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1. When and where are Council meetings?

Council meetings are held the second Thursday of every month, in the McRae-Helena Council Chambers located at 202 8th Street. 

Agendas and minutes are frequently updated and the best source for up-to-date information on a past or upcoming meeting.

View the Agendas and Minutes

2. Can I pay my water bill with a debit/credit card?

Yes, online payment is available via credit or debit card. Also, you can pay with any majorly accepted credit or debit card in City Hall. Small service fees apply in person and online. We do not accept payments over the phone.

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1. Do I have to pay for the new meter?

No, there is no charge for the new meter.

2. When will my new meter be installed? Do I have to be home?

Installations will begin June 2018 and will progress in phases throughout the summer. You do not have to be home at the time of installation. If you are home, the installer will notify you in person before installation begins. 

3. Who will install the meter?

The City has hired M&E Construction to change our meter reading system and install the meters. The workers will be in clearly marked vehicles that identify them as contractors with the City of McRae-Helena

4. Will my water service be interrupted during installation?

Yes, there will be a temporary service interruption while the meter is replaced - typically about 15 minutes. The installer will notify you in person before he begins the installation. If you are a commercial customer, either a City employee or an employee of the Contractor will confirm the best time to temporarily interrupt water service in order to minimize disruption of business activities. 

5. Will my water bill increase?

As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. The new meters will record consumption more accurately - depending on the age and accuracy of your existing meter, you might see a change in your bill. 

6. What if there is a leak at the meter or any problem after the meter has been installed?

If you notice any problems with the installation, please call City Hall at 229-868-6141 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours or weekend emergencies, please call 229-868-7833.

7. My water meter works fine. Does it have to be upgraded?

Yes, even if the meter is newer it will not transmit consumption data unless it is retrofitted with a new register that can pass the data through the radio frequency to the Mi.Hub collector. The current manual meters and registers cannot do this. 

8. Why are you still reading the new meter manually?

If your meter has been upgraded with AMI technology and your meter is still being read manually, it just indicates that we have not completed commissioning the system in your area and are not yet ready to read your meter electronically. Once we are receiving transmissions from the meter, your future meter reading will be taken electronically.

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1. When do I need a building permit?

Generally, a permit must be obtained prior to beginning any construction, erection, alteration, or repair to any structure other than ordinary repairs such as painting or appliance installations.  As a rule of thumb, if you are adding habitable square footage to a property or changing the use of the building, you will need a permit. 

2. I want to move inside City limits; can I bring my farm animals?

No, the raising of poultry or livestock does not conform to our zoning ordinance. 

3. Can I burn trash inside City limits?

No.. Small piles of yard debris up to 6 ft. by 6 ft. and no more than three (3) feet high can be burned but under no circumstances can manmade materials be burned. If you have any further questions, contact McRae-Helena Fire Department at 229-868-2082.

4. My neighbor has multiple junk vehicles in his yard; is this legal?

No. Inoperable, unlicensed vehicles shall not be kept on a property unless enclosed inside a building or workshop.

5. What are the most common violations that occur within the City?

Code Enforcement receives numerous complaints, covering a wide range of problems. The following is a listing of some of the most common complaints received:

• Uncultivated Vegetation, Weeds or Grass in excess of 12" in height: All premises within the City shall be maintained in a neat and attractive manner. The responsible person of any residence is responsible for maintaining the entire premises, including abutting public ways.
• Fences and gates in disrepair: For the fence to serve its intended purpose, it must be maintained so the fence may screen, protect, and secure.
• Right of Way Obstructions: The public streets, sidewalks and alleyways, must have clear accessibility to all who wish to use them. No plant, material, structure, fabrication, or vehicle may block the use of sidewalks or streets. This includes basketball standards, skateboard ramps, etc. Trees branches must be maintained at a height of 8 feet above the street level.  Other plant material should not block or obstruct any portion of the public sidewalk. 
• Swimming pool regulations: All swimming pools, regardless of depth or size, must be enclosed by a fence, wall, or equivalent barrier at least six feet in height and must be cleaned and maintained in a sanitary manner annually. 
• Overgrowth of vegetation: Property owners and /or occupants are responsible for maintaining grass, weeds, and all other vegetation on their property in a height not in excess of 12 inches.
• Abandoned/ Derelict Structures: Property owners must secure any openings in vacant structures in order to prevent entry and discourage the possibility of crime or loitering.

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1. What is the ISO Rating for McRae-Helena?

