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Animal Control

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1. How many pets am I allowed to keep at my residence in the City of Montrose?

A maximum of two dogs and two cats are allowed per residence, per Section 6-2-4 of the City of Montrose Municipal Code.

2. Does the City code provide any restrictions on barking dogs?

Yes. Animal Control Regulations (Chapter 6-2, City of Montrose Municipal Code) contains the City's regulations which prohibit several nuisance animal behaviors, including continuously barking or screeching animals.

While the City's code enforcement officer [(970) 240-1416] can provide assistance, it is usually best to try to resolve the matter with the animal's owner before contacting the City.

3. Am I required to license my pets in the City of Montrose?

Yes.  City of Montrose dog licenses are available at the Animal Shelter, the Montrose Police Department and from local veterinarians, including:

Alta Vista Animal Hospital - 249-8185

Montrose Veterinary Clinic - 249-5469

Morning Star Veterinary Clinic - 249-8022

San Juan Veterinary Clinic - 249-4490

Pat Shank Veterinary Clinic - 249-4241

The cost to purchase a license is $15 for intact dogs, $5 for spayed / neutered dogs.  Rabies vaccinations are required for dogs and cats, however there is no provision for licensing cats. More details about City of Montrose dog licensing policies can be found in the Animal Control Regulations (Chapter 6-2, City of Montrose Municipal Code.

4. Does the city have a leash law?

Yes. The city's Animal Control Regulations (Chapter 6-2, City of Montrose Municipal Code) requires that pet owners keep their dogs on a leash at all times when not on their own property. This also applies to all public parks, open spaces and trail areas.

5. Am I required to keep my dog or cat in my yard?

Yes. Animal Control Regulations (Chapter 6-2, City of Montrose Municipal Code) requires that all pet animals be contained or under control by a leash. Animal Control Regulations

6. Can I tether my dog on a rope, chain, or cable?

Yes, this is a legal means of containing a dog; however it should be a last resort and only a temporary solution. We respond to many calls of these dogs tangled and unable to access food, water, or shelter.

7. When should mistreatment of animals be reported?

Animal owners are required to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care for their animals. If you are concerned for the welfare of an animal within the city limits of Montrose, please call Montrose Police Department Animal Services at 970-252-4021.

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Animal Services/Shelter

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1. Does the City provide spay/neuter services?

No. Spay and neuter services are available from local veterinarians. Occasionally, the City sponsors spay and neuter clinics that are advertised well in advance.

The Montrose Animal Protection Agency (MAPA) offers vouchers through local veterinarians to assist with the cost of spaying/neutering. Please contact your family veterinarian to ask about this service.

The fee for adopting pets from the Animal Shelter includes spay/neuter and vaccination.

Call the Animal Shelter at 240-1487 for more information.

2. What fees are charged for animal services?

For detailed fee information, please view the following link. Animal Services Fees

3. How long are pet animals kept at the shelter?

The Animal Shelter is required to keep animals from three to five days. Nine days is the average length of stay at the Montrose shelter.

4. Are you a no-kill facility?

The shelter makes every effort to find homes for pets through adoptions, transfers, foster care and reclaims. We have been "No Kill" or "Adoption only" facility for more than two years and it is our goal to continue.

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Building Inspection

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1. Can the city help me resolve problems with the quality of the construction of my house or lot?

No. Construction issues are a private matter between the home owner and the builder or developer.

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City Clerk

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1. Does the City of Montrose have a business license?

No. However, the City of Montrose does require a Sales and Use Tax License for businesses who conduct retail sales within the city limits or who deliver retail products into the City for retail sale. By City code, use tax must be paid on goods consumed or stored within the city limits if sales tax was not paid when the goods were purchased.
Sales Tax

2. Do I need to reserve a picnic shelter for private use?

No. However, the shelters can be reserved to ensure the shelter is available when you need it. It is often better to reserve it. Private Use of Public Property Brochure

3. If I am having a large event, do I need to reserve the park or shelter?

Yes. If you are expecting over 100 people or are advertising your event to the public, you must reserve the park and shelter with an Event Use Permit. Licenses & Permits

4. Where do I renew my license plates?

At the Montrose County Clerk’s Office
Ph: (970) 249-3362

5. Where do I register to vote?

At the Montrose County Clerk’s Office
(970) 249-3362

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Code Enforcement

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1. What restrictions does the city place on noise?

