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1. Who are the mayor and city councilmembers, how do you contact them, and how long are their terms of office?

City Council

• Mayor - Todd Flippo, Term Expires 2024
• Council Member Place 1 - Paul Felegy, Term Expires 2025
• Council Member Place 2 - Nicky Lawson, Term Expires 2024
• Council Member Place 3 and Mayor Pro-Tem - Valerie Junkersfield, Term Expires 2025
• Council Member Place 4 - Charles Tucker, Term Expires 2023
• Council Member Place 5 - Cindy Bighorse, Term Expires 2025
• Council Member Place 6 - Mary Copeland, Term Expires 2023

They can be contacted by mail at: P.O. Box 79070 Saginaw, TX 76179.  All positions serve three-year terms.

2. What are the requirements to obtain a solicitor's permit?

To obtain a solicitor's permit, the following must be completed:

• Complete a solicitor's permit application
• Pay the permit fee of $100 plus $10 for each solicitor
• Provide a surety bond made payable to the city in the amount of $1,000
• Show a driver's license or photo ID for each solicitor
• Show health certificate(s), if applicable
• Show proof of insurance on vehicles
• Show sales tax number, if applicable

Click here to view a list of current permits.

3. How do I file an open records request?

You must complete a request for release of public records form and turn it in to the city secretary at City Hall.

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1. Do you have a website?

Photos of animals at the Adoption Center are posted daily. You can also find information about programs and services on this website.  For a complete list of Animal Control related ordinances, please see Municipal Code.

2. What other services does Saginaw Animal Services offer?

Animal Services also has and adoption program and presents educational programs for anyone interested in learning more about Animal Services. If you are looking to add a pet to your family, there are a number of animals at the Adoption Services who need a foster home and please contact the Animal Services office if you would like to have someone speak to your group at 817-230-0460.

3. What do I do about wildlife in and around my home?

Animal Control has a humane trapping program and allows residents to check out animal traps.

4. Who do I call about stray animals?

Please call Animal Services at 817-230-0460 to report stray animals in area neighborhoods.

5. Can I have any type of animal I want in Saginaw?

The City does have regulations for different types of animals. If you are thinking about owning a pet other than a cat or dog, please call our office for more information.

6. Does my cat/dog have to be registered with the City?

Yes, to register your pet, you must have a current Rabies Certificate. Registration fees can be paid at the Animal Control office. The fee is $10 annually for altered pets and $30 for unaltered pets.

7. How do I find a rehabilitator in my area?

• Humane Society
• Audubon Society
• Wild bird stores
• City Animal control officer
• Veterinarian (wildlife/exotic)
• Coast Guard or Marine Patrol
• US Fish & Wildlife Service

8. Is there a "pooper-scooper" law in Saginaw?

Yes, you must pick up after your pet in all areas.

9. What do I do if I find baby bunnies?

If their nest has been damaged it can be repaired. Look for a shallow depression lined with grass/fur. Place babies in the nest with light layers of grass to hide them. Leave the area, or the mother won’t return. (Mothers return only at dawn & dusk.) If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5 inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do not need help. They are able to survive on their own. Leave them alone. Questions? Call a wildlife rehabilitator.

10. What do I do if I find an animal hurt or sick? (bleeding, shivering, vomiting; was attacked by cat/dog?)

Call a wildlife rehabilitator.

11. What should I do if I find an baby mammal that is not hurt or sick?

Place baby in nest/den or place baby in shallow box close to where it was found. Keep it warm but out of sun. If you find the mother leave the baby with the mother! If not call a wildlife rehabilitator.

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1. What is the BIG Program?

This program provides matching grants to reimburse commercial property owners or business operators for Eligible Enhancements made to their properties.

2. Who is this program for?

Any commercial business in the City of Saginaw that is looking to enhance their existing site visually, or in ways that increase the viability of the property for business use. This includes uses allowed in the zoning classifications: Community Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Office Professional, Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, and within Planned Developments.

