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1. What is the purpose of the Borger Economic Development Corporation?

Our mission is to be the economic growth engine for Borger, Texas. We accomplish this through the retention and expansion of local businesses, the recruitment of outside businesses, and encouragement of community growth through tourism and cultural activities.

2. What is the difference in the Borger Economic Development Corporation and the Borger Chamber of Commerce?

The Borger Economic Development Corporation and the Borger Chamber of Commerce both strive to help retain and expand local business.

The Borger Chamber of Commerce promotes its members, who pay a fee for Chamber’s services. By joining the Borger Chamber of Commerce, a business gains access to a thriving, local network of other businesses.

The Borger EDC is not member-based and there is no fee for the services offered by the Borger EDC. The Borger EDC can provides services such as financial incentives, business consultation, start-up business resources, and training and education to anyone interested in expanding or locating their business to Borger, Texas.

If you have a new business idea or are planning to expand your business, please call us at (806) 521-0027 or email us at klingor@borgeredc.com to see how we can help you!

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1. Who is in charge of EMS Billing?

Ambulance billing services for Borger Fire Department EMS are provided by Emergicon, a third-party billing agency contracted by the City of Borger. To contact Emergicon, please call 1-877-602-2060.

2. What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

An EMT is considered the first line in EMS. They are trained to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) such as first aid, oxygen, newborn delivery, some medicines and are skilled in emergency transport. You can spot them by the blue patches they wear on their right shoulder or by their rank on their uniform shirt.

A Paramedic is the highest level certified by the state of Texas. Paramedics can perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the field. ALS skills include EKG interpretation, Defibrillation, Intravenous access, lifesaving drug administration, endotracheal intubation and some minor surgical techniques. You can spot them by the red patch on their right shoulder or by the rank on their uniform shirt.

There is actually a third classification, the EMT-Intermediate. The Intermediate is trained to do many of the same skills a Paramedic can do such as IV therapy, some medications, and breathing tube placement. The Intermediate can be identified by the blue patch with red writing on their right shoulder or again, by the rank on their uniform shirt.

3. How do I make my home and family safer?

There are many things we all can do to improve safety. A few examples are: 

1. Learn CPR
2. Get a fire extinguisher and become familiar with the proper techniques for use. 
3. Make a fire exit plan for your home (and practice exit drills!). Know at least two ways out, have a safe exit from a two-story house, have a safe meeting place outside. 
4. Learn first aid.
5. Be diligent. 

4. When should I call for an ambulance?

• A person(s) condition appears life-threatening or could worsen and become life-threatening.
• Moving the person could cause further harm.
• The person needs equipment used by and skill of paramedics or emergency medical technicians.
• Driving would cause a significant delay in getting to the hospital.
• A person(s) appears to be losing a large amount of blood.
• Bleeding that does not stop.
• Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or poor skin color.
• Skin/lips that appear blue, gray, or purple.
• A Cut or Burn that is large, deep, or involved the head, chest or abdomen.

5. Is Borger EMS equipped to handle medical and trauma emergencies?

Yes!

We have state of the art Ambulances that are staffed strategically for both medical and traumatic emergencies. 

6. Does it cost to be evaluated by EMS?

No. It does not cost to be evaluated unless you require medical attention and are transported via ambulance to a hospital.

7. What types of medical emergencies does EMS respond to?

Any and all. Here is a list of examples that our EMS typically responds to:

1. Heart attack
2. Allergic Reaction
3. Sudden Illness
4. Natural Disasters
5. Automobile Accidents
6. Industrial Accidents
7. Fires
8. Hazmat Situations
9. Breathing Difficulties
10. Stroke
11. Covid
12. Falls
13. Choking
14. Burns
15. Traumatic Injuries
16. Psychiatric Disorders
17. Seizures
18. Poisoning
19. Diabetic Symptoms
20. Cardiac Episodes
21. Hypo/Hyperthermia

8. Can I pick which hospital I want to go to?

Yes, however, the EMS crew has the judgement to determine whether this is safe or violates state or local protocol.

9. How are ambulance services funded?

Ambulance services through Borger Fire Department are funded through a multitude of ways. 

1. Local taxes (EMS relies on taxpayer dollars to cover deficits when not enough patient fees are collected)
2. Patient/Commercial Insurance Payments
3. Patient Fees
4. Government Grants
   
   
   

10. How many units do we have in Borger?

Borger will staff two ambulances. For 12 hours a day, one will respond from Fritch, while the second responds from Borger. If one ambulance leaves to transport a patient out of the county, the other will relocate to Borger. A Third Ambulance will be housed as a maintenance spare and available for large incidents, community events, standbys, or other emergencies as needed.

11. Where are the Ambulances housed?

Two ambulances will be housed at the current ambulance bay next to Golden Plains Community Hospital. The spare will be housed at the Borger Fire Station. Borger Firefighters are trained EMT Basics (at the minimum) and can operate the third ambulance in an emergency. 

12. Is Apollo part of Borger Fire EMS?

No. Apollo is a separate party. They assist as necessary, as does LifeStar.

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1. How do I apply to work for the Fire Department?