Unreasonable noise is prohibited under Section 6-1-21 of the Municipal Code and includes any noise that unreasonably annoys, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others. Excessive car stereo volume is considered unreasonable noise. Violators of the ordinance can be fined. To report a noise issue, please call the Police Department at 252-5200.

2. Can garage sale signs be posted on utility poles in the city?

No. Per Section 5-1-2 of the Municipal Code, advertisements, including garage sale signs, cannot be posted on any utility pole or street sign within the city. It is also unlawful to place garage sale signs, regardless of how they are displayed, in the right of ways at intersections and along street edges. Signs that are placed unlawfully will be removed by the city.

Garage sale signs may be placed on the private property where the sale is taking place.

3. Are residents required to have house numbers displayed on their home?

Chapter 4-11 of the Municipal Code requires that all structures have numbers that are "visible and legible from the street upon which the main structure fronts. Unless impractical, such numbers shall be affixed to the main building or structure. The numbers shall be Arabic numerals with a minimum height of two and one-half inches (2 1/2"), and shall be affixed with a contrasting colored background."

4. Does the City code allow inoperable or junk vehicles with expired plates to be parked on City streets?

No. According to Chapter 6-3 of the Municipal Code, vehicles with expired plates that are parked on a City street may be towed away and impounded. Litter & Junk Regulations

5. Do the City's weed control regulations apply to vacant land?

Yes. The City requires weed control on vacant, occupied, or developing parcels, regardless of the current or intended future use of the property. The regulations for weeds (Chapter 6-5, Municipal Code) provides the basis for this requirement. Violations of this and other provisions of the City code can be reported by calling the City's code enforcement officer at (970) 240-1477.
Regulations for Weeds

6. Can trailers or recreational vehicles be parked on City streets?

Recreational vehicles with current registration may be parked on City streets, but only temporarily.

7. What can be done to stop illegal dumping?

Section 3-1-10 of the City of Montrose Municipal Code restricts the use of any City trash container to those who pay for the sanitation service and who have permission to use the container. It is also illegal to place litter or junk on any public property, such as streets and alleys. Violating these provisions can result in significant fines and, in some cases, a jail sentence. Illegal dumping should be reported immediately by calling (970) 240-1477. Illegal Dumping Regulations

8. Does the city code allow junk, including wrecked or inoperable vehicles, to be kept on residential properties/yards?

Junk, wrecked, or inoperable cars and any other items commonly considered to be junk are prohibited on all residential private property unless the items are totally enclosed within a building or otherwise screened from public view. Persons in violation of these requirements may be ordered to remove the junk or the city may remove it and charge the costs of removal and disposal to the owner or occupant of the property. See Chapter 6-3 of the Municipal Code.

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Emergency Notification System

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1. Who should register for the Emergency Notification System?

All wireless and VoIP phone subscribers within Montrose, Delta, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison and Hinsdale counties who wish to receive emergency notifications. Subscribers' registered wireless and VoIP information will not affect their land line phones that are already in the system.

2. Will my information be sold or distributed?

No. All of the information you enter will feed directly into the Emergency Notification System's secure database. This information can only be accessed by system administrators and the data will never be sold or distributed to third parties.

3. When will I receive phone calls?

You will receive phone calls when the Emergency Notification System is activated and your address is within the geographic area chosen to receive the notification message. The Emergency Notification System will only be activated for emergency purposes.

4. How do I update my information if I move?

If you move after you have entered your information into the Web site you will need to go back into the Web site and re-enter your information with your new address.

