can be purchased at Columbus Animal Hospital, Pet Care Specialists, Redstone Veterinary Hospital, Twin Rivers Veterinary Clinic, the Animal Control Office, and at Paws & Claws when an animal is being adopted. View our Fees Schedule for the current fees.

2. How do I report an animal violation?

Animal complaints, lost animals, or strays can be called into the Animal Control Office or to the nonemergency number of the Police Department.

3. Is there an "Animal at Large" law in Columbus?

Yes, Columbus has an “Animal at Large” ordinance. All animals, regardless of the species, are required to be on a leash or tether when off the owner's property, and under the control of their owners at all times.

4. How do I get my pet back if it was picked up at large?

You contact Animal Control to confirm that the animal at the shelter is yours and if it is we release it to you. Fees may be needed for release, view the Fees Schedule.

5. Does Animal Control run the Shelter?

No Animal Control contracts out with Paws and Claws a subsidiary of the Platte Valley Humane Society. They lodge the strays that are picked up for the city.

6. How can I contact Paws and Claws?

They are located at 2124 13th Street. Their phone number is 402-562-5683. Their website is https://www.pawsandclawsne.org.

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Aquatic Center

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1. What are your daily fees?

View our Fees Schedule for the Aquatic Center.

2. When can I start signing up for swim lessons?

See the Swimming Lessons page for information on current signup and lesson schedules.

3. What are your swimming hours?

See the Aquatic Center Flyer.

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Cemeteries

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1. How do I find where a family member or friend is buried?

Contact the Cemetery Department at (402) 562-4251.

2. What happens to flowers and decorations placed on graves?

Cemetery staff removes flowers and decorations on the first day of spring and the Monday following Memorial Day. Flowers in permanent vases are not removed. For more information see the Cemetery Rules.

3. How do I purchase a cemetery space?

Contact the Cemetery Department at (402) 562-4251 or the City Clerk’s office at (402) 562-4224.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I apply for a handicapped parking permit?

See the Nebraska DMV website for instructions on how to fill out and submit an application.

2. When are City Council meetings held?

The City Council meets at 7:00 pm on the first and third Monday of every month in the Council Chambers located at 1369 25th Avenue.

3. How do I reserve a shelter in the park?

The City Clerk’s Office takes reservations and collects a fee for the east and west shelters in Pawnee Park and the shelter in Glur Park. Call (402) 562-4224 to make your reservation. Shelters in other city parks are available on a first come, first served basis.

4. How can I view City Council meetings?

City Council meetings may be viewed live on Channel 1305. Reruns are played during the week of the meeting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

Go to the Media Center to view the latest City Council meetings.

5. How do I address the City Council?

If you have a specific topic that you would like the City Council or Council Committee to discuss at a future meeting, please complete the Topic for Consideration Form. The item will be reviewed and possibly scheduled for a future meeting, or forwarded to city staff for appropriate action.

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Columbus Area Transit

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1. What does it cost to ride the bus?

Contact the CAT office at (402) 564-9293 for current fees and details.

2. How do I get a ride?

Contact the CAT office at (402) 564-9293 for details and fees. All riders must have a bus punch card at each boarding.

3. I’m in a wheelchair. Can I ride the bus?

Yes, contact the CAT office at (402) 564-9293 for special assistance requests.

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Community Development

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1. Why do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required to ensure plans meet minimum standards for safety and health. Unsafe building conditions can lead to dangerous situations.

2. For what work do I need a building permit?

The following work requires a building permit:

• Residential accessory buildings over 120 square feet
• All new construction, including additions, enclosures, and garages
• Decks, fences, or swimming pools
• Interior remodeling or alterations involving the removal of walls or wall coverings, or adding new rooms and basement finishing
• Moving or demolition of structures
• Patio covers and carports
• Repairs when structural members are involved, or which enlarge or change location of openings
• Signs to be erected, re-erected, moved, or altered, including mobile signs

3. What type of work can I do without a building permit?

• Residential accessory buildings not exceeding 120 square feet (must meet current setback requirements and floodplain regulations)
• Installation of storm windows or roof gutters
• Painting, papering, or similar finish work
• Shingling
• Siding

4. How do I obtain a Building Permit?

1. Complete and submit an application to the Community Development Department. Applications are available at the Community Development Office located on the second floor of City Hall. There is no fee to submit a Building Permit Application.
2. Residential - Submit one (1) set of plans for review
3. Commercial - Submit two (2) sets of plans for review

*Plans must be drawn to scale, dimensioned, and of sufficient clarity to be read easily.
*Some projects are required by state law to have plans that are certified by an engineer or architect registered under the laws of the State of Nebraska

5. How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

The amount of time varies based upon the complexity of the work, but generally you can expect the following time frames:

• Residential building permits may take up to 15 working days.
• Simple add-on, or garage permits will be processed in 10 to 15 days.
• Commercial building permits for new construction and remodeling may take 15 or more working days depending on the complexity.

