Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Main
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Main
Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information organized by department.
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Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.Main
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Main
As a measure to help insure refuse collection throughout the pandemic, Kimble will be stopping collection of bulk items and yard waste. For details on this and all of the news regarding City services during the pandemic, please go to cityofalliance.com/localpandemicupdates. Please know we are still working to deliver the services you need and are available to you by email (preferred) and by phone.
Health Department
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Please call Health Department (330) 821-7373Health Department
Water & Sewer Distribution
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Homeowners are responsible from property to where it ties into our city main., that includes the curbbox where water is turned on or off.Water & Sewer Distribution
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Check for dry traps in basement and any un-used sinks or showers, pour a gallon of water in the traps.Water & Sewer Distribution
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A hot blow dryer or a large watt lightbulb can be used to thaw out line by the water meter. It will help some when there's no water due to frozen lines from the coldWater & Sewer Distribution
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Water & Sewer Distribution
As a preface, please note that the content of the letters mailed was determined by OEPA. Additionally, the letters were required to be sent to any location that may have at one time had lead and/or galvanized pipe as part of the service line – AND NOT because they currently use one of these materials (ie – the service line could currently be all copper, but the letter was still required.)
**1. Health and Safety**
* Has lead been detected in water samples at or near my address? The city has performed required monitoring since 1992, initially on a biannual basis. Because the results were low, the required testing frequency was later reduced to a triennial basis. Lead has been detected in samples, but not above the action level of 15 ug/L (micrograms per liter). For site specific information inquiries should be emailed to ssd@allianceoh.gov.
* If lead or galvanized pipe is confirmed, what immediate mitigation measures (filters, bottled water, testing) will be provided to residents? Mitigation measures are not required for a pipe determination of lead or galvanized.
* What lead action levels trigger mandatory remediation under federal or Ohio law? 15 ug/L (micrograms per liter)
**2. Records and Accuracy**
* What records or data does the City currently rely upon to determine whether a service line may contain lead or galvanized pipe? Tapping information was utilized initially, which was then followed by excavation and visual inspection (for the portion from the main to curb stop) As a note, lead pipe was only used in Alliance for the portion of service extending from the main to the curb stop. When lead was used in Alliance, the portion of the service from the curb stop to the meter utilized galvanized iron pipe.
* Does the City distinguish between the public-side and private-side portions of service lines in its determinations? The city owns and maintains the water main, the property owner owns and maintains the service line beginning with the corporation valve up to the water meter.
* Have service line materials ever been replaced or altered without corresponding updates to City records? Yes.
**3. Inspection Authority and Property Rights**
* Is homeowner participation in self-inspection voluntary at this time? Yes.
* What legal authority permits the City to require a “mandatory inspection” of a private residence in the future? The city’s water rules, and more intimately, the agreement for water service between the city and the property owner.
* Will inspections require entry into private homes, and what notice, consent, or warrant process applies? Requirements to allow entry for inspections are a condition for water service. A refusal to allow entry does not result in forced entry, but rather is grounds to stop water service.
* Are homeowners waiving any legal rights by submitting self-inspection documentation? There is no waiver in the self-inspection document.
**4. Costs and Financial Responsibility**
* Who is financially responsible for replacement if lead or galvanized pipe is identified on private property? The property owner.
* Are assistance programs, grants, or income-based relief available? The city obtained two grants which provided for 100% of the replacement cost for lead pipe. Those grants were fully utilized, totaled $2,000,000 and provided for roughly 1,000 lead line replacements. There currently no grants the city is aware of to provide the 100% coverage, but it does anticipate obtaining grants to provide 50% of the cost for replacement of lead pipe in the future. There are no known grants to replace iron pipe, however there is a warranty product available which the city recommends that will cover the cost for replacement of a service line leak. This is highly recommended as there are no iron pipe service-lines in the city which have not exceeded the expected life span. Details on the warranty can be found on the city’s website at https://www.cityofalliance.com/424/Service-Line-Warranties-of-America.
* Will residents face penalties, citations, or adverse consequences if they are unable to pay for replacement? No penalties or citations, however lead service lines may not be used after 2037 (EPA rule), meaning water service would be stopped if the service line is still lead pipe.
**5. Data Use and Privacy**
* How will inspection results and homeowner-submitted data be stored and protected? The inspections results are provided to the EPA and OEPA, are public records, and subject to information requests.
**6. Transparency and Public Communication**
* Why was this notice disseminated primarily via social media rather than direct written notice to affected property owners? It was not put onto social media until notices had been mailed, but it is likely not all notices had been delivered prior to the posting on internet and social media sites.