5. Can I add my landline telephone number?

Yes. You can enter your landline phone number into the Opt-In website. If your landline phone number is already in the database, the data you enter into the site will NOT overwrite the existing information for your landline telephone number. If your landline phone number is not already in the database, then the new information will be entered into the database.

6. Can I enter my telephone number more than once at different addresses?

No. The last address that you enter into the website will be the only location that your telephone number is associated with. Your telephone number can only be in the database once, at one location.

7. Do I have to enter an actual address?

Yes. If you enter an address that does not exist you will not be in the database and will not be contacted when the Emergency Notification System is activated.

8. Will I be solicited in any way at the phone number that I enter?

No. You will only receive phone calls when the Emergency Notification System is activated and your address is within the geographic notification area chosen. The Emergency Notification System will only be activated for emergency purposes.

9. If I am in a location that is different than the address that I enter into the Web site for my wireless phone, will I still be contacted if an emergency affects the address entered?

Yes. No matter where you are physically located, you will only receive calls for emergencies that affect the address entered into the Web site. So if you are on vacation in a different state you will still receive a phone call if the address you entered is affected by an emergency.

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Employment

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1. How do I apply for a position?

Applications are only accepted for open positions. The City does not hold unsolicited resumes or applications. A completed City application must accompany resumes and be submitted by the closing date listed on the open position posting.

Mail your application to:
City of Montrose HR Dept.
P.O. Box 790
Montrose, CO 81402

Drop the application off in person at:
City Hall
433 S. First Street
Montrose, CO

Fax application to: 970-240-1492

Applications must be postmarked by the application deadline.

2. What is the selection process?

Different jobs require different types of tests to help ensure that the applicant possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform a particular job.

The interview and selection process may include:
-Written tests to measure job-related knowledge or aptitude in a particular area.
-Oral interviews to discuss job history and to assess a candidate's oral communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
-Performance tests to assess a candidate's ability to perform job-related tasks.
-Physical ability tests or medical examinations to assess a candidate's ability to meet the physical requirements of a particular job.
-Polygraph examinations, psychological evaluation, medical evaluations, background investigations and other similar types of examinations or evaluations may be used to assess a candidate's suitability for a particular position.

Some city positions may require an applicant to pass a pre-employment reference screen, criminal history check, or drug screen.

3. How do I know when a job is available?

The City of Montrose posts open positions on the Montrose Community Web Portal.

All vacancies are filled through a competitive process designed to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of job-related criteria. Discrimination on the basis of an applicant's religious or political opinions or affiliations, or because of their race, color, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability or genetic information is prohibited. The City of Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTE: The Montrose Community Web Portal includes job postings from the city as well as other portal members, including Montrose County. Please take note of the organization whose name is listed in the job posting and use the employment application and contact information for that organization.

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Finance

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1. What is the sales tax rate for the City of Montrose?

City of Montrose - 3%
Montrose County - 1.75%
State of Colorado - 2.9%
TOTAL SALES TAX - 7.65%

2. How do I renew my sales tax license?

City sales tax licenses must be renewed each calendar year for a $15 fee. Renewal applications are included with the sales tax booklets. Renewal forms can also be downloaded and printed using the link shown below. For additional forms and information about sales tax licensing, visit the Sales Tax Licensing page.
Sales Tax License Renewal Form

3. Does the City of Montrose have a business license?

No. However, the City of Montrose does require a Sales and Use Tax License for businesses who conduct retail sales within the city limits or who deliver retail products into the City for retail sale. By City code, use tax must be paid on goods consumed or stored within the city limits if sales tax was not paid when the goods were purchased.

4. How do I file my sales tax returns?

City sales tax returns should be dropped off at 433 S. First St. or mailed to:
P.O. Box 790
Montrose, CO 81402

State and Montrose County tax must be remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

5. How do I pay my utility bill or sales tax after hours?

A payment drop box is located in the parking lot adjacent to Centennial Plaza.

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GIS & Mapping

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1. How may I obtain maps of the City?