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Consumer Confidence Report

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1. What is a CCR?

The Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR, is an annual water quality report that a community water system is required to provide to its customers. The CCR helps people make informed choices about the water they drink. They let people know what contaminants, if any, are in their drinking water and how these contaminants may affect their health. CCRs also give the system a chance to tell customers what it takes to deliver safe drinking water.

2. Are all public water systems required to provide CCRs to their customers?

Only community water systems that serve the same people year-round provide CCRs to their customers. If your water supplier is a noncommunity system, contact your utility for drinking water quality information.

3. How do renters get water quality information about their drinking water?

A community water system must make a good faith effort to reach consumers who do not get water bills, such as renters or workers. An adequate good faith effort would include a mix of methods appropriate to the particular system, such as: posting the reports on the internet, mailing reports to postal patrons in metropolitan areas, advertising the availability of the report in the news media, publishing the report in a local newspaper, posting the report in public places such as cafeterias or lunch rooms of public buildings, delivering multiple copies of the report for distribution by single-billed customers such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, schools, or large private employers and community organizations.

4. How do people served by non-community water systems get water quality information about their drinking water?

If your water supplier is a public water system, but not a community water system, contact the utility for water quality information.

5. Why does the current CCR contain results from previous calendar years?

Federal regulations require that if a system is allowed to monitor for regulated contaminants less often than once a year, the table must include the date and results of the most recent sampling. Thus, the table in the CCR may reflect the date and result of the last samples taken.

6. Why do I get a CCR?

Every community water system (CWS) is required by law to provide its customers with a water quality report also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1st of each year. This report lists the regulated contaminants the CWS detected in treated water and the level at which they were found for the preceding calendar year.

7. Does the annual water quality report indicate there is something wrong with the water, or that it’s unsafe?

The CCR is a general overall overview of the water quality delivered by your community water system. This report lists the regulated contaminants the CWS detected in the treated water and the level at which they were found for the preceding calendar year.

8. What do all of these abbreviations mean?

• MCL: Maximum contaminant level: the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the maximum contaminant level goals as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
• MCLG: Maximum contaminant level goal: the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
• TT: Treatment technique: a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
• AL: Action level: the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
• Variances and Exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.
• MRDLG: Maximum residual disinfection level goal. The level or a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
• MRDL: Maximum residual disinfectant level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
• MNR: Monitored not regulated.
• MPL: State assigned maximum permissible level.

9. Why did my CCR contain information on cryptosporidium?

A section concerning cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants is required in all CCRs to provide information for severely weakened immune (immunocompromised) systems, such as individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV / AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants. The section does not indicate the presence of cryptosporidium in drinking water. Visit A joint EPA and CDC guidance document for people who are immunocompromised.

10. Does my public water system treat the water for cryptosporidium?

Contact your water system to inquire about its cryptosporidium removal practices.

11. Should I be concerned about cryptosporidium in my drinking water?

Current EPA drinking water standards are designed to assure 99% removal or killing of Cryptosporidium. People who have severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) are more high-risk to infection than the general population and may want to take extra precautions. These include pregnant women, infants, the elderly, people with HIV / AIDS, organ transplants, and people on cancer therapy. Cryptosporidiosis is not treatable with antibiotics, so prevention of infection is critical. People with weakened immune systems will have cryptosporidiosis for a longer period of time, and it could become life-threatening. Young children, pregnant women, or the elderly infected with cryptosporidiosis can quickly become severely dehydrated.

EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed guidance for severely immunocompromised people. Such individuals should consult with their health care provider about what measures would be most appropriate and effective for reducing their overall risk of Cryptosporidium and other types of infection. Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ground Water and Drinking Water for information on health effects and concerns.

12. What can I do if I am more sensitive to contaminants or more at risk to infections than the general population?

Seek advice from your health care provider.

13. Is there a safe level of lead in drinking water for children?

Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead at zero because lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Lead is persistent, and it can bio-accumulate in the body over time. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends intervention when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or greater. It is important to recognize all the ways a child can be exposed to lead. Children are exposed to lead in paint, dust, soil, air, and food, as well as drinking water. Therefore, the amount of lead a child can be exposed to in drinking water before exceeding the recommended blood level depends upon the amount of lead coming from these other sources. Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells. For additional information about lead in drinking water visit the Environmental Protection Agency.