3. What are Eligible Enhancements?

There are 10 different categories of improvements that are eligible for consideration as part of this grant program. These include –

1. Façade enhancements
   • The replacement or restoration of façade materials, cleaning or power washing exteriors, painting, replacement of windows and doors, installation of new or renovation of existing awnings and canopies, any restoration of historical architecture, roof repairs, and the rehab of gutters and downspouts.
2. Interior building renovations
   • Renovations that enhance the usability of a building.
3. Landscaping
   • The installation of edging boundaries, shrubs and trees, seasonal plantings that provide color and aid beautification efforts, upgrades to or installation of irrigation systems, lawn renovations, and replacement or installation of fencing.
4. Lighting
   • The replacement of interior lighting, lighting in pedestrian areas such as sidewalks, accent lighting, and signage lighting.
5. Parking areas and driveways
   • Reconstruction efforts, including the removal of existing pavement, gravel, curbing, drives, or ramps, resurfacing of asphalt parking areas, and the restriping of parking spots and fire lanes.
6. Pedestrian amenities
   • The paving of areas for customers to congregate, addition of seating areas, shade structures, installation of fixtures to provide music, trash receptacles, and addition of play equipment for public and customer use.
7. Signage
   • Replacement of existing signs with new signs that comply with City Code.
8. Code compliance
   • Reconstruction or new construction for public accessibility requirements and installation or upgrade of fire suppression systems for safety purposes.
9. Demolition
   • Costs associated with demolishing and removing existing structures.
10. Public art installation
    • Addition of murals, sculptures, interactive art, visual art, etc.

4. What kind of financial assistance is available?

The potential matching grant for each category of property improvements is EITHER 50% of the total cost of the enhancement, OR $5,000- whichever is the lesser amount of the two.

This means that if Company A submits an application for assistance on a $500 landscape improvement to their property, the most the City will match is 50% of that amount, or $250.

If Company B submits an application for assistance on a $15,000 façade improvement to their property, the most the City will match is $5,000, since 50% of $15,000 is over $5,000.

If Company C submits an application for assistance on BOTH a $500 landscape improvement AND an $15,000 façade improvement, the City can match up to $5,250 (50% of $500 + $5,000). In this scenario, because the landscaping improvements and façade improvements are in different categories of Eligible Enhancements, the two requests can be considered independently.

Please note that grant payments will be provided only as REBATES for improvements. Payments will not be paid up front, prior to construction, and will require invoice and payment verification.

5. What if I don't own my building?

If you are a business owner that would like to apply for assistance through the BIG Program but you do not own your building, you just need to provide a copy of your lease agreement and support from the property owner with your application submission.

6. What if my property is a residential use?

The BIG Program is for commercial properties ONLY in the City of Saginaw.

7. How do I apply?

First, read over the BIG Program Policy (click here) and then complete a DIGITAL Application (click here) or a PDF Application (click here) and email to:

Director of Community & Economic Development, Keith C. Rinehart at  krinehart@saginawtx.org.  You can also call 817.230.0331 to speak directly with the Economic Development Office about the program, find out if your proposed improvement may be eligible for consideration, or with any questions or comments!

Please provide the following with your application form:

• Proof of ownership of the property OR written approval of the application from the owner and a copy of your signed lease agreement
• Photographs of the existing property (optional)
• Drawings, renderings, or plans of the proposed enhancements (optional)
• Written description of enhancements, including building materials and color schemes to be used
• A construction cost estimate provided by a licensed contractor

Click here to apply.

8. What is the process for consideration and approval?

Once the Application (click here) has been received and vetted for completeness, the Economic Development Office will prepare an impact analysis for the improvement(s) to present to City Council. The City Council will meet in Closed Session (private) following their next scheduled Regular Meeting to discuss the request and determine whether they would like to approve a grant or not. The Economic Development Office will contact the applicant to provide a response and to proceed with drafting an agreement for both parties to sign. This process can take an average of 2 – 4 weeks and should be completed prior to the start of any construction or enhancement on the Property.

