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Drinking Water

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1. Does our drinking water contain fluoride? If so, how much and can it be harmful to our health?

Fluoride is added to our drinking water supply at the Harnett County water treatment plant. It is added to promote strong teeth. The maximum contaminant level for fluoride is set by the EPA at 4 mg/L. Harnett County fluoride levels average 0.71 mg/L, well below levels set by the EPA.

2. Is our water considered hard or soft? What is the average hardness in terms of mg/L and grains?

Our water is considered moderately soft. Our water usually averages between 30-50 mg/L hardness as calcium carbonate or 1.75-2.92 grains of hardness per gallon.

3. Is our water treated with chlorine or chloramines?

Our water is treated with chloramines for 11 months out of the year. During the month of March, Harnett County Public Utilities, along with other municipalities in North Carolina, switches from chloramines to chlorine in an effort to “purge” the water distribution system. While both chlorine and chloramines are effective agents for disinfection of our water, chloramines last longer in the system while chlorine is a stronger disinfectant. By making the switch once annually, integrity of the water quality is preserved, protecting human health.

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Finance

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1. My bill seems high. What can I do?

First, make sure you don't have any faucets that are dripping, inside or outside your home. Second, conduct a dye test on your toilets. Put food coloring or colored drink mix such as Kool-Aid in the tank of the toilet, and don't flush it. Return in about 30 minutes. If any of the colored water from the tank is in the bowl of the toilet, your toilet is leaking. Leaking toilets can waste a lot of water, and often people don't realize a toilet is leaking because the water isn't going on the floor. If you still have questions regarding your bill, please call Utility Billing and Customer Service at (919) 557-3925, press option 3.

2. When is my bill due?

Bills are due by the 25th of each month to avoid a $10 penalty. If you do not pay your bill by the 25th, you incur the $10 late charge. You have until the 15th of the following month to pay at least the previous month's bill to avoid disconnection of service and a $35 penalty.

3. What are my payment options?

Pay online, over the phone,  in person at Town Hall, by bank draft, or by mail. View more information at the Payment Options section of our website.

4. Can I change the due date of my bill?

We currently only have one billing cycle available with one due date.

5. How do I set up utility service?

To start your residential water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and yard waste services with the Town of Holly Springs, complete a utility application and submit it to customer service to be processed. If a deposit is required, we will call you to collect the deposit by credit card once the application is processed. If you are buying a home and can provide us with an intent to purchase or the first page of your closing disclosure, we will waive the deposit.

6. How do I disconnect my service?

Please fill out the disconnection form. If you paid a deposit when you set up services, the deposit will be applied to your final bill.

7. Can I get an additional garbage can or recycling bin?

Yes, additional cans can be delivered to your home. There is no fee for delivery, but you will incur the additional monthly charge on your utility bill. Call Finance at (919) 557-3925, press option 9, to have additional cans delivered.

8. Who do I call if my garbage or recycling did not get collected?

Call the Public Works Department at (919) 552-5920.

9. How do I arrange for collection of appliances, furniture or a large amount of yard debris?

Call Public Works at (919) 552-5920. Staff will visit your property, evaluate the items that need to be collected, and leave a door tag noting how much the collection will cost. You can then visit Town Hall at 128 South Main Street and pay in person, or call (919) 557-3925, press option 9, to pay over the phone by credit card. We can't add this fee to your utility bill; it must be paid prior to collection.

10. Can I get a separate water meter for outside watering?

Yes. To avoid paying sewer charges when irrigating your lawn or using outside water, you can have a second water meter installed by the Town of Holly Springs. To start this process, contact Development Services at (919) 557-3915. Once the permit has been paid for and picked up, the installation process can take up to 30 days to complete.

11. I paid a deposit when I moved in. Can I get it back?

If you’re a residential homeowner and you have paid your water bill on time for the last 12 billing cycles, we can apply your meter deposit, less the $5 service charge, to your water bill. Simply fill out the Water Meter Deposit Request form online or call Finance at (919) 557-3925, press option 2. If you are renting your home, or if you have a commercial/business account, your deposit will be applied to your final bill.

12. I forgot to pay my bill and I received a late fee. Can it be waived?

Yes, if you've had utility service with the Town of Holly Springs for at least 12 months, you are eligible for a one-time per 12 months waiver of a utility bill late fee. Fill out the online form within 30 days of when the penalty was assessed.

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Fire Department

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1. Can you check my blood pressure?

Yes, we can. Please stop by any station. We're glad to help.

2. Do you offer child car seat inspections?

While the Fire Department no longer checks car seats, the Police Department does. By appointment only, arrange for assistance from a Holly Springs police officer certified to install and inspect child restraints and car seats. To schedule an appointment, please call (919) 577-3113.

3. Do you offer station tours?

Yes, we do! Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

4. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for an ambulance?