14. Why is the Safe Drinking Water Hotline’s 800 number listed in the report if the Hotline cannot provide local water quality information?

Systems area required to provide a name and telephone contact at the water system who can answer questions about the report. In addition, a toll free number for EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline provides general information about CCRs and other safe drinking water issues. The hotline can also direct callers to more sources of information, and can help people to understand the purpose and language of the CCRs.

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Emergency Management

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1. When is the outdoor warning system tested (Sirens)?

The outdoor warning system (Tornado Sirens) are tested from April to October on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00 am.

2. Is an “all clear” siren sounded after a tornado warning is issued and it is safe to come out of my shelter?

The sirens are not sounded for an “all clear”. If they are sounded again, it typically means the warning has been extended or this situation is very severe.

3. What should I do if a siren does not sound when tested?

Please report the malfunctioning siren to the Police Department at (402) 564-3201 or Columbus \ Platte County Emergency Management at (402) 564-1206

4. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning system (sirens) in my house?

The outdoor warning system is designed for outdoor use only and not to be heard indoors. You should have multiple ways to get severe weather information such as NOAA weather radio and news media such as TV and radio.

5. I would like to prepare an emergency kit. Where can I find more information?

Visit Ready - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. which has information to put together an emergency kit, as well as a family plan.

6. After a storm moves through the area who can I call to report damage?

Call Columbus \ Platte County Emergency Management at (402) 564-1206. If there is an emergency related to the storm damage, call 911.

7. How can I learn what the risks are for my neighborhood?

Call Columbus \ Platte County Emergency Management at (402) 564-1206 to discuss the risks.

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Engineering

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1. Do I need a sidewalk permit to replace substandard sections of my sidewalk?

Yes. The purpose of the sidewalk permit is to ensure that the walk is constructed in accordance with city specifications. The permit is free, and available at the engineering office on the second floor of City Hall, 2424 14th Street. An inspection by the Engineering Department will be scheduled at that time, at no cost to the applicant.

2. Am I required to provide storm water and erosion control at my building site, if it is less than one acre?

Yes. Even though you are not required to obtain a NPDES permit from the state, you are still required to prevent illicit discharges from your building site, in accordance with city code. All job sites are subject to inspection by the city storm water inspector. If you are unsure of what the requirements are, please call the Engineering office (402) 562-4237, and we will guide you through the requirements.

3. Who is responsible for trees in the right-of-way?

Contact the city Street Department at (402) 562-4253.

4. Does the Engineering Department do building inspections?

No. Commercial and residential building inspections are the responsibility of the Community Development Department.

5. How do I report a street light out?

Contact Loup Power District at (402) 564-4129.

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Finance

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1. How do I find out how much is owed on a special assessment for street, water, or sewer districts?

Send the legal description of the property to the Finance Department.

2. How much of my property taxes goes toward the City of Columbus?

Please see the Taxes page for details on property taxes.

3. How do I search for a bill at the Nebraska Legislature?

Visit the Nebraska Legislature Search Bills and Laws page.

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Fire & Rescue

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1. Is it possible to obtain a burn permit?

A decision is made daily prior to 7:00 am if burn permits will be issued for that day based on weather predictions. Please call the Fire Department (402) 564-8129 after 7:15 am or stop by after that time to see if burn permits will be issued. Applicants for burn permits must appear at the Columbus Fire Department, 1459 26th Avenue, to file the appropriate state form.

2. How do I become a volunteer firefighter?

Send Fire Chief Dean Hefti an email or call the Fire Department after 6:30 pm on Monday nights and ask for the Department Secretary.

3. Where do I pay my ambulance bill?

Billings for the Columbus Fire Department are issued by the City Clerk’s Office, 2424 14th Street, or call at (402) 562-4224.

4. What is the Insurance services organization rating for Columbus and the Rural Fire District?

The City of Columbus is rated a 4 and the Rural Fire District has a rating of 8 - 9.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I know what jobs are currently open at the City of Columbus?

Openings are usually posted on the city Job Posting website and the Nebraska Workforce Development website. Advertisements are also placed in newspapers or publications as appropriate.

2. If I have applied for a job, how will I know if the job has been filled?

When the job has been filled, applicants usually will receive a notice that the hiring process has been completed. Notice of opening and closing dates are posted on the website.