Large 3' x 4' paper maps featuring zoning, street index, and subdivisions are available for purchase at City Hall. The zoning and street index maps may also be downloaded for free from the Mapping and GIS page under “Frequently Requested Maps”. Specialty maps may be requested from the GIS Department with pricing based on the size of the map and time needed to create it. Call (970) 240-1473 for information. Free Map Downloads

2. Where can I find HELP with the Online Maps?

Each online map has a help button in the upper right corner of the map. Additionally, there are tutorials that cover each of the online map tools. Select Interactive Map Tutorials to access them. You may also call or email the GIS Department to request help.

3. Next GIS Training

The GIS Department is continuing the monthly training program to help the public utilize the mapping tools we have created. The next session will be announced soon. In the meantime, please call or email if you have any questions or enhancement requests.

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Land Use and Planning

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1. What is my property’s zoning?

Zoning information for specific properties within the City can be gathered using the City’s Geographic Information System mapping page or by visiting the Community Development Department at the Elks Civic Building. For further information about the City's GIS systems, call (970) 240-1473. Mapping & GIS

2. What is a Special Improvement District (SID)?

Special Improvement Districts (SID) are sometimes formed to fund construction of roads, sidewalks, sewer lines, and other public improvements. Since the 1970s, more than 40 SIDs of various kinds have been successfully implemented by the City. Most recently, a SID was formed for constructing a new section of Niagara Road east of 6700 Road.
At the completion of the improvement project, costs are assessed to each SID participant. Many property owners are obligated to participate in future SIDs as stipulated in agreements made with the City at the time that their subdivision was approved. SID obligations are often stated on subdivision plats.

3. Where can I get a land use application? How much does it cost?

You can pick up an application and fee schedule at the Elks Civic Building (107 S. Cascade Ave.), or you can print them from the Document Center

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Lions Clubhouse

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1. Can I have alcohol and/or music at my event?

Alcohol is not allowed in Lions Clubhouse or Lions Park. Music at a reasonable volume is allowed.

2. Do I need to bring my own cleaning supplies?

Cleaning equipment and supplies are provided along with a checklist of required cleaning tasks.

3. Will my security deposit check be deposited by the City?

Yes. All deposits are processed through the City's Finance Department. Refunds are issued in the form of a check from the City of Montrose.

4. When will I receive my security deposit refund?

If the posted cleaning checklist is followed and nothing is damaged, your security deposit will be mailed to you within two weeks.

5. Will I need to check out a key to get into the building?

A few days before your event, you will be contacted with a four-digit code that will allow access to the door on the south side of the building. Once inside, the main doors can be unlocked and opened. Please make sure all doors are closed and locked when you leave the building.

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Municipal Court

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1. Where do I go to pay a ticket?

Tickets are paid at the Municipal Court "window" on the second floor of the Elks Civic Building (107 South Cascade Avenue). You may also pay fines online by choosing the " Pay Fines Online " button located on the main Municipal Court page.

2. When do I have to pay my ticket?

There is a box midway on the ticket that will be checked, followed by an address and an appearance date. If your ticket has a fine amount indicated, you must pay the full amount before this date. If the fine is for a traffic offense, you may be eligible for reduction in points if you have paid the fine in full on or before the appearance date.

3. The state driver's license office would not allow me to get my driver's license and told me to contact the City of Montrose Municipal Court. Why?

Colorado law requires the court to place an administrative revocation/denial on a driver's license when a bench warrant is issued for failure to appear in court or failure to comply with conditions of a traffic ticket, such as payment of fines. The law imposes a $30 fee in addition to any other warrant or administrative fees that might apply.

Contact the court at 240-1428 for more information concerning the status of your case.

4. When do I have to pay my ticket to qualify for a reduction in the point penalty?

To qualify for a point penalty reduction, all penalty citations must be paid on or before the court date that is written on the citation.

5. Do I have to go to court?

If your ticket does not have a fine amount, you must appear in court on the date indicated on your ticket.

6. My child has a court appearance, must an adult accompany him/her to court?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian must appear with children under the age of 18.

