Government

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 911 Communications

    • Does it make a difference if I call 911 on a wireless (cell) phone?

    • What if a 911 caller doesn't speak English?

    • What if a 911 caller is deaf, or hearing/speech impaired?

    • What is Reverse 911?

    • When should I call 911?

  • Aging and Senior Programs

    • Are funds available to help pay for my utility bill (electricity, oil or gas bill)?

    • Are services available to help me care for a senior citizen?

    • Can anyone attend a Senior Center?

    • Do you have a list of agencies/people who provide care for Seniors?

    • Does Medicare pay for long term care or in-home care?

    • How can I get a copy of the SCOOP, Senior Newsletter?

    • How can I get help understanding Medicare, Medicaid or Long Term Care insurance?

    • How do I sign up for Meals on Wheels?

    • If I am not eligible to be a member of the Senior Center, can I still attend?

    • If I am not eligible to participate at a Senior Center, what else is there for me?

    • If I'm not eligible for Meals on Wheels, are there other meal options?

    • Is Meals on Wheels Free?

    • Is there a membership fee for Senior Centers?

    • Is there any funding available to take care of a senior citizen who has become frail or disabled?

    • Is there someone who can help if I have complaints about Assisted Living or Nursing care?

    • What are the Senior Housing options in Charles County?

    • Where are the Senior Centers located in Charles County?

  • Animal Control

    • How could my animal be impounded?

    • Is there a "pooper scooper" law in Charles County?

    • What are the County's regulations regarding animal care?

    • What are the duties of a responsible pet owner?

    • What are the rules about licensing my animal?

  • Budget

    • How much are the Enterprise Fund budgets?

    • How much in grant revenues does the County receive?

    • How much is the Capital Budget?

    • How much is the County Budget?

    • How much is the School Excise Tax?

    • How much of the County budget funds are for public safety?

    • How much of the County budget funds go to the Board of Education?

    • How much property tax revenue does the County receive?

    • What is an Enterprise Fund?

    • What is the county tax rate?

    • What is the total tax rate?

    • What percent of the County budget funds are for public safety?

    • Where can I find information on the County Budget?

  • Buildings and Trades

    • What number should be called if unusual smells/fumes are present in County owned or leased facilities?

    • Who can I report smoking concerns to?

    • Who do I call if the temperature in a County building is not sufficient?

    • Who do I contact for door/lock issues on County-owned or leased buildings?

    • Who is responsible for signs located at County government buildings?

    • Who maintains the flags on county buildings?

    • Who plows snow in County owned or leased parking lots and sidewalks?

    • Who should be contacted for plumbing problems in County facilities?

    • Who should be contacted if power is lost in a County building?

    • Who should I call regarding American with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns?

  • Childcare

    • Where can I find a licensed child care provider for my child?

    • Who do I contact regarding enrolling my child in the County's Child Care Program?

  • Commissioners' Office

    • How can I get an appointment with the County Commissioners?

    • How can I request a Proclamation?

    • How do I get on the County Commissioners Agenda?

    • How do I report a concern, complaint, comment or kudos?

    • How do I request a County Seal or Certificate from the County Commissioners?

    • How do I speak with my Commissioner?

  • Community Services

    • How can I get a copy of a birth certificate?

    • How can I get medical services, such as dentistry, clinic services, other medical specialties?

    • Where can I get a flu shot other than going through my family doctor?

    • Where can I get discounted tickets i.e. Kings Dominion?

  • Economic Development

    • How can I get Charles County demographic information?

    • How can I get money to start a business?

    • How do I find a business in Charles County?

    • How do I get assistance in expanding my business in Charles County?

    • How do I get assistance in finding a location to move my existing business to Charles County?

    • What are the office hours for Economic Development?

    • Where is Economic Development located?

    • Who are Charles County's major employers?

  • Electrical Licensing- Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors

    • Am I required to provide a Certificate of Insurance? If so, what requirements must the Certificate of Insurance meet?

    • Can homeowners do their own electrical work?

    • How do I obtain a Homeowners Permit to perform electrical work in my home?

    • How often does my Electrical license have to be renewed?

    • Is an apprenticeship license available?

    • What are the qualifications for a Restricted Master License?

    • What are the responsibilities of the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors and where can I find more information about their meetings?

    • What license is required to do electrical work in Charles County?

