FAQ

To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our residents' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Library

How long does it take to get a library card?

Our librarian will be able to supply you with a new library card the same day you apply.

Are electronic books available?

Yes, they are.  You can contact or visit your local St. Martin Parish branch to get more information.

Does the Library have "story time" for younger children?

We do offer "story time" for younger children!  Give us a call if the current schedule is not posted.

Cecile Poche Memorial Park

Can you reserve the camping spots?

All camping spots are first come, first serve.  Just set up your camper and someone will go around to collect before you leave.

Can I rent the pavilions?

All pavilions are first come first serve.  However, only the large pavilion can be reserved for $100.00 (cash only).  Your name will be put down once the deposit is paid, we do not hold spots.

Louisiana One Call (811)

How do I know what utility companies will come out to locate lines?

When you call Louisiana One Call, the operator will give you a list of all the utility companies that will be out to locate lines.

How do I know when every utility company have come locate lines?

Each utility company (gas, water, cable, etc) has their own paint color.  If the Louisiana One Call gave you a list of three companies, there will be three different colors marked on or near your property.

How do I know which utility company has what color?

If you go back to our home page, all the way at the bottom of the page in the green area, you will see a link to Louisiana One Call website. Click on the link, and you will be able to get a list of what company uses what color.

 

How long does it take to get the lines spotted?

It takes a total of 2 business days, the operator will tell you when the lines should be marked by.

It's been 2 business days and some of the companies have not marked the lines, what should I do?

Depending on the type of work you are doing, some companies may not cause a threat to what you are doing and won't mark your property.  Sometimes, when the operator gives you a list, that utility company may be close to your location, but doesn't have any lines there, you will not see markings for that company. 

If you are unsure, call those companies direct to see if they do indeed have lines in your location, they just may not have gotten to you yet.

I called to get the water lines spotted on my property and there are no markings, should I call again?

The water department will only mark their own lines, either the service line or the main lines.  We do not go into private property to mark your lines.  We didn't install them, we cannot locate them.

City Hall

What hours is City Hall open?

City Hall is open from 8am - 4pm Monday-Friday

How can I pay my bill after hours?

We have a night box for you to drop off your payment or you can now pay online at www.villageofparks.com

Ordinances

May I burn trash and leaves inside the city limits?

No, not at the current time due to dry conditions in our county.  Please contact city hall if you have any questions.

Application Process

I am interested in applying for a job with the Village of Parks, what do I do?

You will need to fill out an application if available.  Please ensure you meet the qualifications for the position you wish to be considered for.  If you would like to include a resume, simply attach it to the completed application. You may mail or drop off the application at City Hall.  Interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Does the Village of Parks hire part time employees?

Yes, we do hire part time employees.  Availability of these positions will be posted here when available.

Building Permits & Inspections

What is the process for getting a building permit?

Take a moment to read all required information provided. Then print and fill out the building permit application form and return to city hall.  Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.  We will be happy to help you.

Where do I go if I'm outside the city limits?

If you are outside the Village of Parks city limits, but in St Martin Parish, you may call the St Martin Parish Building Permit office in St Martinville at 394-9860.

Why do I need documents to be notarized for family property?

If the property owner is not able to come in person, we require documentation to be notarized for liabilty purposes.

Emergency Services

I received a ticket in Parks, can I pay it at the court house in St. Martinville?

No you cannot.  If you received it in Parks, you need to pay it in Parks at the City Hall.

Police Department

How can I get in touch with the Chief of Police?

You can call Parks City Hall and we can transfer you to him.

Park Facilities

How do I rent the large pavilion?

Go to the Parks City Hall fill out a permit and pay a fee.

How do I rent a camp site?

Camp sites are first come, first serve.  Once you are parked and setup, someone will come around and collect from you.

Can I have a water slide?

We do not allow any water slides or any type of water toys in the park.  You may have a fun jump that does not require water.

Can I have permanent residency in the park?

Permanent residency is not allowed.  You may stay a maximum of 2 weeks, no longer.

How much to rent a camper space?

It costs $15.00 per night

Water Utilities

How could I have used this much water?

Remember, the bill you are getting is from the month before, if you are getting a bill that's due January 15, that reading is from November through December.  Did you have any problems then, a running/ leaking toilet, birthday party, anything that could have caused you to use more water than usual.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Take a reading from your meter and compare it to what's on your bill.  If those numbers are over what was read, you may have a problem. 

My bill is past due can I get an extension?

Please contact our office

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Check your meter, if it's turning when no one is using water in your home, you have a problem. Check the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received your payment after the due date or we may not have received a payment at all. Call your bank or check you statement to see if you check or credit card transaction cleared your account.  If it has cleared, we need a copy of the transaction so we can research.  If you paid with cash, we need the receipt from that transaction.

Why is my water discolored?

There could have been a break on the system causing the water to be yellow or brown.  Once the repair is complete, the workers will also flush the lines to clear out the problem.

If you have white/ milky water, it could be due to air in the line, this will clear up once the air leaves your lines.

 

 

When can my water be turned on once I put my deposit?

No later than the next day.  If you come and put your deposit before noon, sometimes, we can get it on the same day.

If you are having a meter installed, once everything is set up, you will give us a call so we can inspect and unlock the meter.

Why does it take so long to get a meter installed?

It may not take that long, but there is a process.  Most importantly, we have to get all the utilities marked, that takes up to two business days.  We may have to place an order to get the proper supplies.  Of course, the weather is one of the biggest factors, and emergencies that can occur on the system need to be taken care of as soon as possible.

FAQ

Today is the 15th and I haven't paid yet, will I get charged the late fee if I drop off the payment after you are closed?

No.  You have all of the 15th to pay.  If you cannot make it during our business hours, we give you till the next morning as long as it's in our night box in the morning (same applies to the 24th payment).  You are now able to pay online.

 

Can you explain your bill pay dates?

Sure.  Look at your bill, the first amount is due by the 15th of the month.  After the 15th if you haven't paid a $6.59 late fee is applied, that's the middle amount, you have until the 24th to pay that amount.  If you haven't paid your bill by the 24th, there is a $30.00 delinquent fee applied, that is the last amount on your bill and that's what you would pay after the 24th.

How do I pay my bill online?

When you are in the payment option and it asks for your account number, you are going to key in the second set of numbers provided under account number.

what happens when the 15th falls on a holiday or weekend?

If the 15th falls on the weekend or a holiday, it is due on the next business day.

I have a balance forward, what does that mean?

It could mean one of two things.  If you didn't pay your bill the previous month or if you did't pay your bill in full the previous month, you will have a balance forward. You need to pay that plus your current bill to make your account current.

It could also mean that you over paid your bill from the previous month and have a credit.  If you have a credit on your account, you will see a minus sign followed by your credit.  You do not owe at this time.

What is that DHH on my bill?

The Department of Health and Hospitals charges all customers on a water system $12.00 a year.  We broke it down so you pay $1.00 a month.

New Resident Resources

How do I sign up to receive Alerts and News & Notices?

Simply click the "Sign Up for Alerts" button located ……fill out the brief form with your preferred contact information and click submit

Where do I go to vote?

All City elections are conducted by the Village of Parks please visit the elections page for locations and upcoming election information.