7. Where do I go for Municipal Court?

Municipal Court proceedings are held in the City Council Chambers at the Elks Civic Building at 107 South Cascade Avenue.

8. I have a bench warrant for my arrest, what should I do?

Contact the court at 240-1428 for more information concerning the status of your case.

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Parks & Trails

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1. How do I reserve a park or park shelter?

Park reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to the to Parks Reservation page or call (970) 240-1430 for more detailed information about park reservations.
Park Reservations

2. Can I camp at a City park or facility?

Permission is required to camp at City parks or facilities and may be granted to non-profit groups or organizations by the Montrose City Clerk. Proof of non-profit status is required, and requests are subject to availability. Contact the City Clerk's office at (970)240-1430 for further information.

3. What is the watering schedule for parks?

The City's watering schedule varies due to differences in soil and irrigation systems. Most parks are irrigated on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, with the duration of the watering cycle depending on turf requirements. Large parks may be divided into two watering days. Daytime watering is done only when absolutely necessary. Irrigation schedules will usually be adjusted according to precipitation. Some situations require that we run water in the mornings.

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Pavilion

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1. Is the Pavilion ADA accessible?

All lobbies and the inner courtyard have ramp and stair access.

2. What is the parking capacity?

There is surfaced parking for 318 cars and additional off-street parking.

3. What food services are available?

A full-service kitchen and 2 separate catering kitchens are available. The kitchens have a load in/load out dock with double door access. Themed food stations, bars and cafes can be added throughout the facility to meet the individual needs of each client. Beverage and Snack service is available through our event staff. For your more advanced food and beverage needs, please contact one of our approved caterers (please find our list under Food and Beverage).

4. Is an overhead public address system available?

An overhead public address system is available with ambient control. Acoustic ceiling treatment enhances sound quality. Located in all banquet and meeting spaces, the exhibit hall, and lobbies, they may be operated separately, in pairs, or combined.

5. What electrical, telephone and wireless services are available?

All electrical services are delivered through wall-mounted, dual plug outlets, located throughout the building. Phone outlets are available in banquet rooms and the entire facility has wireless internet service.

6. Is freight access available?

A drive-up dock with freight door (10' x 16') is located behind the auditorium for loading and unloading.

7. Are conference calling services available?

The Pavilion has a digitally controlled telephone system and analog phone ports for conference calling.

8. How far in advance can events be booked at the Pavilion?

It is possible to book events as much as one year in advance. Please contact the Pavilion at (970) 249-7015 to discuss potential dates for your event.

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Police & Public Safety

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1. How do I obtain copies of police reports and other police records?

Records and information are released as dictated by State law. If a records request is filed and the records cannot be released, the records technician who responds to the request will explain the legal grounds for the denial. Visit the Police Department Records Division in person at 434 S. First St. or call (970) 252-5200.

2. What can I do about crime in my neighborhood?

The Montrose Police Department has a community policing program that partners community members with officers to tackle a variety of law enforcement issues. Contact Community Services at (970) 252-5225 to see how you can get involved with the community policing effort. If you are concerned about suspicious or illegal activities in your area, notify the Police Department at (970) 252-5200.

3. How do I obtain information about the status of a case?

State laws govern the types of information that the Police Department can release. If you want to know the status of an investigation, contact the PD and/or District Attorney’s Office, or complete a records request. If the requested records cannot be released, the records technician who responds to the request will explain the legal grounds for the denial.

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Public Works

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1. Who is responsible for maintaining street lights?

Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) is responsible for maintaining all street lights in the city. The city is responsible for bike path lights and decorative lighting in the downtown area. To report a street light outage, contact DMEA dispatch at 240-1234.

2. Who is responsible for maintaining traffic signals?

At present, the Colorado Department of Transportation maintains all traffic signals within the city limits. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, please call the Colorado State Patrol at 249-4392. For questions regarding traffic signal operations such a light synchronization, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation at (970)248-7230.

