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This section of the site is dedicated to providing basic answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, give us a call at (913) 322-5500 or e-mail cityofmerriam@merriam.org.
How do I contact the City of Merriam?
You will find a list of phone and fax numbers for City staff and elected officials in the "Contact Us" section of our website. For general city inquiries, please call (913) 322-5500.
Where can I find more information about the special 1/4-cent sales tax election in January 2010?
For more information about the sales tax, including ballot language and answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
What is the sales tax rate in Merriam?
The City's total sales tax rate 8.775%.
The breakdown by agency is as follow: State of Kansas - 6.30%; Johnson County - 1.225%; City of Merriam - 1.0%; City of Merriam - 0.25% (additional voter approved tax for residential streets -- effective through December 31, 2010).
Does the City conduct a large item pick-up?
Yes. Twice a year, the City of Merriam conducts a large item clean-up campaign for the residents in Merriam. The Merriam Public Works Department is responsible for this campaign, which occurs annually during the third week in April and October. There are some restrictions on the materials the City will accept. For a schedule of the City's 2010 spring clean-up, click here. For additional information, call 913.322.5570 or e-mail PublicWorks@merriam.org.
Does the City of Merriam have a recycling center?
The City doesn't not own or operate a recycling center. We have, however established a paper recycling program at the Irene B. French Community Center. A paper recycling station has been placed in the parking lot on the southeast side of our building at 5701 Merriam Drive. It is open to the public. We accept clean and dry paper including magazines, newspapers, advertising inserts, office paper, junk mail, and white envelopes. The bin is open 24/7 for your convenience. The paper recycling program (Abitibi Consolidated) collects, sorts, de-inks, and makes new newsprint from 100% recycled paper fiber. There is no cost to the city for this program, in fact we receive a reimbursement for the paper that we collect.
If you are interested in finding other recycling venues, please visit the Mid-America Regional Council's "RecycleSpot" website (/www.recyclespot.org). This site allows you to search by product or location to find recycling centers throughout the metropolitan area.
Am I allowed to burn yard waste/materials?
Residential burning permits may be obtained at no costs; a small fee is charged for commercial customers. Burning permits may be obtained Monday through Friday at the Merriam Fire Department, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace. For more information call (913) 322-5530.
Do I need to have a permit to conduct a garage sale?
Yes. A permit secured from the Administration office at City Hall must be posted on the premises where it can be seen from the street. There is no charge for the permit, but a record is kept so no more than two sales are held at the same location during a 12-month period. Permits may be obtained at the Administration offices at City Hall, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, or Online by clicking here. For additional information call (913) 322-5500.
Do you have a listing of local utilities available?
Yes. Click here to find a copy of the local utility companies along with city, county, and local agencies that are requested most often.
Where can I find home improvement assistance available to Merriam residents?
You can find information about home improvement resources available to Merriam residents on our website by clicking here.
Do I need a building permit for my home improvement project?
Some home repairs and alterations may require that you obtain a building permit, including fence and roof installation, and driveway replacements. You may obtain a permit from online by clicking here. You can also download a copy of the building permit payment option form by clicking here. For more information or to verify permit requirements call (913) 322-5520.
Does the City have a zoning map available to the public?
Zoning maps are available for purchase at the Administration offices at City Hall (9000 W. 62nd Terrace). There are three sizes available, small (11"x17" - $5), medium (36"x18" - $10) and large zoning maps (36"x72" - $30). An 8.5"x11" PDF version of the zoning map can be downloaded from the City's website by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. This document is available for online review only).
Does Merriam have any restrictions/requirements for Massage Therapy? It is unlawful for any person to conduct Massage Therapy or In-Office Massage Therapy unless he/she has a valid Massage Therapist license issued by the City pursuant to the provisions outlined in Chapter 15 of Merriam's Municipal Code. Massage therapy liceneses are issued by the City Clerk's office. Applications and verification forms can be found below.
If you have additional questions, please call 913-322-5508 or e-mail julianap@merriam.org.
Where can I find more information about the Merriam Floodplain Study? The Johnson County Stormwater Management Program has commissioned a study of the Turkey Creek watershed as part of a county-wide effort to update floodplains and identify projects to help reduce the risk of flooding. The information from the study will be used to update the floodplain boundaries as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA is expected to adopt the new floodplain maps by Summer 2009. For more information about the floodplain study, click here.
Where can I find more information about the City's 2009 budget?
For answers to common budget questions, click here.
Where can I find copies of agendas and minutes from public meetings?
Agendas and minutes are posted on the City's website as they become available. You can view these documents by clicking here. |