All Holly Springs firefighters are certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Nearby ambulances already may be dispatched to other locations or transporting other patients to hospitals outside of Holly Springs. Holly Springs firefighters may be closest and able to respond faster. Firefighters are able to provide treatment until an ambulance arrives.

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Garbage & Recycling

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1. How do I get a replacement garbage or recycling bin?

Call Public Works at (919) 552-5920. Public Works will contact GFL Environmental on behalf of the resident, and GFL Environmental will replace the bin. Residents should expect cart replacement to occur on the next scheduled collection date. 

2. I am a new resident. How do I get rid of my moving boxes?

Break down all boxes, and place the boxes in 3'x3' square stacks beside your curb the night before your scheduled pick-up. All packing materials need to be placed in your garbage cart. You also can take flattened boxes to the Wake County Convenience Center located off Old Smithfield Road or contact GFL at (919) 662-7100 following a move to request a bulk box pick-up for a fee.

3. What can and cannot be thrown in my garbage cart?

Only household garbage, preferably bagged, should be placed in your cart. Bagging helps keep your garbage cart clean and reduces windblown litter. Continue to place recyclables in the labeled recycle bin for collection.

4. What do I do with corrugated cardboard?

GFL Environmental, the Town's waste contractor, will collect up to 7 boxes, broken down and tied into a 3x3-foot bundle. Remove packing material and flatten boxes. Please place the bundle next to the recycling cart on your scheduled service day. Boxes with food residue cannot be recycled.

To arrange payment for collection of additional boxes, contact GFL Environmental directly at (919) 662-7100. You can also take flattened boxes to the Wake County Convenience Center located off Old Smithfield Road.

5. What do I do with items that cannot be thrown in my garbage cart?

Yard waste and brush is collected curbside weekly between March and October.

Do not place yard waste, brush, or any construction debris in your cart. Construction debris and large items can be taken to the Wake County Convenience Center located off Old Smithfield Road. Automotive parts, tires, hazardous waste, hot ashes, and corrugated cardboard are also prohibited and can be taken to the South Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility located next to the convenience center. Hazardous waste can be dropped off Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

6. Will GFL Environmental pick up extra bags outside of my rolling garbage container or extra recyclables outside of my recycling bin?

Garbage must be bagged and left next to the garbage cart for pick up.

Recyclables will not be collected if they are not in the cart.  

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Human Resources

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1. Can I turn in one application for several openings?

If you are interested in more than one job opening at the Town, you will need to apply for each position through the website. The online application system allows you to save your application so you will not need to complete the entire application each time you apply for another opening.

2. Can you tell me about the benefits?

See our employee benefits page for information.

3. Where can I find a Town of Holly Springs job application?

Click the green "Apply" button next to the job opening you are interested in to complete an online application. The Town of Holly Springs receives applications online only. If you do not have access to a computer with internet connection at home, please visit a computer station in the Town Hall lobby or at a Wake County library.

4. What are some tips to help me complete my application?

Complete the application as thoroughly and accurately as possible. The initial phase of the selection process will be based on the application and materials furnished with the application. Our application form is the basis for candidate evaluation and interview selection and therefore needs to be complete and accurate. Incomplete applications may not be forwarded to the hiring supervisor for consideration.

5. Can I submit a resume instead of filling in all of my employment history?

No. You can submit a resume to accompany your application, but you need to complete the job application thoroughly and accurately, including job history, to ensure your application is given full consideration. A personal resume may supplement the application, but it is not a substitute for completing the employment application in detail.

6. What happens after I submit my application?

The Human Resources Department processes and screens applications to ensure candidates' qualifications meet the job requirements. Applications then are referred to the department filling the job opening. The hiring department will contact selected applicants to discuss the vacancy further or to arrange in-person interviews. Due to the number of applications we receive, not all applicants are contacted for interviews.

7. Will I be notified of the status of my application?

Yes. All applicants will be notified by email.

8. How long does it take to fill a position?

The period of time it takes to fill a position can be impacted by several factors – the number of applications received, the number of job openings within the hiring department, the workload of the hiring department, holidays, and the schedule of the hiring supervisor and department head, as well as other unexpected events. It can take a few weeks to a few months.

9. I do not see a job I am interested in on the website. Can I send you a resume and have you keep it on file so you can notify me when a position I'm suitable for opens up?

No, unfortunately our system is not set up to do this. You can sign up to receive a text or email alert when a new job is posted on our website. Click on the orange "Notify Me" button.

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Permits & Inspections

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1. Do I need a permit?

It depends on what type of project you are going to do. Visit our Homeowner's Guide or Nonresidential information section for more information. Or call our Code Enforcement Department at (919) 557-3915.

2. Why do I need a permit?

Permits are mainly about safety. By enforcing construction standards, they give you and the other occupants of the building the best chance to avoid fire, structural failure or something as simple as a child getting his head caught between stair posts. If you decide to move, the permit process also protects future owners. Bottom line, we want to help protect you and yours.

