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1. How do I adopt a pet?

You can come to Springfield Animal Care and Control located at 507 Industrial Drive between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday to select a pet.

2. What is the cost to adopt an animal?

The fee is $90 for dogs and $85 for cats. This cost includes a rabies shot and to have the animal spayed and neutered.

3. Can a person donate money to the animal shelter?

Yes, donations are accepted. Monetary donations are accepted by check or money order payable to Springfield Animal Care and Control. You can bring the donation to the Animal Care and Control facility located at 507 Industrial Drive or it can be mailed or brought to the Springfield Police Department at 802 Willow Street. Donations of towels and blankets are also accepted.

4. How long are animals kept at the shelter?

The animals are kept for a minimum of three days. However, adoptable animals are kept longer so they can be adopted or sent to a rescue group.

5. Can a person adopt a pit bull?

A Pit Bull cannot be adopted from Springfield Animal Care and Control but can be adopted from Forget Me Not Animal Rescue. Pit Bulls that are taken are sent to this Rescue Group. The contact information for Forget Me Not Animal Rescue is Sara Geny, (615) 613-4813.

6. What animals does the shelter take?

Springfield Animal Care and Control only accepts cats and dogs.

7. What do I do if the problem is a farm animal or feral animal?

You can contact a trapper or TN Wildlife.

8. Does the shelter take owner surrenders?

Springfield Animal Care and Control does not accept owner surrender animals.

9. If I live outside the city limits, can I bring an animal to the shelter?

Springfield Animal Care and Control only accepts animals that are inside the city limits of Springfield. If you live outside the City of Springfield, you can contact Robertson County Animal Shelter at (615) 384-5611 or check with your city to see if they have an Animal Control facility.

10. If my animal is impounded, what is the cost to get the animal out of the shelter?

There is a $30.00 impoundment fee and a $10.00 boarding fee per day starting on the second day.

If the animal has been impounded due to being a vicious dog, the animal will not be released until after the case has been heard in court.

11. Do you allow volunteers at the shelter?

We do not accept volunteers at this time.

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1. Can I change my due date?

Due dates are based on the geographic location of the property and cannot be changed. We have 3 billing cycles, and depending on where you live, your due date is the 1st, 10th, or 20th of the month.

2. How long past the due date do I have to pay my bill?

There is a 5 day grace period after the due date to have your payment in. You must remit payment of the bill amount plus the late fee listed on the bill. After that, service is subject to disconnection without further notice, as stated on the bill.

Occasionally, extension is granted in times of extreme hardship or a high bill caused by a water leak. However, these extensions will not exceed the 30-60 day aging on the account, and will not be repeated month after month.

If service is disconnected for non-payment, the past due amount plus a $40 reconnection fee must be paid before service is restored. The fee is charged when the cutoff listing leaves the office, and will not be waived even if payment arrives before service is actually disconnected.

3. Can I make a payment over the phone?

You may make a payment over the phone by calling 877-768-5046 (Utility Bills) or 877-768-5048 (Property Taxes). A convenience fee will be charged by the processor. The City of Springfield does not receive any portion of this convenience fee.

4. I have not received a bill? / Why do I have a bill due after I have moved?

Bills are sent for services used through the reading date. The connection date, meter reading date, and the billing cycle determine when the 1st bill or a final bill will be due. Initial bills will be rendered if service has been activated for at least 6 calendar days.

Initial bills could be for service exceeding 30 days, depending on what part of the billing cycle initial sign up falls in. Final bills for terminated accounts are rendered with the current billing cycle at termination date. This could change the due date of the final bill.

There will always be 1 more bill for final service period after the date of termination. This is why a forwarding address is requested at the termination date. If you have not received your bill and are concerned that it may be due, please contact our office and we will be happy to supply your balance. Visit the City Recorder / Finance page

5. I had a leak, can I get an adjustment?

City ordinance 92-13 allows for adjustment of water and sewer bills because of water leaks on the customer’s side of the water meter. Adjustments may be given for excess water usage caused by faulty plumbing on the customer’s premises. The amount of adjustment is limited to 25% of 2 consecutive high bills. Proof that the leak has been repaired must be presented in the form of a plumber’s repair bill or receipt showing purchase of repair parts.

Sewer charges may be adjusted also. Adjustments on the customer side of the meter will be limited to 2 consecutive billing period adjustments in any 12 month period, and will be made to the water and sewer portion of the bill only.

Electric and Gas bills are only adjusted if there is an incorrect meter reading.