3. Why does the city schedule construction during the busy times of the day?

Scheduling of construction projects often depends on availability of contractors, equipment and materials (such as concrete), weather conditions, and safety considerations. Whenever possible, projects that involve significant interruption of water or sewer services or disruption of traffic are scheduled for times that cause the least impact to residents. Emergency repairs, by definition, cannot be delayed to occur at a more convenient time.

4. How does the sidewalk replacement program work and who can participate?

The Sidewalk Replacement Assistance Program was started as part of the city's commitment to maintaining an attractive and pedestrian-friendly community. The program assists residents in replacing deteriorated sidewalks and/or curbs and gutters by providing reimbursement. Funding is limited and assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 240-1407 for more information. Sidewalk Replacement Program Application

5. What is the tree trimming and replacement program and how can I participate?

The city has funds available to assist residents with tree trimming, removal and replacement of trees in the public right-of-way.  Funding is limited and assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 240-1480 for more information about the program.

6. How do we get the city to grade an alley that is rutted or damaged by construction activities?

The Montrose Streets Department performs periodic maintenance on alleys. If an alley has been damaged by construction activity, the city will not grade or repair the alley until after the construction activities have been completed. Contact the city's Streets Department at 240-1480 to report significant damage to any city street or alley. A contractor who works in an alley is responsible for leaving it in the same or better condition after the work is completed.

7. How do I obtain an excavation permit to work in the city's right of way?

Excavation or Street Cut permits are available online (see link below) and at the Montrose Public Works building, located on the north side of San Juan Avenue, just east of Townsend Avenue. Applicants will be required to supply specific information about the work that is planned, traffic control measures, scheduling, etc. Street cut permits require a $70 application fee and a charge of $2.00/sq. ft. for asphalt, $0.25/sq. ft. for earth, $2.00/sq. ft. for concrete and $1.00/lineal foot for bores. A $200 deposit is also required prior to issuance of the permit. Call Public Works at 240-1480 for further information. Excavation Permit

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Purchasing

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1. How do I get on your Bidders List?

The City of Montrose values the vendor/supplier community and its capacity to provide goods and services to the City. Suppliers and service providers are invited to register to receive automated email notification of bid opportunities with the City. Use the following link to select the categories of bid notifications that you would like to receive. Automatic Bid Notification

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Recycling

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1. Why is glass not included in the recycling program?

Glass materials are likely to break during the automated collection process, resulting in contamination to other materials and making it more difficult to process materials at the sorting facility. Alternative recycling options for glass are being considered. In the meantime, glass can be take to the Montrose Recycle Center at 1901 64.50 Road.

2. Will my trash collection schedule change when the recycling program begins?

No. Trash collection routes and schedules will remain the same. Recycling collections will occur on alternating blue and green weeks according to the color of your recycling cart. The sticker on the front of your cart indicates your collection day for recycling - not for trash collection.

3. Do I have to sort or separate the items that I place in the cart?

No. All approved recyclables should be placed in the cart without bags, with the exception of shredded paper, which should be placed in a paper bag.

4. What should I do if I don’t want to participate in the recycling program?

The effectiveness of the single-stream recycling program increases with the number of households that participate. However, if you do not wish to participate, please call 240-1480 and the Sanitation Department will arrange to pick up your recycling container.

5. My collection day falls on a city-observed holiday. When will my recycling cart be emptied?

Collection will be delayed until the next scheduled collection day. If your recycling cart is filled to capacity prior to the next collection day, a special pick-up can be scheduled by calling 240-1480. Unscheduled collection services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

City-observed holidays are: New Years Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

6. Where should I place my recycling container?

Containers should be placed in the same location that is used for your routine trash collection unless another location is designated by a sanitation employee. Please place containers where they can be reached by the city’s automated collection equipment without interference from vehicles, poles, etc. Please return the cart to a storage location after it has been emptied.

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Sewer

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1. What are the city's sewer tap fees and how are they determined?

