Frequently Asked Questions

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Please call Public Works at 785-238-7142 during normal business hours and Junction City Police Department at 785-238-5912 at night or weekends.

Please call Public Works at 785-238-7142 during normal business hours and Junction City Police Department at 238-5912 at night or weekends.

We are pleased to offer guided tours of the water plant, by appointment, for individuals and groups. You can contact us at 785-762-5855 to set up a date and time. For your safety, we provide hard hats and safety glasses for all visitors touring water plant.

The Junction City water plant produces an average of 3 million gallons per day to serve the City of Junction City, City of Grandview Plaza and Geary County Rural Water District Number 1. This amount is over 1 billion gallons of drinking water each year.

Water meters are read every month for billing the customer for water, sewer and sanitation services.

You will need to call Kansas One Call for locating all underground utilities, just dial 811. Allow 72 hours for responding to locates.

The City’s Customer Service Center, 700 North Jefferson Street, 785-238-3103 will help you with questions concerning water, wastewater and trash collection services.

Water meters record all water that passes through the meter. If you have a leak in your plumbing, toilet or faucet, the water bill will be higher.

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow. It flows from rooftops, over paved streets, sidewalks, across bare soil, and through lawns and storm drains. Polluted runoff from farms, construction sites, homes and public spaces is now widely recognized as the single largest threat to water quality in the United States.

When it rains, water flows across impervious surfaces, collecting pollutants like pet waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil, grease, litter, and soil along the way. Increased volumes of rainwater, or runoff, flows untreated through a system of storm sewers into area rivers, lakes, and streams. Polluted stormwater can kill or damage plants, fish and wildlife, while degrading water quality in local watersheds.

In order to contribute to keeping stormwater runoff clean, people can:

• Landscape with native plants, grasses and flowers.
• Don’t over water your lawn.
• Mow high - typically 3 to 4 inches.
• Leave clippings on lawn, they provide nutrients.
• Over-seed bare spots in your lawn in early spring or early fall.
• Avoid over-application of pesticides or lawn chemicals (Homeowners use ten times more chemicals per acre on lawns than farmers use on crops. 67,000,000 pounds of synthetic pesticides are used on U.S. lawns).
• Check streets and sidewalks after applying lawn products; sweep excess into lawn, not the street.
• Redirect your downspouts to drain in your lawn or garden.
• Increase the amount of your yard in tree cover.
• Mulch circles beneath trees and around flower beds.
• Use rain barrels or rain gardens to conserve rain water.
• Don’t wash your car in your driveway or on the street, either wash your car at a commercial car wash or on a surface that absorbs water, such as grass or gravel.
• Pick up your pet waste.
• Contain your curbside trash so that it won’t leak, fall over or blow around.
• Don’t litter.
• Take a walk to pick up litter and debris before it rains.
• Sweep your garage and driveway into a dustpan instead of into the street.
• Don’t pitch cigarettes out the car window.
• Don’t dump anything down storm drains; remember this water is not treated before it goes back to the river.
• Recycle used motor oil, and safely dispose of other household hazardous products like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and auto fluids.

Increased regulatory requirements have prompted the City to develop a Stormwater Fee to fund system improvements. This alternative will enable the City to remain regulatory compliant.

The fee is assessed to all properties within the City limits of Junction City. The fee is based on four separate property categories:

1. Developed Residential
2. Undeveloped Residential
3. Other Developed Property
4. Other Undeveloped Property

You may perform construction activities with out having a trades certificate, provided that you are both the home owner and occupant of the home. However, you must still obtain a permit and have inspections completed during construction. Please call Code Enforcement for inspections at 785-238-3103, ext. 512.

If you believe there is a code violation on your rental property you may file a housing complaint in writing to our office and we will schedule an appointment to investigate your complaint.

Enclosing the ditch is not preferred by the City as it can impact the surrounding drainage. However if you are considering enclosing your ditch, contact the Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility and requirements for enclosing the ditch.

The City is only responsible for trees that are on City controlled property. Any other issues can be reported to the Codes department.