All grant applications shall be considered and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Specific consideration will be given to projects which further the goals and objectives of the community or are located in areas of preferred improvement; namely along major transportation corridors. Nothing within the BIG Program Policy, nor any previously-issued agreement shall imply or suggest that the City is under any obligation to provide financial incentives at any time to any applicant.

9. Who do I contact if I have questions?

Contact the Economic Development Office directly at 817.230.0331 or by email at KRinehart@saginawtx.org with any questions regarding the BIG Program.

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1. Is the City of Saginaw under any watering restrictions?

YES!

The Tarrant Regional Water District and the City of Fort Worth have initiated "Stage 1 Watering Restrictions". The water district's customers include Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield and the Trinity River Authority, which in turn sell water to other cities. The City of Saginaw purchases water from the City of Fort Worth and must follow their water restrictions. This means residential customers in Saginaw will be limited to outdoor irrigation twice weekly.

Stage One Watering Restrictions:

MONDAY - No Outdoor Watering Allowed
TUESDAY & FRIDAY - Nonresidential customers: apartments, businesses, parks, common areas
WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY - Residential addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
THURSDAY & SUNDAY - Residential addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
The rules against outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. will remain in effect but residents can still hand-water plants and flower beds. For more information, click here.

2. What can I do to find out about Ebola preparedness?

For more important information concerning Ebola, please view the Tarrant County web site. You may access it by checking out the link below. Click here for more information.

3. Where can I find information about back flow testing?

We have a list of all back flow testers listed with the City. For more information, click here.

4. What is CODE RED? How Can I Sign Up for CODE RED?

CodeRED: The City of Saginaw emergency management has instituted the CodeRED emergency notification system, an extremely high-speed telephone service for emergency notifications. This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas of the city in case of an emergency that requires immediate action, such as severe weather notices or missing children notices. The system is capable of delivering up to 60,000 calls per hour with our recorded message to a live person or answering machine, making three attempts to connect to any number.

Emergency Examples
This system will only be used for emergency purposes. Examples of times when the CodeRED system could be utilized: Bomb threat; Chemical spill or gas leak; Drinking water contamination; Evacuation notice and route; Fires or floods; Missing person; Other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety like threatening or approaching severe weather or Utility outages. Click here to sign up!

5. What can I do to protect myself against West Nile Virus and mosquitos?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid becoming infected with the West Nile virus. Stop West Nile Virus.
Click here for more information.

6. What do I need to bring in to get a library card?

You will need to bring some form of picture ID with proof of a current address, like your driver's license. If you recently moved and your driver's license address is not up to date, please bring your driver's license or picture ID along with mail that you have received at your current residence, like a water bill, to show proof of current residence.

We will not accept expired forms of identification. Please check the expiration date on your ID and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

7. Who are the mayor and city councilmembers and who represents my district/area of town?

The Mayor and City Council Members represent the city of Saginaw as a whole. They do not represent any particular area of town. Your elected officials are:

• Mayor - Todd Flippo
• Councilmember Place 1/Mayor Pro-Tem - David Flory
• Councilmember Place 2 - Patrick Farr
• Councilmember Place 3 - Valerie Tankersley
• Councilmember Place 4 - Sheri Adams
• Councilmember Place 5 - Cindy Bighorse
• Councilmember Place 6 - Mary Copeland

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1. Does the library have wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access?

Yes and it is free. When connecting to the Internet, you will be asked to agree to the library's online policy in order to use the Internet.

2. Can I place a Hold for an item either from another library in the consortium or one that is currently checked out from the Saginaw library?

Yes. Yes, our library is participating in a consortium where we share materials with other surrounding libraries. You may search the other libraries' catalogs. Also, we offer interlibrary loan opportunities. Please view the interlibrary loan policy.You can place a hold on an item (books, audios, videos) that the other consortium libraries own as long as the item from the other library has been available to that library's patrons for at least 6 months. Items that are from your home library of Saginaw can have holds placed on them as soon as they are available to the public. You can also place holds on items that are currently checked out and will be notified by phone or email when the item is returned and as long as there are not others on the waiting list ahead of you for that item. Once you are notified by phone or email, you will have 3 days to pick-up the item. If you cannot pick the item up within 3 days after notification, it will need to be shipped back to the owning library or reshelved or released to another patron on the holds list. If you know you cannot pick the item up in 3 days, please contact the library and we will make accommodations for you.