Complete and submit our online job application to be considered for employment. 

2. What type of Fire Prevention Programs are available in the area?

The Fire Department offers several educational programs to the public. 

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1. How do I contact local officials?

For a list of local officials and staff and their contact information, please visit our Staff Directory. 

2. Where can I see past and current audits of the city?

Our Financial Transparency page shows audit documents as well as budget documents and public information requests. 

3. How can I sign up for news and alerts?

Sign up through Notify Me for the news and alerts that are relevant to you. 

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1. What are "Reopened Services?"

Certain businesses have been allowed to reopen.  These businesses include:

• In-store retail services operating up to a maximum 25% of the total listed occupancy.
• Dine-in restaurant services up to a maximum 25% of the total listed occupancy.  (Does not apply to restaurants that must display a 51% sign required by the TABC)
• Movie Theaters operating up to a maximum 25% of the total listed occupancy. 
• Shopping Malls operating up to a maximum 25% of the total listed occupancy.
• Museums and Libraries operating up to a maximum 25% of the total listed occupancy.
• Services provided by an individual working alone in an office.
• Golf course operations and non-contact sports and outdoor activities with no more than 4 people in a group.
• Church and religious services.

In addition to the limitations listed, each reopened business must follow DSHS guidelines.  We have provided those guidelines on this page.  

2. When can a reopened business open?

The Governor’s changes go into effect at 12:01 AM on Friday, May 1st.  That means that this Friday, listed businesses may reopen with the limitations and standards provided.

3. Did the Governor remove the limitation of public gatherings?

No!  The Governor’s Executive Order GA-18 outlines steps to "Open Texas" but still directs every person in Texas to "except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same the same household."

4. Did the Governor reopen hair and nail salons?

No!  Hair and nail salons, gyms, tattoo parlors and massage parlors, bowling alleys and entertainment venues remain closed.

5. When will other business be allowed to open and/or other restrictions be lifted?

The Governor’s new order will go through May 18th.  At that time, the Governor and the Open Texas Task force will make decisions, based on data, what next steps will be taken.  The governor indicated that if the trend remains positive, that capacity at reopened businesses could be increased to 50% and gyms, hair and nail salons and other businesses could be allowed to reopen.

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1. Why do I need a permit?

State laws and local ordinances require you to have a permit for any construction project. These laws are designed to protect public safety and welfare by ensuring a project does not endanger you or the public.

2. What happens if I go ahead and build without a permit?

There is a strong possibility that utility companies will refuse to provide water, sewer, trash, electric or gas service to your structure. Also, we will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance for your structure. Both of these documents are important when acquiring proper insurance coverage.

3. I’ve worked on construction projects for a long time. I’m not an amateur and there has never been a problem with my work. Why do I still have to get a permit?

A permit provides proof to a buyer, insurance company, or anyone that your structure is building code compliant by way of an independent inspection process. If someone does not know your reputation or simply does not want to take your word for it, you have a way to prove you have followed all building codes in your construction projects. In addition to this, it is required by law.

4. With all the construction going on in my jurisdiction, how would I get caught if I don’t get a permit?

Our Inspectors, along with our Code Enforcement Officer(s) and City Employees, cover every inch of their jurisdiction at some point in a typical week. Inspectors and Code Enforcement are generally assigned to specific areas, and are familiar with construction in their area. They will notice your structure and become suspicious when they are not called to your construction project for an inspection. We also work on citizen’s complaints.

5. What powers do the permit offices have to enforce their permitting rules?

If a builder refuses to work with our inspectors, a cease and desist order can be put on the building to stop the job completely. (This is an option of last resort. You will not receive a cease and desist order because you failed an inspection. By cooperating with our inspectors to make the necessary corrections your project can continue.) If the builder refuses to fix the problems listed on the cease and desist order AND continues to build the job anyway, the owner will be required to attend a court hearing. The end result of the hearing will be that the owner is in violation of the law and additional fees and penalties could be imposed by the court.

6. How are permit fees used? What exactly am I paying for?

The City Permitting is a revenue neutral program. In other words, the money from your permit fee is only used to cover the operating costs of the program, not to fund any other projects. 

State law requires jurisdictions to conduct all inspections and plan reviews with certified staff. Permit fees cover the costs to administer and house our knowledgeable, certified staff.

All permit fees are reviewed on an annual basis where they could increase or decrease depending on that year’s budget.

7. It’s my property. I do not have a mortgage. I do not plan to carry insurance on my structure. Why can’t I build whatever I want? Why do I have to get my building inspected?

If your construction project is built incorrectly, it could damage surrounding structures and property. In addition to this, it is required by law..

8. I think my neighbor is building without a permit. What should I do?

Call the Planning and Development office at 1-806-273-0905 and let us investigate.

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1. What is a Transportation User Fee (TUF)?