Contact Public Works at 248-624-0141. The Department of Public Works will provide temporary mailboxes so that you can still receive mail, permanent repairs to mailboxes and yards will be completed when weather allows.

The main roads are kept passable through a snow storm and cleared completely by the end of the storm. Residential areas are next followed by the industrial subdivisions. If Public Works is only using salt for a light dusting then the main roads are done along with hills and curves that could be considered hazardous in those conditions.

The City of Junction City has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition.

The following licenses are issued by Code Enforcement:

• Building Contractors (General, Residential and Limited Contractors)
• Craftsmen (Electrical, Plumbing, Plumbing with Gas and Mechanical)
• Sign Hangers
• Tree Trimmers

For a commercial structure four sets of plans must be submitted to Code Enforcement along with a Plan Check List. The plans will be reviewed by Code Enforcement, Fire Department, Planning and Zoning and Veolia Water Public Works. The plans must be stamped by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in Kansas as per state statute.

One set of plans will be kept by Code Enforcement, one set of plans will be kept by the Fire Department and one set of plans must be kept on site. A building permit application must be completed to include a list of all licensed contractors performing work on the project. (All contractors must be licensed in the City of Junction City.)

For one- or two-family residential structures a building permit application must be completed. This application must include all licensed contractors performing the work and signed by the applicant. A engineer stamped site plan may be required with the permit, depending on the work performed. 

Most permits will need to be approved by Planning and Zoning and Code Enforcement. This process may take a couple of days.

The streets are swept three times a year usually in late April, June and September.

The City has a five year paving plan that is updated every year based upon road conditions and budgetary restrictions.

Immediately contact the Department of Public Works at 248-624-0141 Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 5 pm. After these times call the Police Department at 248-624-6114.

Immediately contact the Department of Public Works at 248-624-0141, Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 5 pm. After these times call the Police Department at 248-624-6114.

Code Enforcement issues all building permits and licenses. Call 785-238-3103, ext. 182 for more information, or email Sarah Brown.

Flags are set by various utility companies in order to identify underground utilities prior to construction activities in the area. Contact the Miss Dig Communications Department at 811 for further information. You may also contact the Department of Public Works at 248-624-0141 to see if it is a City related project.

Yes, and this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Public Works at 785-238-7142.

Wastes to be collected also must be limited to the residence where the waste are generated. Violators may be required to have a special pick up for an additional charge.

No, lid must close. If items are sticking above the lid, the cart cannot be mechanically dumped into the truck.

You are allowed to set out four additional bundles of limbs outside of your trash that will get picked up for free. Anything additional will require a special pickup.

All trash must be bagged which will help with any odors. Washing the cart as needed with warm water and soap will also help.

Items that are not accepted in the cart include:

• Batteries
• Building materials
• Dead animals
• Dirt, sand
• Extremely heavy objects
• Hazardous materials
• Hot ashes
• Needles
• Oil
• Paints
• Rocks
• Solvents or other flammable liquids
• Tires

Yes, please call Public Works 785-238-7142 to inquire about additional carts.

Yes, however the polycart provided by Public Works should be the primary refuse container. Please note: Public Works will only be responsible for damages to their polycarts.

Four additional containers plus polycart provided by Public Works. During yard waste season, April through December, 4 bags of grass and up to 15 bags of leaves, under 40 gallons, will be collected at no additional charge.

The cart belongs to the City and will stay at the property when you move. It is the property, or management company’s responsibility to secure the cart between tenants.

By City Ordinance, the customer is allowed 1 trash return trip per calendar year at no charge. After one courtesy, there will be a fee of $12.71 for all return trips. Please call Public Works at 238-7142 with any questions or to schedule a return trash pickup.

If you do not have a cart, please contact Public Works at 785-238-7142.

For special pickups, contact Public Works at 785-238-7142 and arrange for a special pickup. Special pickups must be called in to Public Works by 2 PM the day before your regularly scheduled pickup day.

If your cart is broken, Public Works should be contacted as soon as possible. The damage will be examined. If damage is due through normal use, the cart will be repaired/replaced.

