| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Q: | Are dog licenses required? Does the city have a leash law? |
| A: | Yes, dog licenses are required in the City of Union. Licenses are to be purchased by Oct. 31 of each year. They are $10.00 for neutered and spayed; $15 for non-spayed and non-neutered. The Senior (age 62+) and disabled rates are $5.00 on all dogs. They are obtained at City Hall. A license does NOT allow dogs to run at large. The City DOES have a leash law. Dogs are to be kept in your yard and on a leash under owner's control when walking them. The fine for allowing a dog to run at large is $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, $100 for the third offense, and $200 for the fourth offense. If a dog is taken to the pound, a $25 impound fee is to be paid before the dog can be released. If it is not licensed, a license has to be purchased. Call City Hall at 562-5197 for more information. |
| Q: | Burning Permits - What is the cost? How long do they last? |
| A: | Burning permits cost $5.00. They are good for the calendar year they are purchased. ANYONE who burns in a barrel or does open burning is required to have a permit in their possession. The regulations are on the permit. Rural patrons must also have a permit which is obtained at City Hall if they are in our rural district. No burning is allowed between July 1 and September 1 of every year. Those dates are subject to change when the fire danger level dictates that we suspend burning longer than that. |
| Q: | Can the city park be used or reserved for a private function? How does one go about using it? |
| A: | The Union City Park is open to the public and may be used on a first come, first served basis. City Hall keeps a calendar of events at the park and names can be put on it. However, it's still first come, first served. We ask that if you are planning a large event, such as a wedding or family reunion that you make prior arrangements at City Hall, as there are special requirements for the use of the park in these circumstances. If your organization would like to use the park for an event, we also need to have you come to City Hall to make special arrangement. |
| Q: | How many dogs or cats is an owner allowed to have? |
| A: | One residence is allowed three dogs. If anyone owns four or more, a kennel license is required. To obtain a kennel license the person has to make a Conditional Use application to the Planning Commission. Cats are not required to be licensed. There is not a limit to the number of cats anyone can own. Dogs must be licensed annually at City Hall. |
| Q: | How many horses, cows, chickens, etc. are allowed on a lot? |
| A: | City Ordinance states that one animal unit (one cow or horse; 25 chickens, rabbits, etc. constitute one animal unit) is allowed per 10,000 sq. ft. Square footage of buildings and house has to be deducted from 10,000. Please note that any city resident who keeps livestock within the city limits is responsible for building a secure enclosure for them. There are fines for loose livestock. Owners must also keep the property where the animals are housed clean and odor free. |
| Q: | Medical Facility - Do we have a one in Union? |
| A: | Currently we have an operating facility called the Union Family Health Clinic that is housed in the newly constructed Kendall Baxter Building located at 142 E. Dearborn near City Hall. This clinic houses the OHSU nurses' clinic and opened in the Spring of 2000. |
| Q: | What are city water and sewer rates for residential accounts? |
| A: | There are typically 3 monthly options for
residential water service. 1000 cu. ft. = $17.50 2000 cu. ft. = $19.50 3500 cu. ft. = $23.50 Water rates are currently under discussion by the City Council and will likely be changed. For further information, please contact City Hall. Residential sewer service is $30.00/month for a typical residence. |
| Q: | What is the process to have water/sewer in my name? When do I need to contact the city? |
| A: | Anytime someone moves INTO a new and/or different house address they need to come to City Hall in person. A form will be provided to put the new service address into their names. In some cases, a $99 deposit will be required to turn on the service. Deposits are refunded after one year if there are no payment issues. Whenever someone moves OUT of a service address, they need to call City Hall to have us read their meter for a final bill. |
| Q: | When are the side streets going to be paved? |
| A: | Many different avenues are being pursued and
investigated in order to finance this type of project. Proposals for this purpose have
come to the citizens of Union for a vote and have been defeated.
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| Q: | When are the water meters read? |
| A: | Water meters are read from March thru October. They are not read from November through February. During these four months only the base rate is charged monthly. If the total water consumption from November through February exceeds the allowed number of gallons in your plan, you will be charged for the excess on your bill following the first meter reading in the spring. |
| Q: | When can I meet with the City Administrator? |
| A: | Normally, the City Administrator is available at City Hall Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday 9 am to 12 pm. Please call ahead of time to confirm his availability and to schedule appointments. Union City Hall 562-5197 |
| Q: | |
| A: | Due to budget constraints, the City of Union was unable to fund a Police Department this year. However, the City Council is working with a group of citizens to put together a levy that will allow us to fund officers next year. Because salaries, equipment and training for a proper Police Department are so costly, the City Council is considering a contract with a larger police agency to provide us with officers and the supervision for those officers if the levy is passed. In the meantime, the Union County Sheriff will provide response to emergency calls. |