A sewer tap fee is charged for the inspection, testing, and administrative costs associated with a connection to the city's sanitary sewer system. In addition, a capacity fee is charged to recover the cost of the connection's proportionate share of the infrastructure capacity, and to fund capital improvements related to growth. Sewer tap and capacity fees are specified in Section 3-5-12(G) of the City of Montrose
Municipal Code.

2. Who do I call if I have a sewer back-up?

In the event of a sewer back up into a home or business, customers are encouraged to contact the City of Montrose immediately. City staff can determine whether the main sewer line is clear before the resident incurs professional charges from a plumber. If you contact a professional prior to our call, and it is determined that the problem is in the City’s line, the City will not reimburse your charges. Please call 240-1480 or 240-1400 during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm or 970-252-4010 after business hours, or on weekends or holidays.

3. Who should I contact to obtain sewer or water line locates?

It is required by law that you obtain a utility line locate BEFORE beginning to excavate, even outside the city's right of way. For further information, visit the Line Locates page.

4. Who do I call about a sewer smell?

If you are experiencing a sewer smell in or around your home, please check the roof vent on your home to ensure proper ventilation. Also check for sewer breaks in your service line. If you continue to experience this problem please call 970-240-1480 during office hours and we will investigate the problem.

5. What if my E One pump alarm sounds?

Call 970-240-1480 or 970-240-1400 during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm or 970-252-4010 after business hours or on weekends or holidays.

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Trash / Sanitation

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1. Is it acceptable to place furniture, large items or overflow trash next to a dumpster or trash container?

No. Routine trash collection services DO NOT include the following: furniture, construction materials, large items, appliances, tires, landscaping materials, hazardous materials, and paint.

All trash must be placed in the trash container and containers should not be overfilled. Detailed information about special trash collection services is available here: Special Waste Disposal Services

2. How can I schedule special trash pickup services and what is the cost?

The city offers special sanitation services for some items, such as tree limbs, appliances and furniture, that are not included in the routine residential service.  Extra pickup services can be scheduled using the city's automated Utility Information Hotline at 240-1401, or by calling 240-1480. Fees for special residential services will be included on your monthly utility bill.

3. If my normal trash pickup day falls on a city-observed holiday, what day will it be collected?

Scheduled trash collection days that fall on a city-observed holiday will be rescheduled to occur on alternative days on the same week. The Holiday Collection Schedules and Maps document provides collection information for each holiday.

The holidays observed by the city are: New Years Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Notices are routinely placed on utility bills to alert customers to changes in collection schedules due to holidays.

4. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

There is no facility in Montrose for disposing of hazardous waste. Events that the city may sponsor for collecting household hazardous waste, paint, electronics and similar materials will be advertised in the City Beat newsletter and on the city's Web site. Hazardous materials and electronic wastes should never be placed in city sanitation containers. Helpful tips for handling special waste ...

5. What day does my trash get picked up?

Once every week residential trash service is provided. All areas of the City are assigned a designated pick-up day. For further information, see the Pick-up Schedules & Routes

6. Why wasn't my trash picked up today?

Missed pickups are usually due to one of the following:
Failure to get the container to the street by 6:00 a.m.
Obstructions, such as vehicles, that block access to the container
Overfilled containers and/or prohibited items
Holiday service interruptions that cause the pickup to be rescheduled for Wednesday of the same week.

The city is not responsible for the customer's failure to use sanitation services properly. If the city is responsible for the missed pickup, please call 240-1480 to correct the problem.

7. What time do I have to have my trash container at curbside?

Containers must be placed curbside by 6:00 am on the scheduled collection day. A $15 charge will be assessed if the customer requests the driver to return for service on the same day.

8. How do I get my trash container repaired?

Call 240-1480 or 240-1400 to schedule a repair. The City will not clean or trade containers if they smell. Washing containers with a mild bleach solution will help control odors.