If the damage is from misuse by the customer, there will be a $50 cart replacement fee.

You have a serial number located on the front of the cart that can help you identify yours and you can also put your address under the lid. The customer will be responsible for trying to locate missing cart before a new one is issued. 

The minimum charge for a special pickup is $15 and can vary depending on the items. Please call Public Works at 785-238-7142 with any questions.

City refuse ordinance allows for a 32-gallon can or less with proper handles and light lifting lid. Garbage bags must be 40 gallons or less. Any container with a mechanical lifting device T and a proper fitting lid without other commercial logos may be utilized if Public Works considers this suitable but will not be responsible for damages.

Anything more than the allowed additional items. (4 additional bags, 4 empty cardboard boxes, or 4 small bundles of limbs)

Your regular pickup day is determined by your location in Junction City. The pickup days are regularly Monday through Friday.

For more information please call Public Works at 785-238-7142.

City ordinance requires no more than 24 hours in advance and all containers must be removed within 24 hours of collection day.

By City Ordinance, the resident must put out the containers by 6:30 am (summer hours) or 7:30 am (winter hours) in order for the sanitation crews to pickup your trash. 

Cart should be placed within one foot of curb or alley with the wheels facing away from the street or alley.

You need to put your trash within 3 feet of the curb or alley in order for the sanitation employees to find and remove the trash safely.

The customer is responsible for cleaning the cart. Soap and hot water easily cleans the cart.

The carts are the property of City of Junction City but you can write your address under the lid.

We will only pickup 4 additional bags, 4 empty cardboard boxes, or 4 small bundles of limbs for free outside of your trash can. Anything additional will require a special pickup scheduled in advance. The minimum for a special pickup is $15 and can vary depending on the items.

It is illegal to have open burning in the city limits of Junction City without a burn permit. A permit can be obtained from the Fire Department. For more information contact us at 785-238-6822.

Section 210.010: Burning Prohibited

No person, firm, or corporation, shall burn, or cause to be burned, any trash, rubbish, leaves, wood, straw, or other combustible material within the City limits of Junction City, Kansas, except in incinerators approved by the State Board of Health; in fireplaces located within homes when said fireplaces have been constructed according to building codes then applicable; in stoves, furnaces, or lights whose construction and installation meet all legal requirements; in charcoal and gas fired outdoor cooking appliances when the purposes of said burning is food preparation; in controlled burning conducted by or under permit from the Junction City Fire Department where said burning is for fire prevention or retarding purposes; in a recreational fire as defined in the 2006 IFC to have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Any recreational fire must be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any structure and supervised at all times. Any person, partnership, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Article shall, upon conviction thereof, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined no less than $100 or more than $500 or imprisoned for a time not exceeding one month, or both such fine and imprisonment. (CC 1965 Section 7-301; Ordinance Number G-369 Section 1, 3-5-74; Ordinance Number G-1104, Section 1, 1-13-12)

The Junction City Fire Department has personnel available to give fire safety presentations to classes or groups. For more information on this program, contact us at 785-238-6822.

Contact us if you wish to tour either of our stations. To make arrangements call 785-238-6822 for Station I or 785-761-2244 for Station II.

The Kansas State Fire Marshall’s office has developed a program to work with the families of children who start fires or play with matches. For more information on this program, contact Firefighter Nick Nutter at 785-238-6822.

There is no fee for our fire and rescue services. However, the Fire Department does charge for ambulance calls. Charges for emergency medical services depend on care given and supplies used. Part of this cost may be covered by your insurance program. You should check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for emergency ambulance costs.

For more information about ambulance charges, contact our department at 785-238-6822.

If you see an immediate life-threatening hazard such as a fire, downed power lines, or hazardous chemical spills call 911.

If you have a question about whether something is safe or legal, or if you want to report a fire code violation, contact the Junction City Fire Department at 785-238-6822.

Please call Veolia Water Public Works 785-238-7142 to report a missing or broken street sign.

