Frequently Asked Questions

This is an example of a frequently asked question

This is an example of a different, longer worded frequently asked question.

This is an example of a frequently asked question

Before construction, renovation, remodeling, or demolition be sure to review Bluffton's Municipal Code 15.10.070 which defines When a Building Permit is Required.

Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site. Payment is due prior to permit(s) being issued.

The City has a listing of Fees for Bluffton Building Permits(PDF). These fees must be paid in full prior to permits being issued and applicable work commencing. Be sure to schedule follow-up inspections for each permit.

Anytime you find yourself in a situation that requires an emergency response from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, or an ambulance service you should call 911. As a general rule, if you face a situation where you are trying to decide whether to dial 911 or not, DIAL 911. It is always better to be safe than risk the chance of not getting the help you need, when you need it.

If you have a situation that you need to report, but the incident is a past event and non-threatening (not in progress, suspects are unknown or not seen), i.e., theft of personal property, past criminal mischief/vandalism, a theft from an auto that occurred during the night, then you may want to contact the law enforcement agency to report the incident by calling in on the Bluffton Police Department's administrative line at 260-824-3320 or the Wells County Sheriff at 260-824-3426. Again, anytime you are unsure of when to dial 911, it is always better to dial 911 than risk not getting help when you need it.

When you dial 911, your call will be answered by an 911 Dispatcher. The dispatcher will conduct an interview to determine the type of emergency service needed. Questions generally asked fall into key questions of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and depending on the situation, WHY. It’s important to listen to the dispatcher and answer the questions asked. The dispatcher must ask you specific questions in order to ensure you receive the kind of help needed. It may seem that you are asked a lot of questions and that a lot of time has passed, however trained dispatchers will only ask questions that are necessary in getting you the proper help you need. This generally takes less than 30-45 seconds. Often times the dispatcher will start emergency response units and will return to ask the follow-up questions.) The main objective is to remain calm and listen to the dispatcher’s instructions…help is on the way.

Misdials are sometimes experienced on 911. Often many misdials are realized after the number is dialed and the caller will immediately disconnect the line. This is what is commonly referred to as a "911 hangup". If a connection was made, regardless if the line was not answered by the 911 operator, the PSAP will still receive the call. It is very important to remain on the line, even if you realize you misdialed. If you disconnect the line, the 911 operator must process the call as an unknown emergency, until otherwise determined.

You have 5 working days to reclaim your pet. If it isn’t reclaimed in 5 days it becomes property of the City and we can adopt it or euthanize it.

Fees are $20.00 for impound and $5.00 per day for boarding.

Then we adopt it or euthanize it depending on the animal. Yes, some we take home.

No, unless you adopt it from here then yes.

Call us and make a complaint and we will send a warning that they are in violation of the City ordinance. This is only if in the City of Bluffton. There is no barking ordinance in the county.

Come in and get a live trap. …What is feral? A feline that has never had humane touch.

Yes, we are not a “no kill” shelter.

No.

Typically, the dead trees around town fall on cars, not cats. But please keep your kitties inside to avoid natural disasters.

Find out what to do with fallen trees.

Well, that depends on your cat. Do they have a drinking problem? Some studies show that alcohol is very bad for cats. 

Reasons Why Alcohol is Bad for Cats

The Pool is open from 1-6 pm 7 days a week from Memorial Day to August 3rd. 

Pool Rules and Hours of Operation (PDF)

1. Visit the City's Online Bill Pay Site
   
2. To pay a bill without creating an online account, choose the QUICK PAY button.
3. To set up an online account (or sign into an existing one), click the SIGN IN OR SIGN UP button.
4. The next screen will display two options. 
   1. Enter an email address in the top option if you have an EXISTING account. 
   2. OR to create a NEW online account, scroll down and click the CREATE AN ACCOUNT button.
      
5. On the next screen, provide the following:
   • a valid email address
   • first name
   • last name
   • mobile phone number (optional, but allows for text notifications and reminders)
   • a password of your choosing (see requirements listed on the sign in screen)
6. Click the SIGN UP button
7. You will then receive a verification email to the email address you just provided. 
   Enter the verification code from that email into the Online Bill Pay verification screen and click VERIFY. 
   (If you don't receive that email, check your email's spam folder.) 
   
   
8. The next screen will offer you additional OPTIONAL security method options. Choose your preferred method (or skip) and click CONTINUE.
9. Now you should see the Bluffton, IN online payment site. Click  the link that says BLUFFTON UTILITY BILLING.
   
   
10. Next you will add the account(s) you wish to access in the site. Click the ADD ACCOUNT button to proceed.*
    
    • *Note: for this next step, you will need the account number and dollar amount of your most recent bill payment. If you do not have these pieces of information, please contact the Utility office by phone at 260-824-2500 or by clicking the CONTACT US button and explaining what you need and for which service address.
11. Next, enter your account number and the dollar amount paid on your most recent bill payment.* Then, click ADD ACCOUNT.
    
    
12. Once the account has been added, you will be presented with your online dashboard. There is a menu on the lefthand side with options for viewing account details, past transactions, service consumption, notification history, contact preferences, payment methods, and more!
    

For a printable copy of these instructions, click here.

Unusually high water bills can occur due to an increase in usage, but may also indicate a leak or plumbing issue on the property. This High Water Bill Investigation Checklist(.pdf) may help Bluffton Utility customers identify potential causes of high water bills. Problems should be corrected as soon as possible to avoid additional high water bills.

View a full listing of Bluffton's Public Fire Protection Funding Q & A (PDF)

Unprotected water pipes can be subjected to sub-freezing temperatures in Indiana winters. Here are some tips to avoid frozen pipes and costly bursts or repairs:

• Insulate pipes located near outside walls or in unheated areas using special wraps or insulation
• If your house sits on a crawl space, close all air vents located in the foundation wall
• Disconnect outside hoses from spigots before temperatures fall below freezing
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
• During subfreezing temperatures, let a small stream of water drip from faucets that are connected to exposed pipes or pipes along exterior walls
• Keep your thermostat set above 55°F
• Know if your home has a main shut-off valve and where it's located
• If your home doesn't have a main shut-off valve, know where your meter pit and curb box are located
• If your pipes DO freeze, apply heat to the frozen area using a hair dryer, heat lamp, light bulb, or space heater. Do not use a torch or open flame.