The City of McRae-Helena underwent an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Audit in 2015. During this audit, the ISO rating dropped from a Class 5 to a Class 4 rating. This will save home owners and business owners on insurance premiums as long as the home or business is within five road miles of either Station 1 or Station 2.

2. How do I apply for a burn permit?

If you live inside the city limits of McRae-Helena, call the fire department at 229-868-2082 and we will provide permission to burn as long as the conditions are favorable to burn. 

If you live outside of the city limits of McRae-Helena, call the Georgia Forestry Commission at 229-868-3381 to receive a permit.

3. How do I get a fire report?

Call the fire department at 229-868-2082 or pick up the report in person at the Fire Department Headquarters located at 181 East Oak Street.

4. How do I become a volunteer firefighter?

Contact Fire Chief Jeff Hardin at MHFD Station 1 to discuss volunteer opportunities and pick up a volunteer application. In order to be a member of the McRae-Helena Firefighters Association, you must meet the following requirements:

• Pass a physical agility test
• Pass a criminal background check
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have a physical from a physician to be cleared to be a firefighter
• Must not have a felony on your record in the last ten years

You will also be required to complete minimum training requirements which include Firefighter 1, First Responder, Crash Victim Extrication, Hazardous Materials Core, and Rescue Specialist. These classes will be offered in house at our agency or we will assist you in finding a class to attend.

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1. When and where are Council meetings?

Council meetings are held the second Thursday of every month, in the McRae-Helena Council Chambers located at 202 8th Street. 

Agendas and minutes are frequently updated and the best source for up-to-date information on a past or upcoming meeting.

View the Agendas and Minutes

2. Can I pay my water bill with a debit/credit card?

City Hall does not currently accept debit or credit cards in person. However, online payment is available via credit or debit card.

3. My neighbor’s dog is running loose. What can I do?

If you are having trouble with an animal at large, you can either call 911 or come to the police department and fill out a formal complaint about your problem. 

At that time an officer will attempt to locate the owner of the animal and advise them of the problem or issue a citation.

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1. My trash can is broken. What do I do?

Contact City Hall at 229-868-6051 and you will be put on the list for a replacement. New trash cans are delivered each Friday. If you have a commercial dumpster, contact Republic Services at 912-964-2211.

2. What do I do if my trash was not picked up on the scheduled day?

If you had placed your garbage container at the road before the designated pickup time and it was skipped, contact City Hall at 229-868-6051. You will be placed on a list for Republic to return to your address later that day or the next day. Keep your garbage container at the road so that they can empty it when they return.

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1. When and where is Municipal Court?

Municipal Court is held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Municipal Court Building at 202 8th Street, McRae-Helena. If you would like to request a bench trial, you will be assigned a court date during regular municipal court. Bench trials are held on the third Wednesdays every four months. If you have further questions you can call the Clerk of Court at 229-868-2093.

2. Can I pay my citation before court? How or where can I make this payment?

Yes, you can pay your citation before court and there are a couple of ways to do so.  You can:

• Come by the police department
• Send your payment in the mail
• Pay Online

We do not accept personal checks. You can make the payment at the police department with cash, money order, or Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover Card.

3. How can I find out the cost of my citation?

You can find out the cost of your citation by calling 229-868-2093 and speaking with the Clerk of Court.

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1. How do I obtain a copy of my accident/incident report?

Call the McRae-Helena Police Department at 229-868-2093 to make sure that the report has been completed and approved. Once it is completed and approved, you may pick up your copy at the police department at 181 East Oak Street. There is a $5 charge for either type of report. 

You can also purchase and print your report online at BuyCrash. This option costs $11 but you will be able to access it from anywhere. 

2. My neighbor’s dog is running loose. What can I do?

If you are having trouble with an animal at large, you can either call 911 or come to the police department and fill out a formal complaint about your problem. 

At that time an officer will attempt to locate the owner of the animal and advise them of the problem or issue a citation.

3. I don't have an emergency but I would like to speak to an Officer, how can I arrange a meeting?

You can simply call 911 (229-868-7833 non-emergency number) and request that an Officer come to where you are. Or if you prefer you can come to the Police Department and an Officer will meet with you. 

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1. Who do I call to report a road issue?

For road issues such as potholes, call 229-868-6051 or visit City Hall at 25 South First Avenue to submit a work order request, or report the problem online. The Street Department will complete the work order as soon as possible. 

The City cannot fix potholes that are in private alleys or parking lots; for those issues, contact the property owner.

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1. Why is the City offering this program?