Please call Public Works at 785-238-7142 to report a pothole. It will be scheduled for repair as soon as possible. Some potholes will not be repaired immediately if the City will be resurfacing that street in the near future.

Contact the Department of Public Works at 248-624-0141. Public Works will provide temporary mailboxes so that you can still receive mail. Permanent repairs to mailboxes and yards will be completed when weather allows.

By City Ordinance, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove a fallen tree or tree limb. Public Works will remove tree limbs that fall on the street if it is blocking the roadway.

Please call Veolia Water Public Works 785-238-7142 to report a school zone warning light.

Please call the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 during daytime hours and 911 if at night to report a stoplight not working.

By City Ordinance, the property owner is responsible for the repair or replacement of curbs and sidewalks on your property. The City will only replace curbs or sidewalks when it is part of a large street or improvement project.

Potholes develop because of water getting in between the road surfaces. The effect of freezing and thawing will push up the asphalt surface.

The Street Department responds to these emergencies based on public safety priority. The main "arterial" streets will be cleared first to allow ambulance, fire and police vehicles to travel throughout Junction City. The main business areas and schools are next. Residential streets are last to be cleaned or treated.

To find if the Police Department is currently hiring, please contact Lieutenant Douglas Cathey at 785-762-5912.

The first step in the hiring process is filing out a job application online through the City of Junction City employment website.

The hiring process normally takes 3 to 5 months to complete. However, this time period can be shorter or longer, depending on the amount of openings and the experience level of an applicant.

1. Submit Application and Supporting Documents
2. Complete the WORKReady! Certification through the local workforce
3. Records Check
   1. III
   2. Junction City Police Department Records
   3. KBI
   4. MVD
   5. NCIC
4. Physical Abilities (Physical Agility) Test
5. Written Test - Must pass with 70%
6. Initial Interview - Selected by Written Test Scores
7. Polygraph Examination (Those Selected in Step 5)
8. Background Investigation (Those Passing Step 6)
9. Command Staff Review of Background Investigation
10. Interview Board
11. Chiefs Review of Applicants and Selection
12. Conditional Offer of Employment
13. Physical and Drug Screen at Geary Community Hospital
14. Psychological Testing
15. Psychological Interview and Evaluation
16. Final Background and Records Check
17. Offer of Employment

The number of openings for full-time police officers vary. Please call Lieutenant Douglas Cathey at 785-762-5912 for information on vacancies.

No. The only educational requirement is a high school degree or equivalent.

No. If hired as a Junction City Police Officer, the necessary training will be provided.

The only age restriction is a person must be 21 years of age upon the date of hire. There is no upper age restriction.

No, there is no height or weight requirement.

The starting salary in 2022 was $44.895.

Shift differential and Specialized Position Allowance are enhancements that can be earned.

Yes. Although the positions of Officer and Sergeant are covered by a union contract, those with police experience can qualify for starting pay above the level of those with no police experience.

The Junction City Police Department pays officers salaries while attending training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. KLETC pays for room, board and instruction. There is no charge to an officer.

The Academy takes 14 weeks.

KLETC is located outside of Hutchinson, Kansas.

No. However, if hired as a Junction City Police Officer, you must reside within Geary County within 90 days of your employment.

Out-of-town applicants can expect to make at least two to three trips to Junction City during the hiring process. Please notify Lieutenant Nichols if you are coming from out of state so that as many steps in the process can be scheduled as possible.

No. The Police Department is not liable for travel costs.

Yes. Uniforms, leather gear, weapon and other law enforcement tools are provided by the Police Department. Cleaning of uniforms is also paid for along with a $300 a year allowance for:

• Boots
• Socks
• Tee shirts
• Etc.

The current authorized strength of the Junction City Police Department is 50 commissioned officers.

The current population of Junction City is 25,500.

Patrol Officers work 12 hour shifts. 6 am to 6 pm or 6 pm to 6 am. A standard two week pay period consists of the following: 

• Work Monday and Tuesday. Off Wednesday and Thursday. 
• Work Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Off Monday and Tuesday. 
• Work Wednesday and Thursday. Off Friday, Saturday and Sunday.