The Transportation User Fee (TUF) is a fee assessed to residents and businesses, based on the traffic levels generated by each dwelling unit or business.  TUF’s use a trip generation factor to classify customers into a rate category.   Residential and low volume businesses generally receive a fixed flat rate category while other businesses and commercial operations receive a category based on their trip generation rate. Considering that a single-family residence normally only has one or two cars while a large box store parking lot attracts 100’s of cars per hour, a fee based on use produces a more equitable method of paying for the system.  Since the box stores receives a greater benefit from the transportation system and causes more demand and wear and tear on the transportation system, they should pay a higher amount for improvement and maintenance.

2. Why does Borger need a TUF?

Based on community feedback, street improvements received high priority in the Council’s 2018 Strategic Vision Session and became a strategic pillar for our community.  .Investing and maintaining Borger’s streets and transportation infrastructure saves money in the long run. Citizens have been requesting better street maintenance and the City has been exploring options to dedicate additional funds for this purpose.  More than $9 million of street maintenance has been identified and a method for the ongoing funding for the street and transportation system was needed.  TUF funds are restricted and can only be used on the transportation system.  

3. What will the money be used for?

The TUF is projected to generate in excess of $540,000/annually which can only be spend on the the construction and maintenance of of the transportation system.  The money will be support the  repair of poor and high traffic streets (10th Street) rated streets, the maintenance (seal coating programs) for all streets, curb and gutter, and the repair and expansion of the sidewalk system.

4. When will the TUF be implemented?

The TUF will begin on October 1st, 2020 in line with the Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021 City Budget.

5. How long will the TUF be in place?

The ordinance creating the TUF provides a review period every three (3) years.  At the end of each 3 year period, the City Council will receive a report on the projects funded through the TUF. and will be able to discontinue it if they feel it is no longer a benefit to the community.

6. How do you classify my business?

The initial trip generation factor will based on type of use categories as defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition. The City has categorized the trip index factors into 21 main categories. The categories combines similar businesses and assigns the lowest trip factor of the businesses in that category. 

A trip factors, as defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition, represents the number of trips anticipated to and from a property per its land use and established units.  Based on the trip rate, The City groups businesses into tiers (rate categories). For each non-residential property, except lodging, schools, and outdoor recreation, the building area, in square foot, on the property will be multiplied by the appropriate trip factor from the trip factor index in to arrive at a monthly base trip rate. Properties fitting in the lodging, school, and outdoor recreation categories will calculate the monthly base trip rate of the property by multiplying the appropriate trip factor by the quantity of the unit specified in the trip factor index. The monthly base trip rate value will determine which tier the nonresidential property is classified. For each non-residential customer, the building area on the property will be multiplied by the appropriate trip generation rate (as determined by the zoning) to arrive at a value. This value will be compared to ranges that define whether the customer is Tier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

7. What are the current rates for the TUF?

Residents who are within the City limits of Borger will be assessed a flat fee of $6 per month on their utility bills. Commercial customers who do not fit into a category or houses of worship will be charged a flat commercial rate of $8 per month.  Other Commercial rates will be split into 6 tiers based on their trip rate with corresponding flat rates for each tier as follows: 

City of Borger, Texas
Transportation User Fee Schedule
Tier # / Type	Monthly Base Trip Lower Rate	Monthly Base Trip Higher Rate	Monthly Charge
Commercial	Flat Rate	Flat Rate	$               8.00
Tier I	0	9	$            25.00
Tier II	9	15	$            40.00
Tier III	15	50	$            55.00
Tier IV	50	150	$            70.00
Tier V	150	349	$          150.00
Tier VI	350		$          400.00
Residential	Flat Rate	Flat Rate	$               6.00

8. How will I know when my street will be repaired?

Projects for the first year will include:

Seal Coating Projects:
Main Street from 3rd to S. Cedar	$75,494.43
Main Street from 7th to 10th	$16,565.11
McGee Street from 3rd to S. Main	$29,956.92
Hedgecoke from 3rd to S. Main	$21,755.88
Bryan & Grand from 3rd to S. Main	$48,803.40
Curb & Gutter Projects:
Bryan Street from Jefferson to Grand	$55,000.00
Main Street at the intersection of Wilson	$32,000.00
1100 & 1200 East Side Block of Coble	$30,000.00
Sidewalk Projects:
100 Block of Kaye	$10,000.00
1100 & 1200 East Side Block of Coble	$30,000.00
8th Street South Side from Cedar to Hedgecoke	$110,000.00

More information on FY 2020 - 2021 projects can be found by clicking here.

The City is also currently working on a 5 year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  This program will lay out the capital projects, including street projects, for the next 5 years and will be updated each year there after.  The document will be uploaded to our website to insure that everybody can see what is planned and when a project might be in your area.  This will completed before October 1, 2021.

9. What did the Council do to offset the cost of the new fee?

To help offset the cost of the Transportation User Fee and to help provide for dedicated funds for transportation maintenance and improvements, the Council was able to reduce the following fees:

• Vector Control Fee reduced by $1 per month
• Sewer Base Rate reduced by $1 per month
• Water Consumption Rate reduced by $0.10 per 1,000 Gallons

In addition to the fee reductions, the City Council was able to approve a tax rate for FY 2020 - 2021 a little more than 2 1/2 cents below the FY 2019 - 2021 rate.