3. What do I need to bring in to get a library card?

You will need to bring some form of picture ID with proof of a current address, like your driver's license. If you recently moved and your driver's license address is not up to date, please bring your driver's license or picture ID along with mail that you have received at your current residence, like a water bill, to show proof of current residence.

We will not accept expired forms of identification. Please check the expiration date on your ID and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

4. How many items may I check out from the library?

Check-out is limited to 15 total items:

• Five each of magazines, audiobooks, or kits


• Fifteen books


• Three videos or DVDs per adult card

5. How long may I check out items from the library?

You may check out books, audio books, and kits for two weeks, and videos, DVDs, and magazines for one week. All library materials and due dates are listed on the receipt received upon check out.

6. May I renew my items if I still need them?

Most library materials may be renewed one time. Books with reserves and videos / DVDs may not be renewed.

Renewable materials may be renewed online or by calling (817) 230-0300.

7. I forgot to return the items I checked out by the due date. What are the overdue fine charges?

Overdue Fees

• Books, magazines, and audio books - 25 cents per day per item, maximum fine is $5 per item


• Video tapes / DVDs - $1 per day per item, maximum fine is the cost of the item

Additional Consequences & Information

• Accumulated fines of $3 or more will result in loss of library privileges until paid.


• Fines are not charged for days the library is closed.


• Email overdue notifications will be given only for books, audiobooks, and kits.


• One overdue notification will be given by an automated phone service.

8. I lost a library item. What are the library's replacement costs?

Replacement Costs

• Barcode stickers - $1


• Lost or damaged library card - $2


• Magazines - Price of the magazine


• Plastic hanging bags (kits) - $1


• Video, DVD, or audio cases - $3

Damaged / Lost Item Processing Fees

• Hardback, paperback, kits, and DVD / video / audio - $5

9. Does the library have computers with internet access and/or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)?

Yes, the library has 12 computers: 10 public computers are available with internet access and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), one computer is available with access to Microsoft Word and a USB connection (without internet), and one computer is available for ESL / Rosetta Stone software.

If you have a library card, you may go up to any computer and log in with your library card number. If you are a visitor, you may request a daily guest pass. When logging in all computer users will be asked to agree to the library's internet / computer use policy in order to use the computers.

10. May I print a document in color off of the computers?

Yes, the library has color printers. Printing is 25 cents per page.

11. I need to send a fax. Does the library have a fax machine I can use?

Yes, the library has a fax machine for the public to use. Local faxes cost $1 per page and long-distance faxes are $2 per page.

12. Are tax forms available inside the library?

Yes, tax forms are available inside the library where the magazines are located.

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1. How do I make a records request?

You may make a request for Police Offense/Incident and Accident Reports by completing an Open Records Request.  For more information about Open Records Requests, check out the following link:  http://saginawtx.org/1188/Open-Records-Requests

2. What can be done about speeders on my street? Are speed humps / bumps available in Saginaw?

You may contact our traffic tip hotline by calling (817) 230-0399, or contact police dispatch by calling (817) 232-0311. Your complaint will be forwarded to patrol officers.

At present, the City of Saginaw does not use speed humps to calm or slow traffic. Studies have found these humps slow emergency response vehicles, and cause undue wear and tear to all of our vehicles.

3. What can be done about all of the train noise, traffic, and signals?

Trains have been an integral part of Saginaw as long as we have been on the map. The Police Department regularly monitors trains to ensure they are in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

4. Where is the Police Department located and what are the hours of operation?

The Police Department is located two blocks west of City Hall at:
505 W. McLeroy Blvd.
Saginaw, TX 76179

The Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  However, business hours are Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

5. How can I start a neighborhood watch program?

Please contact Lt. Corey Burnett by calling (817) 232-0311 to get started.