3. Are there summer jobs available?

Yes, there are a number of summer jobs available each summer, especially at Pawnee Plunge. Watch for Job Postings in the early spring and submit your application accordingly.

4. Can I apply for a job at any time?

The City accepts applications only for jobs that are currently posted. See Job Postings for current openings, and use Notify Me to receive electronic notifications for any new job postings.

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Library

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1. How do I get a library card?

You may obtain a library card with no fee if you live, work, or attend school in Platte County. Simply bring to the library proof of residency for Platte County such as a drivers license, rent agreement, or property tax statement and fill out a cardholder agreement. Individuals younger than age 19 must have a parent or guardian present to sign their agreement and show proof of residency or ownership. For more information see the Library Card Policy.

2. Can I print at the library?

Yes. You can print from the computers in the library, as well as your own device. Visit our Printing Instuctions page to learn how.

3. How do I know if the library has a certain book or item?

View our online catalog to search for materials.
View our instructions to learn how to use the online catalog. If you have additional questions please call the library at 402-564-7116.

4. How do I use the online catalog?

View our instructions. Go to our online catalog to search for items in the collection, place holds, and renew items on your account. If you have additional questions please call the library at 402-564-7116.

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Parks

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1. How do you reserve a shelter?

The City Clerk’s office takes reservations and collects a fee for the east and west shelter in Pawnee Park. Contact the City Clerk's office to make your reservation.

2. When is an event scheduled in the park?

Visit our calendar for upcoming events.

3. How do I sign up for athletic activities?

View Organization for instructions on how to sign up for athletic activities.

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Pawnee Plunge Water Park

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1. What are your hours of operation?

12:00 pm – 8:00 pm seven days a week, weather permitting.

2. What are your fees?

View our Fees Schedule for the Pawnee Plunge Water Park.

3. How does the weather affect the hours of operation?

The outside temperature should be at least 70 degrees for Pawnee Plunge to be open. If there is thunder or lightning, the decks have to be cleared for half an hour after the last detection. The Pawnee Plunge can also be closed due to safety concerns by staff.

4. Are there lifeguards on duty?

The park is fully staffed with Red Cross certified lifeguards to ensure safe fun for everyone.

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Police

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1. How long can a vehicle park in the street?

Columbus City Ordinances State: "It is unlawful for any person to stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle upon any street for a continuous period in excess of 24 hours."

2. Does my child need to ride in a car seat?

Nebraska law requires that all children under the age of six should use an appropriate child restraint system. Children 6 through the age of 17 also must use an occupant protection system like seat belts.

3. How do you handle disturbing the peace complaints?

Our officers will use the least amount of enforcement necessary to gain compliance with the law. There are two situations that are often encountered by officers:

• The noise can be heard more than 50 feet away and is between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. In this situation the officer does not need to have a named victim in order to issue a citation.
• The noise is between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. In this situation the officer will need a named victim who is willing to file the complaint before they can issue a citation.

4. How do I register my utility type vehicle (UTV and ATV)?

Effective 10/18/2011 the limited use of utility type vehicles is approved by Columbus ordinance. In order to operate your utility type vehicle you must have valid registration obtained from the city of Columbus. The registration form can be downloaded from this site and completed in advance. You will have to bring the completed registration and proof of ownership to the Columbus Police Department along with the required $10.00 fee. The owner must bring their title for all utility type vehicles 2011 and later. All registrations will require an inspection by the Police Department.

5. What happens to the fine and court costs I pay for my citation?

None of the fines or court costs associated with traffic or criminal violations comes back to either the Columbus Police Department or the City of Columbus. Fines are usually appropriated to local schools (see Nebraska Constitution, Article VII-5). Court costs are distributed according to Nebraska State Statutes (see the breakdown of various court costs and where they go).

The City of Columbus can not specify how any fines or court costs are distributed.

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Public Works

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1. What phone number do I call for after hour and weekend for water or sewer emergencies?

For after regular business hour emergencies call the Water Department at 402-562-4220 to be connected to the after-hours answering service to report water and sewer emergencies.

2. What do I do if smelly water is coming up from my toilets and drains?

Call the Water Department during regular business hours and a crew will be dispatched to check out the problem.

3. Whom do I contact for garbage collection service in Columbus?

You may contact a licensed garbage/refuse hauler of your choice. They are listed in the local telephone directory under Garbage Collection.

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Quail Run

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1. What are Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses hours of operation?

E-mail the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313.

2. What are the fees for Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses?

Email the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313 or visit Rates & Fees.

3. How do I setup a group outing at Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses?

E-mail the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313.

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Recycle Center

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1. Where can I dispose of electronics?

