City of Mingus, Texas

Title IV – Public Works and Utilities

Adopted by Resolution No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

Chapter 4.01 – General Provisions

Sec. 4.01.001 Purpose and Authority

This Title governs the operation and maintenance of all public utility systems owned or operated by the City of Mingus, including the municipal water system, solid-waste collection, and other public-works functions. It is adopted pursuant to the City’s Home-Rule Charter, the Texas Water Code, and the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Sec. 4.01.002 Administration

The Public Works Director, under supervision of the City Administrator or Mayor, shall administer this Title, maintain records, and enforce technical standards consistent with TCEQ regulations.

Sec. 4.01.003 Definitions

City – City of Mingus, Texas.
Customer – Any person or entity receiving City utility service.
Premises – A lot, tract, or building served by a single connection.
Main – A water line owned by the City serving more than one premises.
Service line – The piping from the City main to the customer’s meter.
OSSF – On-Site Sewage Facility (septic system).
TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Sec. 4.01.004 Applicability of State Law

All City operations shall conform to Chapters 13 and 341 of the Texas Water Code, 30 TAC Chapter 290 (Public Drinking Water), and other TCEQ and county health standards.

Sec. 4.01.005 Tampering Prohibited

No person shall alter, bypass, or tamper with any meter, valve, hydrant, or other City facility. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 4.01.006 Penalty

Unless otherwise provided, violations of this Title are punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000 per offense.

Chapter 4.02 – Water System

Sec. 4.02.001 Ownership and Operation

The City owns and operates the municipal waterworks system and all mains, meters, valves, and appurtenances. All installations and repairs must conform to City standards.

Sec. 4.02.002 Connection Required

All occupied premises within 200 feet of an available City main shall connect to the system unless a written waiver is granted by the City Council.

Sec. 4.02.003 Prerequisite Septic Approval

No water tap or service connection shall be issued for new construction until the applicant provides proof of an approved On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) permit from the Palo Pinto County Environmental Department. A copy of the permit shall be retained in the customer record.

Sec. 4.02.004 Applications, Deposits and Agreements

Applicants must complete a written application, pay all connection fees, deposits, and impact fees, and sign a service agreement. Deposits are refundable upon termination and final payment.

Sec. 4.02.005 Rates and Charges

Rates and charges are established by ordinance and listed in Appendix A – Fee and Rate Schedule.

Sec. 4.02.006 Billing and Delinquency

Bills are due on the date shown and delinquent after 10 days.
10 percent late penalty applies to delinquent accounts.
Service may be disconnected after notice for non-payment.
Reconnection requires payment of all balances and fees.

Sec. 4.02.007 Meters

Each service shall be individually metered unless otherwise approved.
Meters are City property and may be tested upon request and fee.

Sec. 4.02.008 Cross-Connection Control

Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed where required by 30 TAC § 290.44(h). Failure to maintain approved devices is grounds for disconnection.

Sec. 4.02.009 Drought Contingency and Conservation

The City adopts by reference its Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plan (Appendix D). Stages and restrictions are enforced per that plan.

Sec. 4.02.010 Fire Hydrants and Public Use

Only authorized City or Fire Department personnel may operate hydrants. Unauthorized use is a misdemeanor punishable by fine and disconnection.

Sec. 4.02.011 Main Extensions

Developers requesting main extensions must enter a written agreement specifying design standards, testing, inspection, and dedication to the City.

Sec. 4.02.012 Flush-Log and Chlorine Monitoring

The City shall maintain hydrant-flushing records including date, location, duration, gallons, and chlorine residuals for TCEQ inspection. Logs shall be retained for at least three years.

Chapter 4.03 – Solid Waste Collection

All occupied premises shall subscribe to the City’s authorized solid-waste collection service unless exempted by the City Council.

Refuse must be in watertight containers with tight-fitting lids.
Containers shall be placed for pickup and removed within 24 hours.
Illegal dumping or burning of household waste is prohibited.
Fees are set in Appendix A.

Chapter 4.04 – Streets and Rights-of-Way

No excavation or boring in City streets without permit.
Permittee is responsible for surface restoration and liability for one year.
No public improvement accepted until inspected and approved by Public Works Director and Council.
Street naming and addressing require Council approval.

Chapter 4.05 – Enforcement and Penalties

The City may disconnect service for non-payment, tampering, contamination, or failure to provide required septic approval.
Customers may appeal enforcement actions in writing to the City Administrator within 10 days and further to the Council.
Violations are punishable by fine not exceeding $2,000 per day and/or service disconnection.

Appendices Incorporated by Reference

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