    • When are Restricted Master License and Homeowners Permit examinations administered?

    • Who do I contact if I have questions about obtaining or renewing my Electrical License?

  • Emergency Medical Service Billing

    • What happens if the patient is uninsured and unable to pay the bill for ambulance service?

    • What insurance carriers are accepted for payment of ambulance services?

    • Who sends the bill for ambulance service?

    • Why is the implementation of a basic and advanced life support emergency transport fee necessary if citizens in Charles County pay a Fire/EMS Tax?

    • Will a patient be denied ambulance service if he/she does not have insurance?

    • Will I have to pay for the ambulance service at the time it is provided/rendered?

  • Environmental Resources

    • Do I get recycling and yard waste pick up at my house?

    • Does Charles County offer Shredding services?

    • How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

    • How do I request a recycling cart?

    • How do I volunteer to pick up roadside litter?

    • What are the landfill rates?

    • What is the Tag-A-Bag Program?

    • What type of materials are accepted at the recycling centers?

    • Where are the Charles County recycling centers located and what are their hours of operation?

    • Where do I report debris in the roadway, roadside litter, and/or illegal dumping?

    • Where is the Charles County Landfill located and what are its hours of operation?

    • Who picks up my household and bulk trash?

  • False Alarm Reduction Unit

    • How do I register my alarm business with the Charles County False Alarm Reduction Unit?

    • What is a False Alarm?

    • What is the fee for a false alarm?

  • Fiscal & Administrative Services

    • How do I appeal my tax assessment

    • How do I get a grant from the County?

    • How much Income Tax revenue does the County receive?

    • What is the County Transfer Tax Rate?

    • Where can I find information on the County Budget?

  • General Information

    • Do I need a permit?

    • How can I get a copy of my marriage license?

    • How do I find out where my septic tank is located?

    • How do I get a copy of my Marriage License?

    • How do I get in touch with the Sheriff's Office?

    • How do I get my child in the school that I need for them to attend?

    • How do I get tickets to Regency Furniture Stadium events?

    • How do I reach the Public Defender?

    • What are the maximum allowable noise levels (decibel)?

    • What is the telephone number for Comcast?

    • What is the telephone number for the Water/Sewer billing office?

    • When is my Court date?

    • Where can I get food assistance?

    • Who can help me find a place to live?

    • Who can help me with a drainage problem?

    • Who do I contact about becoming a Notary?

    • Who do I contact if I need assistance with my rent or mortgage payment?

    • Who do I contact if the roadwork damaged my car?

    • Who do you contact for a noise originating from an animal source?

    • Who do you contact for information or questions concerning a noise complaint (except noise originating from an animal source)?

    • Who removes dead animals from the road?

  • Housing

    • How long is the waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

    • How much is my housing voucher worth?

    • How much longer will I have to wait for my name to reach the top of the Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List?

    • How much rent can I get for my unit under the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

    • I found a place to live and I am on the Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List. Can I get a voucher to move into this unit?

    • My unit has passed inspection and I would like for my tenant to move in. What is the next step in the process?

  • Human Resources

    • How can I get in touch with Charles County Government Human Resources?

    • How do I apply for a job with Charles County Government?

    • How do I apply for a position in the Charles County Court House or the Sheriff's Office?

    • I am interested in applying for a job with Charles County Government. What types of benefits are offered?

    • I applied for a job three weeks ago that closed last week. Why haven't I heard anything yet? When will I be called for an interview?

    • Who is eligible for health insurance through Charles County Government?

  • Lines and Meters

    • Can the landlord request to have the water turned off for bad tenants?

    • How long after I call Miss Utility will the water/sewer lines be marked?

    • I need to replace a fence or a mailbox on my property. Do I need to call anyone to check for water or sewer lines?

    • My valve is sticking out of the ground or the top is missing. Who do I contact?

    • My water/sewer bill is high, what can I do?

    • The protective cap covering my sewer clean-out is missing. What should I do?

    • The valve above and below my meter is leaking. Will the County repair it?

    • What do I do if a water or sewer line is hit while digging?

    • Where is my water meter located?

    • Who is responsible for a delinquent water/sewer bill while the tenant is occupying the property?

    • Why do I have two pipes in my yard?

    • Will the County mark water/sewer line locations on all of my property?

