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1. How do I get a library card?

Library cards are available free of charge to all Wise County residents. Minors under the age of 17 may have a card with the approval of a parent or legal guardian. Prospective borrowers must provide proof of address in the form of a valid Texas Driver's License or Texas State government-issued ID. You may apply for a library card online! Simply fill out an adult or child library card application!

Library Forms

2. What can I check out?

The Decatur Public Library provides a wide range of materials available for checkout including:

• Audiobooks
• Books
• DVDs
• Large print books
• Libros en espanol

Patrons may borrow up to 20 books and 4 DVDs per card.

3. How much are fines?

We are a fine free library! There are no daily fines.

4. How long can I check items out?

All books and audiobooks are checked out for 3 weeks. Videos and DVDs are checked out for 1 week.

5. Can I renew?

Books, audiobooks, and nonfiction videos may be renewed when there is no waiting list. You may renew items in person at the Decatur Public Library located at 1700 Highway 51 South, Decatur, Texas 76234, by phone at 940-393-0290, or online.

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1. I have a CDL, am I eligible for deferred disposition or driver's safety course?

No. Texas state law does not allow a CDL holder to take a driver's safety course or complete a deferred disposition.

2. I received a ticket for no insurance, then I went and bought insurance the next day. Can I still get ticket dismissed?

The Texas State Law states that a ticket for "no insurance" can only be dismissed if you can provide proof that you had valid insurance coverage on the same date and time you were given the ticket. Purchasing insurance after the ticket was issued cannot be dismissed.
TC 601.1983(a)

3. I received a ticket for expired registration and I went and got my vehicle registered. Do I still have to pay the ticket?

In order to be eligible for a compliance dismissal for an expired registration ticket, you must tell the Tax Assessor or Registration office that you did receive a ticket for operating your motor vehicle with an expired registration. You must pay the penalty fee at the time that you renew your registration or you will not be eligible to request a compliance dismissal. You must appear in person or by mail by the due date on the bottom of your ticket. If you choose to appear by mail, you must include the proof of renewed registration, payment of penalty fee, and a $20 administrative fee.

4. I received a ticket for expired driver's licence. I have renewed my driver's licence, do I still have to pay the ticket?

In order to qualify for a compliance dismissal for your expired driver's license you must show proof to the Court, either in person or by mail, that you have renewed your driver's license, and you must pay a $20 administrative fee. If you choose to appear by mail, your envelope must be postmarked on or before the due date on the bottom of the ticket.

5. I received a ticket for failure to display my driver's liscence but I have a driver's liscence. Do I still have to pay the ticket?

State law requires you to present your driver's license upon request by a peace officer. Since you were unable to show your driver's license at the time of the stop, you must provide proof of a valid driver's license to the Court on or before your due date printed on the bottom of your ticket and pay a $10 administrative fee.

6. I feel that I am not guilty. How do I contest my ticket?

You will need to appear in person at 201 E Walnut, or send an email through the "contact us" link, on or before the due date at the bottom of your ticket to notify the Court that you wish to contest your ticket. If sending an email, please make sure to include your ticket number, current mailing address, and a phone number where you may be reached.

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1. Will the Police Department unlock my car if I locked the keys in it? Is there a fee?

The PD will attempt to unlock your car if it is parked within the city limits, but may have to refer you to a locksmith or auto dealer if the officer is unable to. This is a free service.

2. How can I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?

You may obtain a police or accident report directly from the Decatur Police Department or purchase an accident report online at https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com. For more information, go to or Reports/Forms tab or call 940-393-0300.

3. Where do I get a driver's license?

The local DPS office, located at 2000 S. Trinity St. in Decatur. Their phone number is (940) 627-2693.

4. How do I report a crime?

If it is an emergency, dial 911 and be prepared to provide the following information: Type of crime, location of crime, if the crime is in progress or when it occurred, description of the vehicle, description of the suspect, direction of travel, etc. You will need to give your name, address, and phone number and stay on line until you are told to hang up. You may also report any crime by calling the Decatur Police Department at (940) 393-0300 or you can report anonymously through Wise County Crime Stoppers, the link to their website is on the Police Department's main page.

5. How do I find out if I have warrant?

To check if you have an active warrant, please contact Municipal Court at (940) 393-0220

6. Do you have a House Watch?

Yes. The Decatur Police Department has House Watch and extra patrol. To place a residence on House Watch, or extra patrol, the citizen can either fill out a request online, call the dispatcher or come to the Police Department to fill out the House Watch Form.

7. Does the City of Decatur have a curfew for teenagers?

No

8. Can I burn trash in my back yard?

No, there is no burning allowed within the city limits of Decatur.

9. How do I get my vehicle out of impound?

All vehicles towed by the Decatur Police Department are stored in our city impound lot, located at 201B Airport Rd. in Decatur. You must first pay all fines at the Decatur Police Department, then an officer will take you to the impound lot to release your vehicle.