Contact Keep Columbus Beautiful at (402) 563-9223 for further details on disposal of electronics and other materials.

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Solid Waste

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1. Does the city provide curbside garbage service?

No, the city does not provide curbside garbage service. You may contact a licensed garbage/refuse hauler of your choice. They are listed in the local telephone directory under Garbage Collection.

2. What am I not allowed to dump?

View the Banned Materials list.

3. What are the costs for disposal?

See the complete detailed fees by viewing the city’s Fees Schedule.

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Streets

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1. How do I report a street light out?

Contact Loup Power District at (402) 564-4129.

2. How do I report a traffic signal out or stop sign down?

Contact the Street Department during working hours or the Police Department after hours.

3. How do I report a tree that has fallen down?

If it is in the right-of-way contact the Street Department during working hours or the Police Department after hours. If on private property it is the owner’s responsibility. For more information see the Tree Ordinance.

4. What happens if there is a snow storm?

Visit our Snow Plowing page.

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Van Berg

Show All Answers

1. What are Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses hours of operation?

E-mail the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313.

2. What are the fees for Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses?

E-mail the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313 or go to Rates & Fees.

3. How do I setup a group outing at Quail Run and Van Berg Golf Courses?

E-mail the Golf Pro or call (402) 564-1313.

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Wastewater Treatment

Show All Answers

1. What should not be poured down the drain?

Antifreeze, grease, petroleum based products, pharmaceuticals, paint, pesticides, herbicides; anything not biodegradable.

2. Where can I dispose used antifreeze?

Call the Wastewater Treatment Facility to arrange a time to dispose of your used antifreeze.

3. Where can I dispose my used oil?

Used oil can be disposed of at the Transfer Station during normal working hours.

4. What is your treatment capacity and what is your average daily flow?

The Wastewater Treatment Facility has a total treatment capacity of 7.5 million gallons per day (MGD). This facility processes an average of over 3.8 MGD of wastewater.

5. How do you dispose of the biosolids?

One of the most important features of the Bioset process is that it consistently and reliably produces Class A biosolids. The final product is available, free of charge, as an excellent soil enhancer / fertilizer for your landscape and garden.

Please contact Wastewater Treatment to learn more about how you can get this product for your home or farm use.

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Water Billing

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1. What are my payment options?

• Cash or check free of charge


• Credit/Debit card in office or over the phone for a $2 fee for bills under $300. We accept VISA and Mastercard.


• ACH – (Automated Clearing House) When your account is brought current, fill out an ACH Card with your checking or savings account information and return it to our office prior to the 20th of the month and we will set it up for the next months billing.


• If your bank offers online bill pay you can electronically send us a payment.

2. What is the fee structure?

Columbus water / sewer fees are based on the amount of gallons used.

3. How often do we bill?

The billing cycle is performed on a monthly basis. The payment is due on the 20th day of each month before deemed delinquent.

4. Do we hold a deposit?

No, the city does not require a deposit for water / sewer service.

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Water Production

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1. What chemicals does the city add to the water?

• Polyphosphate is added at the Water Treatment Plant to hold the iron and manganese in suspension.
• Fluoride is added to help with the prevention of tooth decay.
• Chlorine is added for disinfecting purposes. This step is vital to ensuring the health of our community.

2. What makes my water smell like rotten eggs?

There is an anode rod in most hot water heaters made of aluminum or magnesium that is used to protect against corrosion of the tank. It is sometimes called a sacrificial anode since it dissolves slowly and sacrifices itself to protect the metal tank. As the anode reacts with substances in the water, it undergoes an electrochemical reaction and draws corrosion to itself rather than the glass lined steel tank. The rod should last for five years but could fail earlier. Please contact a plumber if you are experiencing this problem. If you are experiencing this problem please contact a plumber or your water heater provider.

3. What is the hardness of my water?

The average hardness of city water is 16.8 grains of hardness or 285 parts per million (ppm).

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Water Utility Service

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1. Who do I call for a water or sewer emergency? If I have a water leak or sewer backup will the City fix it?

Contact the Water Department for 24 hour service at (402) 562-4220. The City of Columbus maintains the water and sewer mains. The water or sewer service that runs from your home or business to the water or sewer main is the responsibility of the home or business owner. If the leak or blockage is in the city main, the city will repair or clean the city main.

2. How can I tell if I have a water leak in my home or business?

You can easily tell if there is water leaking in the residence. Turn off all the water sources, if the red dial on the top of the meter is not moving there is no leak. If the dial is turning, you have a leak in your home or business.