Animal Control:
The city of Merriam provides full animal control services to the citizens and businesses of Merriam. Services include:

• Animal safety education;
• Employing live traps for nuisance animals;
• Dead animal removal; and
• Cruelty investigations.

A Community Services Officer is on duty: Monday from 7AM to 3PM; Tuesday through Friday from 7AM to 11PM; and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. After hours calls are handled by police officers. To reach a Community Service Officer, call (913) 322-5560.

Educational Programs:
The City of Merriam offers a variety of educational programs available to residents and non-residents. These programs include:

• Babysitting workshops provided by the Merriam Fire Department;
• CPR training provided by the Fire Department, (913) 322-5530;
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training provided by the Fire Department, (913) 322-5530;
• Home Safety Evaluations provided by the Fire Department, (913) 322-5530;
• Drug Awareness & Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) provided by the Police Department, (913) 322-5560; and
• Health, hobby & recreational classes provided bye the Parks & Recreation Department, (913) 322-5550 or www.merriam.org/park.

For more information on these classes, call the numbers provided above.

Capital Improvements:
The capital improvement program (CIP), in the City of Merriam, consists of street improvements, drainage enhancements, park improvements and facility improvements. With capital improvement funds, various projects throughout the city are conceived, designed and constructed.

For more information about Merriam's capital improvement program, call (913) 322-5520.

City Budget:
Merriam's municipal budget is prepared by the City's Finance Department. It is a balanced budget, as required by law. The primary focus of the budget is to maintain the City's existing high service levels and sound financial position, while also minimizing the tax burden on citizens.

The largest source of revenue for the City's general fund is from local sales taxes. The property tax bill for residential property in Merriam, expressed as a percent of fair market value is 0.22% or $2.22 in property tax for every $1,000 in fair market value. The annual city property tax bill for a $100,00 home would be $221.66.

A $23.3 million capital improvement project fund represents the largest share of the budget expenditures. Personnel services, major equipment purchases, community enhancements, health & welfare are all examples of other expenditures in the City municipal budget.

For more information about Merriam's operating or capital improvement budget, contact the Finance Department at (913) 322-5509.

Code Compliance:
The Community Development Department is responsible for the enforcement of a variety of regulations intended to protect the citizens of Merriam from obnoxious or undesirable conditions including outdoor storage, storage of inoperable vehicles, uncontrolled weeds and other vegetation, and other activities. Click here to download a copy of "Ten Codes You Should Know". For more information on code compliance, contact the Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520.

Communications:
The Merriam Highlights is published quarterly by the Administration Office. The publication contains timely information and is mailed to Merriam residents and businesses. Additional copies are available at City Hall or by calling, (913) 322-5507.

The City of Merriam also produces an e-mail service for members of the general public who are interested in receiving up-to-date public information about what’s happening around city hall and the Merriam community. To subscribe to this service, send an e-mail to e-merriam@merriam.org, with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.

The Parks & Recreation Brochure is published three times a year and contains information on the City's recreational activities sponsored by the Merriam Parks & Recreation Department. A list of course offerings can also be found online at www.merriam.org/park

Crime Prevention:
When a community problem surfaces, the Merriam Police Department joins with those who live and work in the community, in an attempt to solved the problem, co-actively. This philosophy strives to bring the police and community closer to work in partnership, fighting crime and solving the various problems that are encountered in communities today. Citizens may come into the department during office hours to get a copy of a police report or to contact investigators or administration. When an officer is needed, a citizen may call one of three different numbers, depending on the situation:

• If the call is of an emergency nature, dial 911.
• If the call is a non-emergency or routine type call, dial
  (913) 782-0720.
• To contact an investigator, inquire about a report or talk to administration, dial (913) 322-5560.

If you would like to send a fax to the department, the number is (913) 322-5565.

Fire Prevention:
The Merriam Fire Department is responsible for the prevention and suppression of fire within the City of Merriam; responding to fire alarms, windstorms, floods, explosions, hazardous materials incidents, terrorism, and unforeseen catastrophes; conducting fire safety inspections; enforcing the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code; and providing ambulance services in cooperation with the Johnson County Med-Act. To learn more about the Merriam Fire Department call (913) 322-5530 or visit their website, www.merriam.org/MFD.

Franchise Fee Rebate Program:
The City has an on-going yearly program for low income Merriam residents whose earned income meets HUD guidelines. Letters are sent to those who participated in the Franchise Tax Rebate Program the preceding year and appointments are made beginning February 1st of each year. Application may be made by mail or in person. Receipts of gas, electric, and telephone bills are required along with proof of income. Contact Community Development at (913) 322-5520 for more information.