10. Is it against the law to use a cell phone while driving?

No. However, any distractions while driving could cause an accident.

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1. What is the due date for the utility bill?

Utility bills are due to be paid by or before the 15^th of each month. If the 15th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, utility bills will be due on the next business day AFTER the 15th.

2. What utility services are offered by the City?

We offer drinking water, wastewater, residential yard waste (leaves/limbs) and garbage/recycling utilities

3. How much is the utility deposit?

Residential deposits for property renters:

• $300 for 3/4" meter
• $350 for 1" meter

Residential deposits for property owners:

• $100 for 3/4" meter
• $150 for 1" meter

Deposits for businesses (please not: trash/recycle service is NOT available with business service):

• $100 for 3/4" meter
• $150 for 1" meter

*All deposits MUST be paid BEFORE water will be turned on.

4. Where can I pay my bill?

Our online account inquiry and payment system allows access 24 hours a day.

The online bill pay offers one time payments or  recurring autopay using your debit/credit card.

You will need your account number and customer number/pin to access your online account information. Both numbers are found in the upper right hand corner of your billing statement. If you set up your account for recurring autopay, you will assign a personal password to your account.

Auto Draft payments are available by completing the Bank Draft Authorization Form and including a “void” check for confirmation.

Auto Draft and Auto Bill Pay with credit cards are both drafted the 15^th  (due date) of each month.

Our drive through located at City Hall is available 24 hours and 7 days a week in order to drop off your payment.  Do not deposit cash into the drop box.

Pay your bill in person at City Hall between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding recognized holidays.

City Hall is located at 201 E  Walnut.

5. When is my payment due?

The payment due date is the 15th of every month. A 10% penalty will apply after that date.

6. How do I open a new account for utility service?

All customers wanting to set up utility service with The City of Decatur must first complete an application for new service and complete a Water Service Agreement in person at the Decatur City Hall.

Applications for new service are accepted in person at City Hall.

Applicants are required to present a lease agreement or closing or tax documents at the time the application is submitted.

You should bring a valid picture identification such as an unexpired drivers license - It must be your ID not someone else’s ID.

A printable version of the application is available on the website that can be printed and completed before your visit to City Hall.

7. Can I change my due date?

The due date is the same for all customers on the 15^th of each month.

8. What happens if my payment is not made by the due date?

Payments are due by the 15th of the month. Accounts not paid in full by the due date will accrue a 10% penalty on the next business day.

If an account is unpaid for 30 days, the account is subject to disconnect. Reconnects are scheduled only after the customer has paid the account in full including the reconnect fees.

A payment made with a bad check, closed account on auto pay or declined auto pay credit cards will be treated the same as a non-payment.  A handling fee of $25 may apply and is payable in cash, money order, or cashier's check on all returned checks and non payment auto drafts.

9. Can I get an extension to pay my bill?

Payment extensions are not available.

10. What happens if my account becomes delinquent?

All delinquent accounts will be submitted to the law firm of McCreary, Veselsa, Bragg & Allen P C for collection.

11. How do I turn off water service to my residence or business to make repairs?

Please contact City Hall at 940.393.0200 and we will arrange for your water to be turned off at the City's meter by trained personnel. Please do not attempt to turn off the water yourself.

The City is responsible for repairing City water meters and all pipes leading to the meter from the municipal water supply. Water pipes from the water meter to the building are the responsibility of the property owner.

12. How do I change/update my Utility Billing mailing address, name or other contact information?

Please complete a Utility Billing Service Agreement with the updated information and submit to City Hall.

Documentation of changes may be required.

13. The homeowner is deceased, can I keep the account in his/her name.

Valid utility accounts are to be held in the name of the responsible party living at the residence. Accounts can not be held in the name of a deceased person.

14. How do I disconnect my utility service?

Final Account requests are not accepted by telephone. In order to discontinue services a Final Account form will need to be completed and signed in person or  completed, signed then faxed (940.393.0201) or emailed (utilities@decaturtx.org) to the utility billing office.

All disconnect requests submitted by fax or email must be signed by the primary account holder and include a copy of the primary account holder's driver's license.

15. What is Resident Yard Waste?

Yard Trimmings

Grass, leaves, plants and small cuttings placed in bags.  Maximum weight should not exceed 30 pounds per bundle.  Dirt and mulch are not accepted.

Tree Trimmings

Limbs are limited to four (4) feet in length or less and not over six (6) inches in diameter.

If you contract trimming or tree removal services, check and see  if haul away charges are included in their charges.  Make sure you have a plan for disposal when trimming and removing trees from your property. 

Unacceptable Materials

Tree stumps, roots or shrubs with root balls, dirt, soil pallets, fencing and concrete are not accepted.