The first reason to obtain a building permit is that it's illegal not to. If you fail to get a permit for work that requires it, you can be fined. You may be forced to remove a building or tear out completed work. But there are plenty of positive reasons for following the permit process as well, just a few reasons are listed below:

• It keeps your contractor honest. To beat out the price of a competitor, a profit-driven contractor might be tempted to cut corners. Would you know it if he did? Most construction work ends up hidden behind walls and under floors. A building permit requires that a contractor use sound and safe methods and materials. And inspections assure you that he does so.
• It guides your do-it-yourself project. No matter how handy you are, you aren't likely to know everything about modern building practices. When you get a permit, you'll have to show the building department your plans. If they don't follow the codes, the building inspector will ask you to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that's dangerous or unsound.
• It keeps your insurance valid. Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you holding the bag. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover his or her injuries.
• It's valuable when you sell your home. If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you have to reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more.

3. I built a bonus room (or any project) without a permit and now want to sell my house, but the square footage does not match the tax record. Is there anything I can do to fix this discrepancy?

You will need to apply for a permit, which will be used to update the tax record.

4. I found that the previous owner of my house finished off the bonus room without obtaining a building permit. Can this be permitted? If so, what are the process and requirements to obtain a permit?

Each case is unique. Contact the Code Enforcement Department at (919) 557-3915 for instructions on how to proceed.

5. Can I, as homeowner, do my own work?

Yes, property owner (single family dwellings only) can do their own building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The owner does not need to be licensed in any of these areas; however state law requires that the property be the owner’s primary residence for at least twelve months after completion of the work. A notarized affidavit is required. Owner Affidavit

6. Do I need a state license to complete this project?

If you are the homeowner, you do not need a state license. If you are not the homeowner and the project is $30,000 or more, you will need a North Carolina state license to permit (GS 87-1). Visit North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

7. What is a premise number?

A premise number is an eight-digit number assigned by Progress Energy that is unique to each property address. The number is assigned when the property owner applies for service at that address. Progress Energy requires using the premise number for reporting approved inspections for temporary boards and electrical finals.

8. How can I access the NC Building Code?

Click here to visit the N.C. Department of Insurance website.

9. Can I have my building's final inspection at the same time as my electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections?

No, all trade finals must be approved prior to scheduling a building final.

10. Can I get my framing inspection before my rough-in inspections?

No, all trade work must be completed first, as items (including fire and draft stopping) need to be checked at the framing inspection.

11. When do I need to request a footing inspection?

Request a footing inspection when all trenches are excavated, all grade stakes are installed, reinforcing steel and supports are in place and appropriately tied, all necessary forms are in place and braced, and before any concrete is poured. Soil and erosion regulations must be in place at this time.

12. How can I access the Public Information Search?

The Online Permitting Services allows citizens to track permits in a convenient way any time of day. It also allows a registered contractor to request permits, schedule inspections as well as check results as they are posted. A new feature added recently allows a contractor to upload required documents directly to an issued permit. Access Public Information Search

13. How much will my permit cost?

There are many variables that affect the cost of permits. The cost of permits starts at $75 but can sometimes be as much as $100,000 or more. Permit cost can be based on the number of trades (building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical), the total square footage of the project, the total cost of the project, the type of project and a variety of other things. Many times we cannot tell how much a permit will cost until a thorough evaluation of the project is made.

14. When do I pay my permit fees?

All permit fees must be paid prior to permit issuance. Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa & Discoverer) are accepted for permit fees not over the amount of $1,500. If you are a registered contractor, you may pay online.* If you are not registered online, you may call our front desk at 919-557-3915 to pay over the phone by credit card, or you can pay at the Building Code window at Town Hall.* *Checks are required for permits over $1,500.

15. Is a permit needed to install a swimming pool (above or underground)?

Yes. Submit the pool plans and a survey / plot plan showing the location where the pool will be placed on the property. Please indicate if plot is fenced in and what type of gate latch is present.

16. How can I find out what time the inspector will be at my job?

Call our Inspection’s Line at 919-557-3915 around 8:00 am on the morning of your inspection, and you’ll be connected with the inspector. He will be able to provide an estimated time based on his workload for the day.

17. Do I need a permit for my HVAC system?

HVAC (Trade) Permit is required for the  installation, extension,  relocation, replacement and general repair of any heating, air-conditioning or venting system.

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Police

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1. When do I call 9-1-1? And what is the non-emergency number?

Call 9-1-1 only for emergency situations where immediate police, fire or EMS assistance is needed. When calling 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the address or location and a brief description of the nature of the emergency. For non-emergency situations, call (919) 557-9111. Both numbers are available 24 hours, every day.