* Is there a publicly available map or report showing confirmed, suspected, and unknown service line materials? There is no map. The city has reported confirmed lead lines and copper lines. There are still some services lines that have not been confirmed as being lead or copper, and until a confirmation is made they are being reported and treated as being lead. The Service Line Inventory and Materials Report is available at https://www.cityofalliance.com/124/Water-Sewer-Distribution.
* What is the City’s full timeline and plan for compliance with state and federal requirements? The city has no plans to require owners make replacements prior the current EPA 2037 deadline.
Income Tax
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Yes, if you were a resident of Alliance during any part of the year, had earned income, and are 16 years of age or over. You must also file if you had a business or rental property located inside the city even if you are not a resident. No, if you are retired and your only source of income is retirement earnings (pensions, social security, etc.), if you are permanently disabled, if you worked in Alliance but were not a resident and had Alliance tax withheld, if you are on active duty in the military.Income Tax
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A – Taxpayers are allowed credit for tax paid to other municipalities where they work, not to exceed one and three quarter percent (1.75%) of income earned in other municipalities. There is no reciprocal agreement among Cities, and Alliance receives no money from other cities where residents work. Therefore, the City is requiring all taxpayers to pay a portion of tax to Alliance. EXAMPLE 1. If last year you lived in Alliance and worked in Canton where you earned $10,000, you would have paid Canton $200.00 in tax (2.00% of $10,000). The tax due Alliance is also $200.00 You will be given credit for $175.00 leaving a balance of $25.00 owed to the City of Alliance. EXAMPLE 2. If last year you lived in Alliance and you worked in Salem where you earned $10,000, you would have paid Salem $100.00 in tax (1.00% of 10,000). The tax due Alliance is $200.00 You will be given a credit for the full $100.00 because the tax rate is less than one and three quarter percent (1.75%), and you will have a balance due of $100.00 to the City of Alliance.Income Tax
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A – City tax personnel will be happy to assist you with any questions or to fill out the income tax form for you. Simply stop by the office or call (330) 821-9190 during office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary and the service is entirely free.Income Tax
Storm Water
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Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that “runs off” across the land instead of seeping into the ground. This runoff usually flows into the nearest stream, creek, river, lake or ocean. The runoff is not treated in any way.Storm Water
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Water from rain and melting snow either seeps into the ground or “runs off” to lower areas, making its way into streams, lakes and other water bodies. On its way, runoff water can pick up and carry many substances that pollute water. Some - like pesticides, fertilizers, oil and soap – are harmful in any quantity. Others – like sediment from construction, bare soil, or agricultural land, or pet waste, grass clippings and leaves – can harm creeks, rivers and lakes in sufficient quantities. In addition to rain and snowmelt, various human activities like watering, car washing, and malfunctioning septic tank can also put water onto the land surface. Here, it can also create runoff that carries pollutants to creeks, rivers and lakes. Polluted runoff generally happens anywhere people use or alter the land. For example, in developed areas, none of the water that falls on hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, parking lots or roads can seep into the ground. These impervious surfaces create large amounts of runoff that picks up pollutants. The runoff flows from gutters and storm drains to streams. Runoff not only pollutes' but erodes streambanks. The mix of pollution and eroded dirt muddies the water and causes problems downstream.Storm Water
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This is another term for polluted runoff and other sources of water pollution that are hard to pinpoint. The term “nonpoint source pollution” comes from the federal Clean Water Act of 1987. There, it is used as a catch-all for all kinds of water pollution that are not well-defined discharges (point sources) from wastewater plants or industries.Storm Water
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Polluted stormwater runoff generally happens anywhere people use or alter the land. People going about their daily lives are the number one source of stormwater pollutants. Most people are unaware of how they impact water quality. Some common examples include over fertilizing lawns, excessive pesticide use, not picking up pet waste, using salt or fertilizer to de-ice driveways, letting oil drip out of their vehicles and littering. Developed areas in general, with their increased runoff, concentrated numbers of people and animals, construction and other activities, are a major contributor to NPS pollution, as are agricultural activities. Other contributors include forest harvesting activities, roadways, and malfunctioning septic systems.Storm Water
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Polluted water creates numerous costs to the public and to wildlife. As the saying goes, “we all live downstream.” Communities that use surface water for their drinking supply must pay much more to clean up polluted water than clean water. Polluted water hurts the wildlife in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. Dirt from erosion, also called sediment, covers up fish habitats and fertilizers can cause too much algae to grow, which also hurts wildlife by using up the oxygen they need to survive. Soaps hurt fish gills and fish skin, and other chemicals damage plants and animals when they enter the water. The quantity of stormwater is also a problem. When stormwater falls on hard surfaces like roads, roofs, driveways and parking lots, it cannot seep into the ground, so it runs off to lower areas. To give you an idea of the difference a hard surface makes, consider the difference between one inch of rain falling onto a meadow and a parking lot. The parking lot sheds 16 times the amount of water that a meadow does! Because more water runs off hard surfaces, developed areas can experience local flooding. The high volume of water also causes streams banks to erode and washes the wildlife that live there downstreamStorm Water
