For many tax payers, sales tax is a deductible on your federal taxes. You should consult your tax advisor or the IRS for applicability to your situation.
Where can I take used medical needles?
Some pharmacies will accept used needles.
Who do I contact about a ticket I received from a Tumwater police officer?
By law, the City of Tumwater is responsible for upholding laws within its jurisdiction to ensure the public’s safety. In Tumwater, court, public defense, and prosecution services are provided by Thurston County, through separate service contracts. A Violations Division is located at Tumwater City Hall to accept payment for traffic infractions, parking tickets and other non-criminal infractions only.
To Pay a Fine
Tumwater Violations Division accepts payments for parking and traffic violations, and non-criminal offenses for which you cannot go to jail. Please call (360) 754-4190 for assistance.
If live outside the Tumwater city limits; can I burn my leaves and brush?
Burning leaves and brush is prohibited within the City of Tumwater. However, if you live in Thurston County Fire Protection District #15, Munn Lake, you are allowed to burn one 4x4 pile of natural vegetation only, during periods without burn bans in effect. Contact the Tumwater Fire Department at (360) 754-4170 to verify whether or not you live in this district.
Our business or organization would like to conduct a fire drill; can the Fire Department come to our facility?
The Tumwater Fire Department can provide guidance in planning and executing fire drills. Our staff can be available to assist with the actual fire drill, and critique your facility and staff response to the alarms. Call (360) 754-4170 to request an onsite visit.
Does the City adjust my water bill if I have a leak?
Adjustments are made one time only for the life of the utility account, for excessive bills due to water leaks. If you discover a leak, contact Utility Billing immediately and the matter will be investigated. Call (360) 754-4133 for assistance.
What are the City's responsibilities for water line repairs?
The City is responsible for the main line and meter up to the point of the customer's service line connection to the meter. Visit Water Leaks for more information.
What if I feel my bill is too high?
You can easily check for an error in the meter reading used to calculate your bill. Simply read you water meter to see if the reading if higher or lower than the reading on your bill. If it is lower, call Customer Service immediately and we will make the necessary adjustments. If the reading is higher, you should check for a leak in your house plumbing or service line. Call Utility Billing at (360) 754-4133 for assistance or Water Leaks for more information.
Can I have my water services disconnected if I am going on an extended vacation?
Yes you can, however, there is a fee and a minimum period of service interruption to have your services temporarily disconnected. Visit Temporarily Stop Service for more information or call Utility Billing at (360) 754-4133.
Can I turn my meter on or off?
No. A City employee is required to disconnect and reconnect services at the water meter. The water meter is the property of the City and damages to the meter could be charged to you. Call the Tumwater Public Works Operations & Maintenance at (360) 754-4150.
What happens if my water is turned off for non-payment?
Service will be restored upon payment of the bill, including a re-connection fee.
What if I did not receive my utility bill in the mail?
Your account is billed every month. If your account is registered to pay through our online Utility Payments system, you can log into your utility account to see your history. Or you can contact our office at (360) 754-4133. You are responsible for the bill whether it is received or not.
When is my Tumwater utility payment due?
Your monthly bill is due by the 25th of the month unless the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, then the next business day by 4 p.m.
If I live outside the City, what are my options for receiving water and/or sewer service?
Generally, if property is located outside of the City and the owner wants to receive City sewer or water service, the property must be annexed into the City.
What is bonded indebtedness?
Tumwater voters have elected to support various projects over the years by raising money through approval of general obligation bonds. Bond payments are added to your property taxes. Examples of City bonds include those approved for construction of the Tumwater Library (paid off already) and the Headquarters Fire Station (will be paid off in 2018). Bonded indebtedness is assumed by newly annexed properties and must be paid from the time of annexation until the bond is paid.
How are taxes different in Tumwater than in unincorporated Thurston County?
The taxing district in which a specific property is located determines property taxes. Thurston County road and fire district taxes would no longer be collected after an annexation, and would be replaced by Tumwater’s regular and voted bonded indebtedness assessments.
State law requires that bonds for fire stations and other capital facilities cannot be removed from properties until they are paid off, even if annexed.
Can Tumwater Police provide fingerprinting services or background checks?
No, we do not offer fingerprinting or background investigation. Please contact Washington State Patrol to obtain these services.
How do I file a protection order?
Please contact the Thurston County District or Superior Court for more information about protection and anti-harassment orders. You may also find information on the Thurston County Clerk website.
There is a loose dog in my neighborhood – what should I do?
Our Code Enforcement Officers can assist with parking enforcement on public streets. Please call non-emergency dispatch at (360) 704-2740 to request a code enforcement officer.