Licenses & Permits:
PET LICENSES - All dogs and cats six months or older must be licensed. The license fee is $30; if the animal is spade or neutered, the fee is $5. Licenses are valid for one year and run concurrent with the dates of your rabies vaccination. License applications are available at City Hall and must be filled out and returned along with proper licensing fee and a copy of the current rabies vaccination receipt from your veterinarian's office. Residents are not allowed to have more than two dogs or five cats. Anyone who desires to keep more than two dogs must complete a special application (reviewed by the Chief of Police). For additional information call (913) 322-5500

BUILDING PERMITS - Some home repairs and alterations may require that you obtain a building permit, including fence and roof installations and driveway replacements. You may obtain a permit from the Community Development Department at City Hall (9000 W. 62nd Terrace), or by calling (913) 322-5520.

BURINING PERMITS - Residential burning permits may be obtained anytime at the fire station for no cost. There is a small fee for commercial customers and these permits may be obtained Monday through Friday during regular business hours. For more information on burn permissions, call (913) 322-5530.

GARAGE SALE PERMITS - Each person holding a garage sale within the City of Merriam should obtain a permit from the City Clerk's office. Permits will not be issued more than twice during any twelve (12) month period to the same person or household. Permits are free of charge, but must be obtained from the Administration Offices at City Hall prior to your sale. For more information or to secure a permit, call (913) 322-5500.

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES - All businesses in Merriam are required by City ordinance to obtain an occupational license before they can open for business. The licenses are in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed each year thereafter. Fees vary. Should you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520.

Parks & Recreational Programs:
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the Irene B. French Community Center, the Merriam Aquatic Center, and 9 City parks. The Parks & Recreation Department develops and administers recreational programs for Merriam residents. To learn more about Merriam's parks and recreational programs, visit www.merriam.org/park.

Street Maintenance :
The Merriam Public Works Department maintains the City's streets and parks. he street maintenance program includes street inspection, repair, full depth patching, crack sealing, and sweeping of city streets. During the winter months, this program provides snow and ice removal services on an around-the-clock basis in order to maintain streets in a driveable condition during snow and ice storms. The street overlay program provides for the overlay of asphalt at regular intervals to help maintain an adequate surface on the street. In addition, a program exists for the timely replacement of curbs and sidewalks. For more information about these programs, call (913) 322-5570.

Police Report Processing :
Citizens may come into the department during office hours to obtain copies of reports, for fingerprinting services and to make walk-in accidents or other police reports. Copies of police reports are normally available in 5 business days after the report is filed with a police officer.

Merriam Police Department Office Hours are:
Monday - 8AM to 6PM
Tuesday through Friday - 7AM to 9PM
Saturday - 10AM to 6PM
Sunday - CLOSED

During after-hour times or if there is no one in the station during the evening hours, a dispatch direct phone number can be found just inside the foyer area. This phone can be used to request that an officer respond to the station.

Traffic Violations :
It is the responsibility of the The Merriam Municipal Court to guarantee the lawful rights of all who are brought before it. The majority of cases in the Municipal Court consist of violations of city traffic ordinances. The court provides a forum in which citizens may receive a swift and impartial trial on charges brought against them. A person is not entitled to a jury trial by this court - all evidence is heard by the Municipal Court Judge. If a person is convicted, the Judge may impose a fine, a sentence, or both in accordance with city ordinances. A citizen may represent himself before the Judge without legal counsel if so chooses. An appeal from the Municipal court may be taken to the District Court of the county. The appeal will be heard by a jury unless waived by the person appealing the case.

The payment of traffic violations that do not require an appearance before the Municipal Court Judge are handled through the Municipal Court office. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you choose to use the after hours drop box located in the vestibule located at the south entrance of City Hall, please include your ticket, along with your check or money order in the payment envelope.

If your violation requires an appearance before the Municipal Judge, you must be prepared to pay the fine at that time. You may contact the Court Clerk to obtain the appropriate fine amount. It is important to note that tickets written for no proof of insurance require you to submit proof of insurance within 10 days following the date of your ticket. Failure to do so will result in suspension of your driver's license by the State of Kansas.

Court sessions are held at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Questions regarding court appearances should be directed to the Municipal Court at (913) 322-5540 during regular business hours.