9. Does the city provide services for disposing of yard waste?

Green waste services are now being provided by S&S Recycling, located at 1915 North Townsend Avenue next to Grand Junction Pipe & Supply. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Green Waste Information

10. What should I do if I regularly exceed the capacity of my residential trash container?

A single 90-gallon container (the standard size of residential trash containers) will provide adequate capacity for most households. Those who regularly exceed the capacity of their container have three options: 1) reduce the amount of waste created, 2) divert waste by recycling and composting, and 3) acquire one additional trash container for an additional $10 monthly fee.

To minimize administrative costs, customers requesting additional containers will be required to maintain the service for a minimum of eight months. Call 240-1400 for further information about obtaining an additional trash container.

11. Who is responsible for caring for trash in alleys?

Loose trash in alleys often results from overfilling trash containers or from placing trash bags alongside a full container. Residents and businesses adjoining the alley are responsible for abiding by the city's sanitation rules and for keeping the alley clean. Illegal dumping should be reported immediately by calling 240-1416.

12. Will the city pick up discarded refrigerators?

Yes. A $15.00 fee will be charged, plus an additional $18.00 fee for the removal of freon. If the refrigerator is delivered to the City Shop, located near the northwest corner of the intersection of San Juan and Park Avenues, the customer will be charged only the $18.00. Refrigerant is removed from each unit before it is sent to a recycler.

Refrigerators may be delivered to the City Shop during business hours only, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Payment by check is acceptable or the cost can be billed to your city utility account. To schedule an appliance pickup, call 240-1480 or the Utility Information Hotline at 240-1401.

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Utility Billing

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1. My water service was disconnected because I failed to pay my utility bill. How do I get my water service reconnected?

The past-due account balance as well as a $50 reconnection fee and $50 deposit must be paid before water service can be restored. Payment can be submitted at the customer service counter at the City Hall. Deposits will be refunded with interest after 18 months without delinquency or upon termination of the utility account.

2. Whom can I contact to resolve a problem with my utility bill?

While the City makes every effort to ensure that utility bills are accurate, errors do occur and should be brought to our attention. Customer service representatives are available at the City Hall during regular business hours to answer questions or resolve problems. They can also be reached by phone at (970 240-1400. The Utility Billing Hotline [(970) 240-1401] can also be used to obtain information about City utilities and sanitation services.

3. Why is my City utility bill so high?

A common reason for unusually high utility bill charges is increased water usage due to water leaks, malfunctioning toilets, or summertime landscape irrigation. The City reviews water usage to determine if it is higher than normal. If it is, we have our servicemen check for a leak. If you feel that there is an error on your bill, please call (970) 240-1400 to speak with a customer service representative.

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Water

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1. What is the process for getting a water meter installed?

Please view the following document that describes the process. Water Meter Installation and Purchase Process

2. What are the city's water tap fees and how are they calculated?

Water tap and capacity fees are charged for each new connection to recover the cost of the connection's proportionate share of the infrastructure capacity and to fund capital improvements related to growth. The water tap fee also covers the typical materials, labor and administrative costs of installing the connection to the water system. Water tap and capacity fees are specified in Section 3-5-12(D) of the City of Montrose Municipal Code.

3. What do I do if there is a problem with my utility bill?

Contact Utility Billing at (970) 240-1400. Utility Billing

4. Whom do I call if I discover a water leak or break?

Contact us at (970) 240-1480 or (970) 240-1400 during normal business hours (Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm), or (970) 252-4010 after business hours or on weekends or holidays.

5. Who is responsible for the cost of repair or water loss during a water leak?

If the leak is found to be on the street side of the meter up to the last nut on the meter yoke on the customer’s side, the City of Montrose is responsible for the leak. If the water has traveled through the meter during the leak, adjustments will be made to your utility bill. If the leak is after the last nut on the yoke, the customer is responsible for repairs and water usage.

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Weed Control

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1. How often does the City spray the parks?

The parks are sprayed twice a year. Once in the spring and again in the fall. Signs are always posted the day before an area will be sprayed.

2. How do I get my name on the "No Spray" list?

Just contact the Parks department at either (970) 240-1411 or (970) 240-1480 to get your name on the list. This is mostly useful when the spray crew is dealing with the alley ways.