  • Medical Records Request

    • How do I obtain my medical records?

    • How long does it take to receive the records?

    • Is there a fee for requesting medical records?

    • Who do I talk to in reference to the bill that I received?

    • Who should I talk to about additional medical records questions/information?

    • Will you mail the copies or will I have to pick them up?

  • Miscellaneous Concerns

    • What is a "cross connection"?

    • Who can rent a hydrant meter?

  • Parks

    • Are athletic fields in County parks available for public use?

    • Are dogs allowed in Charles County parks?

    • Can birthday parties and family reunions be held at any park?

    • Can I have a special event on the Indian Head Rail Trail?

    • Do any of the parks have tennis courts?

    • Does Charles County have a public golf course?

    • Does Charles County parks offer horseback riding?

    • Is camping allowed in any Charles County park?

    • Is swimming allowed at any Charles County park?

    • Is there a skatepark in Charles County?

    • What Charles County Parks offer fishing?

    • What parks are available in Charles County and where are they located?

    • Where are County-operated boat ramps located?

    • Where are the hiker/biker trails in Charles County?

    • Where can I register or obtain information on Outdoor Sports Programs?

    • Which parks have playground areas for children?

  • Permits- Citizen Self Service Portal

    • Can I still apply in your office using a paper permit application?

    • Do I need to come to your office in to pick my permit up?

    • How do I pay for my permit and what forms of payment do you accept?

    • How do I submit my site plans to the Health Department?

    • I re-submitted drawings to respond to the comment letter, but I can’t see what I submitted. Does this mean the drawings did not get submitted?

    • I was trying to log onto my Citizen Self Service account, but I have been locked out, what do I do?

    • I was trying to pull a Mechanical/Plumbing Permit; however, my credentials are not available. How can I get my credentials added?

    • When can I expect to get my issued permit?

    • Why does it say I have to re-submit my permit?

    • Why doesn’t it recognize my address?

  • Planning and Zoning General Questions

    • Are manufactured homes or trailers permitted in Charles County?

    • Are there any size limitations to building a shed or detached garage on a residential lot?

    • Can I have a farm animal as a pet on my property?

    • Can I have one untagged vehicle or hobby car on my property?

    • Do I need a permit if I want to run a business from my home?

    • Do I need to do Archaeology research on my property?

    • How do I change the zoning of my property?

    • How do I determine the Zoning for my Property?

    • How do I obtain a Pier permit?

    • How do I subdivide my property?

    • We plan on holding a public/special event (fair, fun run, car show etc.). Are we required to obtain a permit?

    • What can I do with my property?

    • What is a Site Development Plan and when am I required to have one?

    • What is required for a sign permit?

  • Public Works Facilities

    • Do I get recycling and yard waste pick up at my house?

    • How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

    • How do I request a recycling cart?

    • How do I volunteer to pick up roadside litter?

    • What is the Tag-A-Bag Program?

    • What type of materials are accepted at the recycling centers?

    • Where are the Charles County recycling centers located and what are their hours of operation?

    • Where do I report debris in the roadway, roadside litter, and/or illegal dumping?

    • Where is the Charles County Landfill located and what are its hours of operation?

    • Who picks up my household and bulk trash?

  • Public Works Utilities

    • Can the landlord request to have the water turned off for bad tenants?

    • How long after I call Miss Utility will the water/sewer lines be marked?

    • I need to replace a fence or a mailbox on my property. Do I need to call anyone to check for water or sewer lines?

    • My valve is sticking out of the ground or the top is missing. Who do I contact?

    • My water/sewer bill is high, what can I do?

    • The protective cap covering my sewer clean-out is missing. What should I do?

    • The valve above and below my meter is leaking. Will the County repair it?

    • What do I do if a water or sewer line is hit while digging?

    • What is a "cross connection"?

    • What is the Charles County Service Line Assurance Initiative?

    • Where is my water meter located?

    • Who can rent a hydrant meter?

    • Who is responsible for a delinquent water/sewer bill while the tenant is occupying the property?

    • Why do I have two pipes in my yard?

    • Will the County mark water/sewer line locations on all of my property?

  • Purchasing

    • Does my business need to be pre-qualified to do business with the County?

    • Does the County Government Purchasing Office purchase for the Sheriff's Department and/or the Boad of Education?