We regularly receive calls and in-person complaints from homeowners when a problem occurs with their water or sewer service lines to their homes. These lines are not the City's responsibility and we are very limited with the assistance we can offer. A broken or blocked water or sewer line on the resident's property can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace, and many times, residents are unprepared for this unexpected expense. The NLC Service Line Warranty Program is a fully vetted and A+ Better Business Bureau-rated program that will repair or replace a resident's lines per city code by a local contractor that is licensed and insured for safety.

2. Do residents have to sign up for this program?

No, the program is completely voluntary. 

3. Are tax dollars used to implement this program?

No, tax dollars are not used to provide this program. All marketing, promotional, and other expenses for this program are provided to the City at no cost. 

4. Do water and sewer service lines really fail that often?

There are several factors that cause failures in water and sewer service lines. One common cause of failure is tree roots infiltrating the lines, causing a blockage. Earth shifting from too much moisture or not enough moisture can cause breaks that need to be repaired or replaced. Age and composition of the pipe are also factors that can result in service line failures.

5. Is there a long-term contract commitment to join this program?

There is no long-term commitment to the program and residents may drop the coverage at any time. Billing is done monthly or yearly by SLWA, and if a customer decides to drop the program after making an annual payment, a refund of any remaining funds will be made to the customer.

6. If I have problem, is there a service fee or call-out fee?

There are no service fees, deductibles, or lifetime/annual cap when you submit a claim. 

When you file a claim, you will be contacted by a licensed, local contractor within one hour. Repairs are typically performed within 24 hours; although depending on the scope of the problem, repair time will vary.

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1. What utility services are offered by the City?

The City offers water, sewer, and garbage services. 

2. What do I do if I'm having a sewer problem?

Report this to City Hall by calling 229-868-6051. The office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. If you are unable to report during office hours, please call the non emergency E-911 number 229-868-7833. 

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1. What utility services are offered by the City?

The City offers water, sewer, and garbage services. 

2. How do I report a water leak?

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., call City Hall at 229-868-6051. After 4:30 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, call the non-emergency E-911 line at 229-868-7833. 

Please do not leave a message at City Hall for water leaks after 4:30 p.m. or on weekends. The messages cannot be checked until 8 a.m. and we need to address the problem immediately.

3. How do I get water service?

You must complete a Utilities Application form, provide a valid ID, and pay a non refundable $50 service fee. 

4. What do I do if I'm having a sewer problem?

Report this to City Hall by calling 229-868-6051. The office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. If you are unable to report during office hours, please call the non emergency E-911 number 229-868-7833. 

5. When will my water meter be read?

Water meters are typically read on the 19th or 20th of each month.

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1. What utility services are offered by the City?

The City offers water, sewer, and garbage services. 

2. How do I report a water leak?

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., call City Hall at 229-868-6051. After 4:30 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, call the non-emergency E-911 line at 229-868-7833. 

Please do not leave a message at City Hall for water leaks after 4:30 p.m. or on weekends. The messages cannot be checked until 8 a.m. and we need to address the problem immediately.

3. How do I get water service?

You must complete a Utilities Application form, provide a valid ID, and pay a non refundable $50 service fee. 

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1. When do I need a building permit?

Generally, a permit must be obtained prior to beginning any construction, erection, alteration, or repair to any structure other than ordinary repairs such as painting or appliance installations.  As a rule of thumb, if you are adding habitable square footage to a property or changing the use of the building, you will need a permit. 

2. Do I need a permit to construct fences or driveways?

No, at the moment the City of McRae-Helena does not require permits for this type of improvement. However, it is a good idea to contact City Hall to be sure your plans fit within current zoning regulations and right of way easements. Fencing and driveways are regulated in the McRae-Helena Zoning Ordinance.

3. I want to move inside City limits; can I bring my farm animals?

No, the raising of poultry or livestock does not conform to our zoning ordinance. 

4. How can I found out the zoning of a property?

You can view the Zoning Map here. If you still have questions, call City Hall at 229-868-6051.

5. Do I need a permit for a storage shed?

Yes. Approval of a permit from Zoning is required prior to construction or installation of an accessory structure, including sheds, gazebos, swimming pools, detached garages, etc. Standards for maximum allowable lot coverage, building setbacks and maximum height depend on the zoning designation of the property. Contact City Hall prior to construction.

6. May I operate a business out of my home?

If the business type qualifies as a conditional use for the zoning classification of your residence, you can submit an application packet for a conditional use permit. That is a non-transferable permit which will allow a specific use at your property. The Planning and Zoning Commission hears permit requests. For more information about conditional uses, click here.