2. How may I obtain a copy of a police report?

The Records Division is located at:

750 Holly Springs Road
Holly Springs, NC 27540

To obtain copies of incident and arrest reports, call (919) 552-7110. To obtain copies of accident reports visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

3. Do you offer child car seat inspections?

By appointment only, arrange for assistance from a Holly Springs police officer certified to install and inspect child restraints and car seats. To schedule an appointment, please call (919) 577-3113.

4. Where can I have my fingerprints taken and a criminal background check completed?

Fingerprinting and criminal background checks are done at the Wake County City-County Bureau of Identification located at 3301 Hammond Rd. in Raleigh. The agency's number is (919) 856-6300.

5. Where can I get more information on registering a firearm, obtaining a permit to purchase a firearm, or obtaining a concealed carry permit?

Contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 856-6900.

6. Can I drive a golf cart on the street?

Licensed drivers may operate a golf cart on public streets with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less under certain conditions. The cart must be registered with and permitted by the Town. Click here for more information.

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Reclaimed Water

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1. What is reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water produced at the Town’s Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility is wastewater that has been processed through advanced treatment systems to meet stringent standards mandated by the State of North Carolina. Reclaimed water can be used for irrigation and is a “green” product because it minimizes the amount of potable water that must be produced to meet the Town’s water demands.

Reclaimed water is safe, and contact with it will not harm people, pets or property; however, use is regulated by the State of North Carolina to minimize direct human contact. Reclaimed water systems are proven technologies that have operated for years in other towns and states.

2. How can we use reclaimed water?

Residential and business customers may use reclaimed water for landscape irrigation, especially in irrigation systems designed or converted to comply with the Town’s reclaimed water irrigation requirements. Reclaimed water also can be used for other purposes, but most customers use it only for irrigation.

Bulk reclaimed water also is available. An account, permit and special bulk water training are required to use bulk amounts of reclaimed water. Contact Utilities & Infrastructure at (919) 552-5920 to determine if your business can benefit from reclaimed water.

3. Can I water my vegetable or herb garden with reclaimed water?

No. The reclaimed water may not be used to water any edible crops. This includes vegetables, fruits and herbs.

4. Can I use my reclaimed water to wash my car, power wash my house, etc.?

No. The only access to reclaimed water in residential areas is through the irrigation system. Our state permit does not allow any hose connections (above-ground or below-ground) in the distribution system.

5. Are there any restrictions on irrigating with reclaimed water?

There are no day or time restrictions, but irrigation must be done in a way that prevents runoff into storm sewers, streams and ponds. We suggest watering two or three times a week no more than 20 minutes per area to reduce runoff into creeks and storm drains, which flow directly into nearby waterways.

6. How can I get reclaimed water?

The Town's reclaimed water system delivers to customers connected to the system in the service area west of N.C. 55. Click here for a map of the service area, which shows where connections to the reclaimed water system could be built.

For residents: Properties that have reclaimed water available have two water meter boxes at the street. The potable water service has a standard gray metal-colored lid. The other meter box with a purple lid is for reclaimed water service.

• If you have a reclaimed meter box and already have an irrigation system, it is connected to the reclaimed water system.
• If you have a reclaimed meter box and want to install an irrigation system, contact Development Services at (919) 557-3915. You will need to apply for a permit to connect to the reclaimed water system.

For businesses and property owners along reclaimed water lines: To connect to the reclaimed water system, contact Public Works at (919) 552-5920 to arrange for an irrigation tap. For developers building in the service area: For information about extending reclaimed water to your property, contact Utilities & Infrastructure at (919) 557-3938.

7. What are the reclaimed irrigation system requirements?

•Must be permitted by the Town of Holly Springs.
•Reclaimed irrigation systems have been specially designed for distributing reclaimed water. Changing the programming or heads in your system should be performed only by a licensed irrigation contractor in order to ensure that Town and State requirements are met.
•The rainfall sensor also must be connected and functional at all times.

8. Why do I need a permit?

North Carolina requires the Town to review and approve all use of reclaimed water. After customers and homeowners read and sign an informational packet about how to use reclaimed water, they may be permitted to use it.

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Streets & Utilities

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1. If I want to do some work in my yard and do not know where my utility services are located, how do I get someone to locate my utilities?

Call the North Carolina One-Call Center at (800) 632-4949 or 811. The center will take your information and contact member utility companies to locate utilities in your yard. The Town of Holly Springs is a member of this organization; therefore, the Town would locate Town-maintained utilities within 48 hours.

2. Who do I contact about repairing a pothole in the road?

Public Works maintains Town roads, sidewalks, and rights-of-way. Click here to connect with Holly Springs 311 to report a pothole, street maintenance, or sidewalk concern online, or call 311 or (919) 577-3111 if you are outside Town limits. 

Report a Pothole or Street Maintenance Concern