    • Does the County have any purchasing preferences policies for either small and/or local businesses?

    • Does the County maintain plan holder’s lists for competitive solicitations?

    • How can I obtain results for a competitive solicitation?

    • How do I find commodities and services currently being formally solicited by the County?

    • How do I register to become a vendor with Charles County Government?

    • What is the County’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) goal? How can I register as a MBE firm with the County?

    • Where is the Purchasing Office located and how do I get there?

  • RecAssist

    • Are seniors (age 60+) eligible to apply for RecAssist?

    • Are there programs that are not eligible for RecAssist?

    • Do I need to fill out a separate application for each family participant in the same household?

    • Do I need to pay any money at the time of program registration?

    • How do I apply?

    • How do I use RecAssist when registering for a program?

    • What can I use RecAssist for?

    • What happens if I don’t use my RecAssist Funds?

    • What is RecPASS?

    • When does my RecPASS and RecAssist expire?

    • Who can apply for RecAssist?

    • Who is eligible to apply for RecAssist?

    • Who will be reviewing my application?

  • RecPASS

    • Can I use by Pool Pass at Charles County Recreation facilities?

    • Can I use RecPASS for water aerobics, dance classes, or other instructor-led activities?

    • Do I have to have a RecPASS to register for any other programs offered by Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism?

    • How long is my RecPASS good for?

    • I am not a Charles County Resident, can I still purchase a RecPASS and utilize the community centers or pools?

    • If I don’t have a RecPASS, can I still participate in drop-in activities?

    • If I don't have a RecPASS, am I still able to purchase a punch card for drop-in programs and pool admission?

    • Is my RecPASS transferable? Refundable?

    • What are the benefits of RecPASS?

    • What is RecPASS?

    • What programs/activities can I use RecPASS for?

    • Where can I purchase a RecPASS?

    • Who needs a RecPASS?

  • Recreation

    • Does Recreation have gym facilities where I can work out for free?

    • What about recreation programs for persons with special needs?

    • Where can I obtain information on Indoor Sports Programs?

  • Recycling

    • Do I get recycling and yard waste pick up at my house?

    • How do I request a recycling cart?

    • What type of materials are accepted at the recycling centers?

    • Where are the Charles County recycling centers located and what are their hours of operation?

  • Redistricting Board

    • Does the Redistricting Board have any impact on how the Commissioners are elected, i.e., at-large or by their residency districts?

    • How are the members of the Redistricting Board appointed?

    • How does the Redistricting Board determine how the lines should be drawn?

    • How does the Redistricting Board reconfigure the lines of the Commissioner Districts?

    • What are the general legal standards that the Redistricting Board should apply in carrying out their duty?

    • What are the responsibilities of the Redistricting Board?

    • What does “compact and regularly shaped” mean?

    • What does “contiguous” mean?

    • When determining the size of Commissioner Districts, does the Redistricting Board use the total population or the voting age population?

    • Who determines where election precinct lines are drawn?

  • Roads

    • What is a County right-of-way and what distance does it cover?

    • Where do I report a pothole or vandalism on roadways?

    • Where do I report roadway debris and/or litter?

    • Where should dead animals in the road be reported?

    • Who do I contact if a culvert pipe/drainage ditch is damaged or blocked?

    • Who is responsible for snow removal?

    • Who is responsible for street lights?

    • Who is responsible for street signs?

    • Who is responsible for traffic lights?

    • Who is responsible for tree trimming?

    • Who mows the grass on roadways?

    • Who should I contact to report damaged sidewalks?

  • Rural Broadband

    • How is the installation done?

    • How will I know if I need to provide an easement?

    • Is the County doing the construction?

    • What are download and upload speeds? How do I find my speeds?

    • What is a franchise agreement?

    • What is a hotspot?

    • What is a public-private partnership?

    • What is an easement?

    • What is an ISP?

    • What is broadband?

    • What is cable Internet?

    • What is DSL?

    • What is fiber optic cable?

    • What is Fiber-to-the-Premises?

    • What is satellite Internet?

    • What will I see during construction?

    • Will I be compensated for providing an easement?

  • Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing

    • Do I have to be home during testing?

    • How does smoke testing work?

    • How long will the testing take?

    • How may the smoke enter my house?

    • Is the smoke harmful?

    • Public Notification (How will I be notified?)