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“Best management practices” is a term used to describe different ways to keep pollutants out of runoff and to slow down high volumes of runoff. Preventing pollution from entering water is much more affordable than cleaning polluted water! Educating state residents about how to prevent pollution from entering waterways is one best management practice. Laws that require people and businesses involved in earth disturbing activities --like construction and agriculture -- to take steps to prevent erosion are another way to prevent stormwater pollution. There are also laws about litter, cleaning up after pets and dumping oil or other substances into storm drains. Education and laws are just two best management practice examples. Some BMPs are constructed to protect a certain area. Some are designed to slow down stormwater, others help reduce the pollutants already in it – there are also BMPs that do both of these things. Detention ponds, built to temporarily hold water so it seeps away slowly, fill up quickly after a rainstorm and allow solids like sediment and litter to settle at the pond bottom. Then, they release the water slowly. These ponds are one constructed BMP example. Green roofs, storm drain grates, filter strips, sediment fences and permeable paving are other examples.Storm Water
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The federal Clean Water Act requires large and medium sized towns across the United States to take steps to reduce polluted stormwater runoff. The law was applied in two phases. The first phase addressed large cities. The second phase, often referred to as ”Phase II,” requires medium and small cities, fast growing cities and those located near sensitive waters to take steps to reduce stormwater. These laws require chosen cities to do six things: 1) Conduct outreach and education about polluted stormwater runoff. 2) Provide opportunities for residents to participate and be involved in conversations and activities related to reducing polluted stormwater runoff. 3) Detect illicit discharges (e.g. straight piping or dumping). 4) Control construction site runoff. 5) Control post-construction runoff. 6) Perform municipal housekeeping (e.g. take steps to prevent runoff from city buildings and activitiesStorm Water
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Streams and creeks feed into rivers, lakes and the ocean. We all drink water, so we are all affected when our water is polluted. When water treatment costs rise, the price of drinking water goes up. If you like to fish, swim or boat, you may have heard or been affected by advisories warning you not to swim, fish or boat in a certain area because of unhealthy water or too much algae. Shellfish like clams and oysters cannot be harvested from polluted waters, so anyone that enjoys these foods or makes a living from the shellfish industry is affected. Money made from tourism and water recreation can also be impacted, as are businesses and home flooded by stormwater runoff. When we pollute our water, everyone is affected!Storm Water
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If you own a car, maintain it so it does not leak oil or other fluids. Be sure to wash it on the grass or at a car wash so the dirt and soap do not flow down the driveway and into the nearest storm drain. If you own a yard, do not over fertilize your grass. Never apply fertilizers or pesticides before a heavy rain. If fertilizer falls onto driveways or sidewalks, sweep it up instead of hosing it away. Mulch leaves and grass clippings and place leaves in the yard at the curb, not in the street. Doing this keeps leaves out of the gutter, where they can wash into the nearest storm drain. Turn your gutter downspouts away from hard surfaces, seed bare spots in your yard to avoid erosion and consider building a rain garden in low-lying areas of your lawn. If you have a septic system, maintain it properly by having it pumped every three to five years. If it is an older system, be sure it can still handle the volume placed on it today. Never put chemicals down septic systems, they can harm the system and seep into the groundwater. Pet owners should pick up after their pets and dispose of pet waste in the garbage. Keep lawn and household chemicals tightly sealed and in a place where rain cannot reach them. Dispose of old or unwanted chemicals at household hazardous waste collections sites or events. Never put anything in a storm drain. Don’t litter.Storm Water
COVID-19 FAQs
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COVID-19 FAQs
Visit the Staff Directory to see departmental staff listed by department.
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COVID-19 FAQs
There are many different options available to pay your water bill while the office is closed to the public.
- Enroll your email address to view and pay your bill online directly to the Alliance Water Utility with a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover at https://www.cityofalliancebilling.com. You will need your account number and the account holder’s name as it appears on the bill.
- Call the Alliance Water Utility Office at 330-823-3126 to pay your bill over the phone with a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.
- Mail a check or money order to: Alliance Water Utility, 504 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601
- Drop a check or money order in the Income Tax / Alliance Water Utility drop box located in the lobby of the City Administration Building located at 504 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601
- Drop a check or money order in the Night Drop located at the rear of the building on Prospect St.
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COVID-19 FAQs
- As a measure to help ensure refuse collection throughout the pandemic, Kimble will be stopping collection of bulk items and yard waste.
- If you have an extra can that can be emptied with the lift system on the truck, please leave the lid off for pickup.
- Kimble Companies Flyer 4/3/2020, Effective 4/13/2020.