> What is the difference between the City of Binghamton and the Town of Binghamton?

The City of Binghamton and the Town of Binghamton are two completely separate municipalities.  The City of Binghamton is generally what people think of as "downtown" while the Town of Binghamton is located approximately two miles south of the downtown area and continues south to the State of Pennsylvania line.  The Town of Binghamton is bordered by the Town of Vestal to the west, the City of Binghamton to the north, the Town of Conklin to the east, and the State of Pennsylavnia to the south.

> How do I file for a small claim or eviction?

In order to file a small claim, the party you are filing against must live, work, or have a place of business in the Town of Binghamton.  They must receive their mail in the Town of Binghamton.  You must have the exact mailing address (no PO Box is acceptable).

The allowable maximum amount for a claim is $3,000.  For a claim up to $1,000., the filing fee is $10.  For a claim over $1,000., the filing fee is $15.

For more information, you can pick up a small claims booklet from the Court.

Tenants and Landlords

For small claims and evictions, you can go to: http://tenant.net/court/howcourt/sclaim.html to download Landlord/Tenant forms.

> Is there an alternative to filing a Small Claim?

Yes, you can contact ACCORD (A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.).  This is a mediator service which is free.  In Broome County, you can call (607) 724-5153 or e-mail to accord@stny.rr.com

> What if I am summoned to be a witness?

If you receive a summons to be a witness, you should contact the Broome County District Attorney's office at (607) 778-2198 or 778-2423 for further information.

> What if I am summoned to be Juror?

If you receive a summons to be a juror, you should contact the Broome County Commissioner of Jurors at 778-2159 or the Town of Binghamton Court at 772-0357, ext. 19 for further information.

> What other violations within the Town of Binghamton are brought before the Court?

All violations of the Town of Binghamton Code including zoning, noise ordinance, property maintenance, and dog problems are heard by the Town Court.

> How much is the filing fee for an eviction?

The Court will hear matters concerning landlords and tenants, such as evictions, rent due, or abandonment of property.  The filing fee is $20.

> How do I contact the Broome County District Attorney's office?

Broome County District Attorney's Office

19 Chenango Street - 7th Floor

Binghamton, NY 13901

(607) 778-2198

> What are Pre-Trial and Trial Conferences?

The Town of Binghamton Court holds pre-trial and trial conferences on the 4th Tuesday of every other month.  The Broome County District Attorney's office will attempt to resolve any discrepancies in the case and negotiate a plea or set the matter for trial.  On the pre-trial and trial dates, both defendants and arresting officers will appear to discuss the case with the District Attorney.

> Do I need a lawyer to appear in court with me?

Although you are not required to have an attorney, it is not recommended that you proceed to trial without the aid of Counsel.

> What if I missed my court date?

Call the court immediately.  You may be subject to a license suspension or a warrant court is issued for your arrest.

> How do I contact New York State DMV?

1-800-CALLDMV - available within New York State

(518) 474-0774

www.nysdmv.com

> What is a supporting deposition?

A supporting deposition is a more detailed account of the ticket you were issued.  If you received an electronically generated ticket, you may have been handed the supporting deposition at the same time you were handed your ticket from the officer.

> How do I answer my traffic ticket?

Every motorist receiving a ticket must respond to the ticket.

If the charge(s) are NOT misdemeanors you can either appear on the date listed on the ticket or you can sign the back and enter your plea of either guilty or not guilty.  You then mail it to the court.

> Will watering my lawns increase my bill?

Yes, but it depends on how long you water, what time of day you water, by what means you water it (through a sprinkler system, through an irrigation system), etc.  We can tell you that there will be an increase.  If you must water your lawn, we suggest you water very sparingly, and we suggest you water at night (after the sun goes down) on a timer for a very short time.

> Why do the water/sewer rates periodically increase?

Since the Town of Binghamton purchases water directly from the City of Binghamton and disposes of the sewer through the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant, we have to pay whatever rates these two facilities set.

> If I fill my pool using municipal water, can I get a break on the sewer portion of my bill?

No.  We have found that the cheapest way for municipal water/sewer users to fill a pool is with a hose from your outside spicket.  Even though you are charged a sewer use fee based upon the units of water you have used, it's such a small amount in comparison to what you will pay if you purchase water through another source.  We have found that it generally costs about four times more to purchase water through a pool company or tanker truck.  If you would like an estimate of how much it will cost to fill your pool, you'll need to find out how many gallons your pool holds, then call Becky at 772-0357, ext. 10.  She'll be happy to calculate the cost for you.

> Can I fill my swimming pool with the Town's fire hydrant?

No.

> How can I be sure I don't have a leak in my house?

All homes in the municipal water/sewer district are equipped with a water meter.  If you suspect you have a leak, shut all water sources off in your home.  Then, look at your water meter to see if the small red diamond shaped dial is moving.  (This dial is a "low flow indicator.")  If the dial is moving, it means there is still water flowing through your meter.  Next, you'll want to check your toilets.  There is a valve, generally behind the toilet, that you can shut off.  Once that valve is shut off, check your meter again.  If the meter has stopped turning, you know the problem is with the toilet.  If, however, the dial continues to turn, you'll need to go to the next toilet, and continue the same process.  If the dial is still turning after everything has been eliminated, you may want to contact a plumber.

> Will a running toilet cause my water bill to be high?

Yes.  Depending on the severity of the leak, it's possible for a water/sewer bill to double, triple, or even worse.

> Is there fluoride in Town water?

Yes.  The City of Binghamton treats the water with fluoride.