    • What are the benefits of smoke testing?

    • What does it mean if smoke enters my home?

    • What is the purpose of smoke testing?

    • What should I do if smoke gets into the house?

    • What should I do to prepare for smoke testing?

    • Will smoke testing of the sewers allow smoke to get into my home?

  • Sewer Concerns

    • I do not have a sewer clean-out in my yard. What should I do?

    • I think I'm experiencing a sewer backup in my home. What should I do?

    • Sewage is backed up in my home, what should I do?

    • What can I do to prevent sewer backups?

    • What causes sewer backups?

    • What is "pretreatment"?

    • What is the Charles County Service Line Assurance Initiative?

    • Why is the sewer portion of my bill high?

  • Shared Sewage Disposal Facilities

    • What type of Land Uses may use Shared Sewage Disposal Systems?

  • Tourism

    • How can I get my organization's events on the County's e-calendar?

    • How do I find area attractions such as biking trails, cultural arts, historic churches, marinas, ramps, fishing, museums, etc?

    • How do I find information about accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, camp grounds, banquet, meeting and wedding halls, etc?

    • What are the business hours for the Tourism Office?

    • When is the next Charles County Trolley Tour?

    • Where is the closest State Welcome Center?

    • Where is the Tourism Office located?

    • Would Charles County Tourism help sponsor my organization's event?

  • Treasury

    • How can I overnight a payment?

    • How do I appeal my tax assessment

    • How much is the School Excise Tax?

    • What about paying for permits?

    • What if I do not want to visit in person and I need to make a payment?

    • What is the County Transfer Tax Rate?

    • What is the Recordation Tax Rate for Charles County?

    • Where can I pay my Red Light or Speed Camera Ticket/Citation?

    • Where do I call for a Business License?

    • Why are my taxes so high?

    • Why did I receive my tax bill when I have an escrow account set up with my Mortgage company?

  • Utilities Miscellaneous Concerns

    • What is a "cross connection"?

    • Who can rent a hydrant meter?

  • VanGO - General Questions

    • Are bus drivers assigned to a specific bus?

    • Can the driver wait for me while I run an errand?

    • Does VanGo go to DC, Prince George County or St. Mary County?

    • I live very close to a VanGo bus route but would rather not walk to the bus stop. Can the bus come down my street and pick me up?

    • What is a personalized schedule?

    • Where can I get bus schedules?

  • Water & Sewer Billing

    • Do you accept water/sewer payments after hours?

    • Do you accept water/sewer payments online?

    • Do you have E-billing? Can you tell me about it please?

    • How can I contact the billing office online?

    • How long do I have to pay my water/sewer bill before I'm disconnected for nonpayment?

    • I am a residential water/sewer customer, how can I calculate my bill using the tiered rate system?

    • I am moving into or out of a property. How do I get the water and sewer fees put into or out of my name?

    • I am unable to pay my bill before the disconnection date. Can I get an extension or go on a payment plan?

    • I live in or near Waldorf. Do you accept payments in Waldorf or do I have to go to LaPlata?

    • I lost my water/sewer bill. What is the balance I owe?

    • I suspect a sewage back up at my home, whom should I call?

    • My water and sewer bill has a Bay Restoration Fee. What is this?

    • My water/sewer bill is high, what can I do?

    • What are the business hours for the Water/Sewer Billing Office and/or the Utilities Department?

    • What is the Account Maintenance Fee?

    • What is the Account Set Up Fee on my Bill?

    • When will I receive my water/sewer bill?

    • Where do I mail correspondence, such as a Renter's form, or payment regarding my water/sewer account?

    • Who is responsible for a delinquent bill while the tenant is in the property?

    • Why can't the tenant's bill be transferred to their new place of residence?

    • Why does my landlord get copies of my late notices, obtain information on my account, and has to give written approval for any payment plans?

  • Water Concerns

    • I am experiencing brown water and sediment in my water. What should I do?

    • I am experiencing low water pressure. What should I do?

    • I need to have my water turned off for a repair. What should I do?

    • My water has been off for more than two days. How can I get it turned back on?

    • My water has been turned off. How can I get it turned back on?

    • Why does Charles County have a Water Meter Change-out Program?

  • Water Conservation

    • How can I conserve water?

    • Which uses more water, a tub bath or a shower?