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1. What is the city's property tax rate?

Property taxes, along with other funding sources, fund your city services including police, fire, streets, drainage and traffic control, animal services, code compliance, building and health inspections, parks and recreation, and library services. 

The following chart shows the change in the city’s property tax rate since 2010. 

The city’s tax rate for Fiscal Year 2022-23 is $0.508042 per $100 property valuation. This rate is effective October 1, 2022.

2. Who authorizes the city's property tax rate?

As part of the annual city budget process, the City Council sets the property tax rate each year following required public notices and public hearings. 

3. Why does my property value increase every year?

Property values are set by the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) and may decrease, increase or remain the same from year to year. Property values are based on a number of factors including current housing market conditions. Overall, existing property values decreased from 2009 to 2011 and it was not until 2014 that they returned to pre-recession levels. There was essentially no increase in existing home values in 2015. While property values have increased since 2016, it is important to note that the taxable value has not increased as much as the market value due to state mandated limitations on value increases for residential homesteads and exemptions offered by the city. While senior and disabled residents may see their property values increase, their tax bill will not increase above the amount they paid in the year that they qualified for the tax ceiling, unless they buy a new home or add to on to their home.

4. How do my City property taxes compare to other taxes I pay?

The tax you pay to the city equals around 20% of your overall property tax bill. Over half of your property taxes, almost 58%, goes to the school district, with the rest going to county agencies.

TAXING ENTITY	TAX RATE	Percent OF YOUR TAXES PAID
City of Saginaw	$0.508042	20.15%
Eagle Mountain/Saginaw I.S.D.	$1.434600	56.90%
Tarrant County	$0.224000	8.88%
JPS Health Network	$0.224429	8.90%
Tarrant County College	$0.130170	5.16%
TOTAL TAX RATE	$2.521241	100%

Estimate Your Property Taxes - View the Property Tax Estimator

5. Why do some other nearby cities have a lower property tax rate?

Property tax rates vary by city, as do property values. Some cities may have a lower tax rate, but a significantly higher average home value. Also, they may offer no homestead exemption or a lower homestead exemption.  Some cities have much higher sales tax and hotel/motel tax revenue that help fund city services, enabling the city to maintain a lower property tax rate. (Please note, this reflects city taxes only and does not include property taxes levied by school districts or county entities.)

Fiscal Year 2022/23 Tax Rates of Neighboring Communities

MUNICIPALITY / CITY	TAX RATE
Haslet	$0.296957
Keller	$0.354500
Lake Worth	$0.438928
Saginaw	$0.508042
North Richland Hills	$0.547972
Blue Mound	$0.560545
Watauga	$0.570200
Azle	$0.623426
Sansom Park	$0.677660
White Settlement	$0.712115
Fort Worth	$0.712500

6. Can I protest my property value?

Yes! To protest a property tax appraisal, you must file a notice of protest with the TARRANT APPRAISAL REVIEW BOARD. As a general rule, the deadline for filing is MAY 15, or the deadline printed on the Property Value Notice from the Tarrant Appraisal District, whichever is later.  Review this document for additional information: https://www.tad.org/wp-contentpdf/templates/2021WebsiteNoticeOfProtest.pdf

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1. What is the zoning of my property?

View the zoning map to find out the zoning of your property.

2. What are the traffic counts in the city?

Please view the 2014 traffic count.

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1. Do you rent your facilities?

Yes. All facilities are open on a first-come, first-served basis unless they are reserved. Pavilions and facilities / buildings are not reserved until payment is made and a receipt is issued by the recreation center staff. All reservations must be made in person. For more information, please call (817) 230-0350.

2. Do you offer youth sports?

No. It is not our intention to compete with the youth sport associations in the area.

3. Do you have to be a resident of Saginaw to use the facilities, become a member, or to participate in classes?

No. Nonresidents as well as residents are allowed to use our facilities. We offer separate fees for both residents and nonresidents.