6. What is the charge to have service connected?

An application for service must be completed, and 2 forms of identification provided, 1 of which is the customer’s Social Security card. Deposit and service fees will then be quoted by customer service, based on services requested, type of account, and customer’s credit history. If the customer has an outstanding past due balance, this must be paid in full before any new service will be issued. View the standard rates and fees.

7. When do I get my deposits back?

Deposits are applied to an account after 3 years of on-time payment, with no service interruptions or returned checks, or when service is terminated. This will show as a credit on your bill.

Deposit refund checks are issued only when all services have been terminated and all outstanding balances paid.

8. My check / draft was returned, can you run it back through?

Since banks no longer send back the actual check, we cannot run anything back through. When a check or draft is returned unpaid, notice is sent to customer, who then has 10 days to pay the returned balance, along with a $30 service fee. If payment is not made within the 10-day period, service may be disconnected without further notice.

If 3 payments are returned unpaid within a 12-month period, the account is placed on a cash only status. If the account was on automatic bank draft, it is removed from bank draft. If a check is presented on a closed account or a cash only account, the account is subject to immediate cutoff without notice.

9. What if my due date falls on a weekend or a holiday?

If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until 4:30 p.m. on the next business day to pay without late charge. Payments made in the night drop on that next business day, will also be considered paid on time.

10. How do I register my pitbull dog?

You must provide 2 color photographs showing the dogs markings (Photos will not be returned). There is also a registration form to be filled out at City hall. There is no fee for this service.

View the pitbull registration form (PDF).

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1. How do I report a power outage?

Call Springfield Electric’s 24-Hour Outage Line at (615) 384-6770.

2. Where do I pay my electric bill?

Customers can pay their electric bill in-person at Springfield City Hall at 405 North Main Street in Springfield, Tennessee, or online.

3. Where do I report downed power lines or traffic light, street light, and security light problems?

If a power line is down or traffic light is not working, call (615) 384-6770 immediately; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a street light or security light is out, call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 during normal business hours to report it.

4. Where can I obtain an electrical permit?

Electrical permits for the entire state of Tennessee are issued online to contractors and homeowners. Create an account within the CORE system in order to directly purchase electric permits and schedule inspections.  If Springfield Electric service area customers wish to purchase online permits through the department, there will be a SED service fee added on to the total cost of the permit(s).  Please call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 with any questions.

5. Where do I call to have trees trimmed?

Springfield Electric only trims trees that are in the primary power lines—lines that potentially interfere with the safe and reliable operation of transmission and distribution. Please call (615) 384-6670 if you have questions about trimming trees. For trimming trees that are not in primary lines, homeowners should seek out a private contractor.

6. How do I apply for underground electric service for residental or non-residential customer?

An underground contract can be found here or obtained at Springfield Electric and must be signed by the customer. A fee is then paid to Springfield Electric for this service, and a credit will be issued after one year for qualifying residential participants. Call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 for more information.

7. How can I get a security light at my home or business?

We have many types of lighting available. Call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 or come by our office at 1000 Central Avenue, in Springfield, Tennessee for more information.

8. How do I get a meter base for a new construction?

We issue meter bases for new constructions with proof of electric permit purchase.  Print out your purchased electric permit from the CORE website and bring it to Springfield Electric in order to obtain the meter base.  Call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 if you have any questions.

9. Where can I get information about surge protection?

The meter socket surge arrestor for residential customers can be purchased through the Springfield Electric Department. Customers must pay a $100 service fee per service installation. Call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770 for more information.

10. My heating and air unit is not working. How can I get it replaced?

Springfield Electric and TVA offer a financing program to qualified customers for new energy-efficient heat pumps.  Units are installed by a TVA-approved contractor, and payments are added to your monthly electric bill. For more information and to find out how to apply, call Springfield Electric at (615) 384-6770.

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1. What hours is City Hall opened?

City Hall office hours are from 7:30 A.M. till 4:30 P.M. Monday thru Friday. City Hall will be closed on posted holidays.

2. Where do I go to pay my utility bill?

You may pay your utility bill either thru the drive-up window or in the city hall lobby during business hours, 7:30 A.M. till 4:30 P.M. Monday thru Friday.

3. Where do I go to pay my property taxes?

You may pay your property taxes at city hall during regular business hours.

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1. What are the current gas rates and fee?

The current rates and fees for gas service can be found on The City of Springfield home page by clicking on Rates and Fees. Current Rates & Fees

2. How do I initate gas service?

New service can be initiated by visiting the new services window on the first floor of City Hall, completing an application, and paying all service fees and deposits. City Hall is located at 405 North Main Street and the telephone number is (615) 382-2200.

3. What do I do if I have a gas leak?

Immediately call 911 and report the issue to emergency personnel.

4. What does the Yellow flags and/or paint in my yard mean?

The yellow flags indicate that someone has requested the location of the natural gas line on your property. The request has not necessarily been made by the Gas Department. Anyone may request a utility locate by contacting Tennessee 811. Once a utility locate has been requested, Tennessee law requires all utilities to mark their buried facilities. A flag in your yard does not necessarily mean that we are going to dig.

5. I have questions regarding my bill.

You may direct all billing issues to Springfield City Hall (615) 382-2200. Billing FAQ

6. I need my gas turned on for the winter. (Seasonal Customers)

Please call City Hall at 615-382-2200. Customer Service will handle turning on all the meters for seasonal customers.

7. I need someone to light my pilot light.

Customer Service department takes care of all inside issues, including lighting the pilot light for customers. They may be reached at 615-382-2200 (Fees may apply)

8. I called about a possible gas leak, why did a fire truck show up?

It is the policy of Springfield Gas System to notify the Emergency Communications Center of all gas leaks. In doing so, we request the presence of emergency responders; thus allows us to provide quicker assistance to the customer experience the possible gas leak. The fire department is trained by Springfield Gas System on emergency response to such gas leaks and the beginning steps in evacuating the location if needed.

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1. What are the hours of City Hall

City Hall is open from 7:30 A.M. till 4:30 Monday through Friday. The drive-up window is also opened during these times. City Hall is closed on announced holidays.

2. Where do I go to pay my utility bill or request utility services.

All utilities can be paid at City Hall in the main lobby or drive-up windows. In order to request utility services, you must visit our finance dept. in the City Hall lobby.

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1. What time is The Center open?

Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM

2. Do you have to pay to use the track and exercise machines?

The daily fee is $3 per person to use the track, exercise machines and basketball courts*. A variety of monthly exercise options are also available.  See the membership chart included in The Center tab.  *Age restrictions apply.

3. Can I sign my child up for baseball or other current sport now and pay later?

The registration form, birth certificate and payment must be submitted by the deadline in order for your child to be placed on a team.

4. Is the basketball court open today?

Call (615) 382-1655 to verify court availability.

5. Are there picnic shelters to rent for a birthday party?

Picnic shelters rent for $10 per hour. Reservations must be made in advance at The Center, (615) 382-1655. J. Travis Price Park, 4155 Wilks RD has two shelters, one near the pond and playground. The other is near the ballfield complex. In the same park, the Post 48 Community bldg. across from the soccer fields can be rented for $50 for the first two hours plus $15 each additional hour. Garner St Park, 200 N. Garner ST has a Gazebo picnic shelter available.

6. Can the Center be rented for a concert, community fundraiser or class reunion?

The Center can be rented for a variety of events. The rental fee is contingent on each event need. View our Venue Options.

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1. Can I attend traffic school?

At the Judge’s discretion, a person may complete a traffic school to keep a moving traffic violation off his or her driving record. To be eligible, you must bring a certified driving record to court with you. Cost for the school is a total of $150. Certified driving records may be obtained online or by mailing a cashiers check or money order in the amount of $5.00 made payable to the Tennessee Dept. of Safety. The mailing address is Tennessee Dept of Safety, P. O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37210. You also may go to any Driver’s License Station.

2. What if I have insurance?

If you had insurance at the time the citation was received, you may bring proof to the Springfield Police Department. The charge will be dismissed following payment of a $25 administration fee. You will not have to attend court. 

3. Are reports available online?

Incident reports are not available online at this time. Accident reports may be purchased through CarFax at www.crashdocs.org. There is no cost for reports obtained from the police department.

4. When is my report available?

Officers are allowed up to 72 hours to have the report completed.

5. Can citations be paid online?

Not at this time. Payments can be made in person, by mail or over the phone at 615-384-8422. Acceptable payment methods include cash, cash, money order, or credit card. 

6. Can I obtain a background check?

You can receive a background check for the Springfield Police Department at no charge. It will not include information from other departments or TBI.

7. Fingerprints

The Springfield Police Department does not provide fingerprinting services for the public. The Robertson County Sheriff’s Department provides this service. You will need to contact them for more information at 615/382-7971.

8. How many points will I receive on my driving record?

Points are determined by the Department of Safety
Tennessee Department of Safety Schedule of Points Value

9. How to Hire an Off-Duty Police Officer?

Contact Office Manager Laurie Pack at 615-384-8422 or at lpack@spdtn.org M-F from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. to obtain request forms. 

10. How do I commend an Officer/Employee?

To commend an officer and/or an employee please do one of the following: 

1. Send a letter or note to: Police Dept., 802 Willow ST, Springfield, TN 37172 

2. Call: (615) 384-8422 and ask for the supervisor

3. Email the details to jhead@spdtn.org

4. Any Combination of the above

11. How to file a complaint against an officer/employee?

In-person at Springfield Police Department, 802 South Willow Street or call 615-384-8422.

12. How do I report a crime?

For an emergency, call 911 for police assistance.
For non-emergency matters, call 384-4911 for assistance.

13. How do I request Additional Traffic Enforcement?

Requests can be made by phone or email. 

• Phone: 615-384-8422
• Email

14. How do I request a Traffic Control (Traffic Light, Stop Sign)

Use Request button on City of Springfield Website www.springfield-tn.org

15. How do I view Crime Statistics?

Go to Crime Statistics page

16. How do I check on an investigation?

To check on the status of an investigation, call 615-384-8422 to speak with a Records Clerk. The Records Clerk will research the case assignment, and the caller will then be referred to the Detective Division or the appropriate patrol officer who has been assigned the case.

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1. When are leaf bags collected?

The collection of bagged leaves begins the third Monday in October and ends three days before Christmas. After this time only three bags are collected with each weekly trash cart collection until all bags are gone. More information can be found here. (insert link)

2. How do I report a pothole?

Potholes can be reported by submitting an online Pothole Report Form or by calling (615) 384-2746. Pothole Report Form

3. Who repairs missing or damaged street or traffic signs?

If a street name sign, stop sign or other traffic sign is missing or damaged please call (615) 384-2746 or submit an online Street Request for Assistance form. Street Request for Assistance form

4. Who is responsible for maintaining or replacing the sidewalk in front of my home/business?

Per City of Springfield Ordinance Section #16-302, the adjacent property owner of a lot or lots is responsible for maintenance and/or replacement of the sidewalk. The City of Springfield may from time to time elect to make repairs to existing sidewalk or construct new sidewalks, however the property owner is still responsible for the maintenance. Ordinance Section #16-302

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1. Can I get a second trash cart?

Yes! Residential households are furnished with one trash cart. The rate is $13.00 per month. If you need a second cart, the fee increases to $26.00 per month.

2. When will my brush be collected?

The city is divided into 2 collections districts using the railroad tracks as the dividing line as shown on this map. The north district begins on the 1st of each month until the 14th. The south district begins on the 15th of each month until the end of each month. map

3. How do I dispose of leaves?

The city does not collect loose leaves. Leaves must be bagged if you them collected. The city provides seasonal bagged leaves collection during autumn. Collection begins on the 4th Monday in October and continues until 3 days before Christmas. During non-autumn season only 3 bags of leaves will be collected on your regular weekly residential trash cart collection. autumn

4. How can I dispose of an appliance, such as a refrigerator?

The City of Springfield only collects appliances during the month of April and October.

5. How do I request my assigned cart number?

Please call (615) 384-2746 or submit a Sanitation Request for Assistance online form. Sanitation Request for Assistance

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1. What is Storm Water?

Storm Water is precipitation such as rain, sleet or melting snow. In a natural setting only a small percentage becomes surface runoff, but as development occurs the percentage increases. this runoff usually flows into the nearest stream, creak, river, lake or wetland.

2. Why is storm water important?

Storm Water Management prevents physical damage to people, aquatic life and communities by preventing polluted runoff from negative impacting waterways. The installation of impervious surfaces interrupts the natural horologic cycle, and causes less infiltration than was present before any development occurred. Therefore, the volume and rate of storm water runoff greatly increases, which as a result contributes to flooding, stream channel instability, sediment, herbicides, pesticides, oils and other pollutants getting into the storm sewer system.

3. What is an NPDES (National Pollutant discharge Elimination systems) permit?

The Clean Water Act prohibits anybody from discharging pollutants through a point source into a water of the United States unless they have a NPDES permit. The permit will contain limits on what you can discharge, monitoring and reporting requirements, and other provisions to ensure that the discharge does not hurt water quality or people's health.

4. What is a pollutant?

Any type of industrial, municipal and agricultural waste discharged into water. Some examples are dredged soil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, chemical wastes biological materials, radioactive materials, rock and sand.

5. Do I need an NPDES permit?

It depends on where you discharge pollutants. If you discharge from a point source into waters of the United States, you need a NPDES permit. If you discharge pollutants into a municipal storm sewer system, you may need a permit depending on what you discharge. Please call the Public Works Department at (615) 384-2746 to determine if you need a permit.

6. Where do I apply for an NPDES permit?

NPDES permits can be obtain from the Public Works Department by calling (615)384-2746.

7. What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?

The regulatory definition of an MS4 (40 CFR 122.26(b)(8)) is " a conveyance of system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains): (i) Owned or operated by a state, city, town, borough, county, parish, district, association, or other public body (created to or pursuant to sate law) including special districts under state law such as a sewer district, flood control district or drainage district, or similar entity, or an Indian tribe or an authorized Indian tribal organization, or a designated and approved management agency under section 208 of the Clean Water Act that discharges into waters of the United States. (ii) Designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water; (iii) Which is not a combined sewer; and (iv) Which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined at 40 CFR 122.22."

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1. What measures that home owners/renters can take to minimize the possibility of water pipes becoming frozen?

• Close foundation vents under the house. If vents won’t close, place insulation or other material in them. Even newspaper wadded up and stuffed in the opening will prevent cold air from entering the crawl space.

• For mobile homes, inspect the underpinning and skirt and seal any openings.

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water lines or water heaters in the garage

• If problems with frozen pipes have occurred in the past, leave faucets running, so that the stream of water is about the size of the barrel of a Q-tip. For single-lever faucets, set so that both hot and cold water is dripping. You will pay for using that water; however, the cost of that water is very small compared to the cost and inconvenience of having a plumber thaw and then repair water lines, as well as repairing damage to the home done by flooding due to a broken line.

• For outside faucets, most new homes will have frost-free spigots, so not much will need to be done. If you don’t know if you have frost-free spigots, they can be covered with foam insulated covers that can be obtained from a hardware store. Remove hoses and drain them.

• Water lines in outside walls are prone to freezing. If the interior of the wall is inside a cabinet, open the door(s) to the cabinet, so room heat will keep the wall and the pipe(s) somewhat warmer. Even that may not be enough to keep wall pipes from freezing. If you are not sure, leave a faucet running. If there are harmful cleaners and chemicals in the cabinet, move them so that they are not within reach of children.

• For water meters that are prone to freezing, put a bale of hay over the meter box. If you don’t have access to a bale of hay, use a shovel and pile snow on top of the meter box. Although the temperature of the snow is below freezing, it will actually act as an insulating blanket when the air temperature is near or below zero.

• If you have a burst pipe and water is flooding your house, most houses have a shut-off valve under the house (maybe in the garage) that can be used to shut off the water. If you don’t know where the shut-off valve is located or if your house doesn't’t have a shut-off valve, call the Springfield Water/Wastewater Department (SWWD) at 615-382-1600 and a SWWD person will be glad to shut off the water at the meter.

• Most water heaters have a valve located near the connection of the cold water line to the heater; however, this valve will usually only cut off the hot water line. If water is cut off to the house, be sure to turn off the electric power to the water heater to prevent burning out the element(s); if the water heater is powered by gas, turn the gas control valve to “PILOT”.

• Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.

• Remember: The Springfield Water/ Wastewater Department is responsible up to and through the water meter box. The home owner is responsible for the water line from the meter box all the way through the residence. If you have a leak on the home-side of the meter box, do not call the Springfield Water/Wastewater Department to fix the leak. The SWWD will only shut off the valve in the water meter box. You must contact a plumber to repair a leak on the home-side of the water meter box.

• If you call the SWWD office at 615-382-1600 after normal working hours, you will get a recording that will prompt you to leave a message with a call center. The call center is continuously operated and the operator will ask some questions regarding the issue. The call center operator will contact an SWWD on-call person who will respond to emergency requests.

2. Where do I pay my water bill?

All water bills are paid at City Hall located at 405 North Main Street. The phone number is 615-382-2200.

3. Where does my water come from?

Your water, which is surface water, comes from the Red River.

4. How do I report a water main break?

To report a water main break - please call the City of Springfield Water & Wastewater Department at 615-382-1600 during our normal business hours from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. After hours and weekends, please call 615-382-1600 and press option #5 to be connected to a representative which will forward your call to our on-call personnel.