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1. How much do cemetery plots cost?

It varies depending on if the plot is selected by the Sexton or by the buyer plus a couple of other factors. For more information please call the Cemetery Sexton at (620) 431-5256, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2. Do you have funeral services on Saturday or Sunday?

The city will hold services on Saturday mornings only (no Sunday services) and the service must be over by 11:00 a.m. at the latest.  There is an extra charge to have a Saturday service.  The amount differs depending on if it’s a regular service or a cremation service.  Please call the Cemetery Sexton at (620) 431-5256, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, for more information.

3. When are Memorial Day flowers picked up?

Flowers are picked up seven days after Memorial Day.

4. If I should find a name that is misspelled in your online file, how do I get that corrected?

You can call the Deputy City Clerk at (620) 431-5217, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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1. How do I obtain a city pet license?

Complete a license certificate with the city clerk’s office. Be sure to have your pet's proof of current rabies immunization and pay the annual license fee.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a city record?

Fill out an Open Record Request Form with the city clerk’s office.

3. How do I rent the city Community Building at 101 South Forest?

Fill out a rental contract with the city clerk’s office, along with paying a deposit and rental fee.

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1. Why do I need to provide my address?

The "CodeRED system" is a geographical based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in any given situation. The system works fine for cell phones too, but we have to have a street address". People who have recently moved but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number also need to change their address in the database.

2. How do I sign up if I don't have Internet access?

There is public internet access at the library and free Wi-Fi in the parks.

Those without Internet access may call the Neosho County Emergency Management Office (620-244-3874), Monday through Friday, (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) to give their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers (optional).

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1. Where do I go to fill out a building permit?

Third Floor of the Memorial Building, Community Development Office, 101 S. Lincoln, Chanute, KS. 66720

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1. What can be disposed of at the Compost Pile?

Biodegradable yard waste such as grass, leaves, garden waste, flowers, and hay or straw. Please remove any wire or twine from bales.

2. What cannot be disposed of at the Compost Pile?

Trash of any kind, plastic bags, lumber, and tree limbs. Wire, rope, and twine causes damage to our equipment, please be very careful not to leave any.

3. How much does the Compost Pile cost to use?

Nothing, this is a service provided to area residents to lower the volume of trash taken to the landfill. As long as the rules are followed and cost to the City is kept at a minimum there will be no dumping fees.

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1. Who do I call if my electric goes out? And how long will it take before my electric is back on?

When the electric goes off you can call the Public Works Complex at (620) 431-5250, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Or, after hours and on weekends call Power Plant #2 at (620) 431-5270. How long an outage lasts depends on what causes the outage and how big of an area is affected by the outage.  On average the City of Chanute Electric Dept. gets the electric back on in 30 minutes.

2. My street / security light keeps blinking off and on, what’s wrong with it?

When it starts cycling on and off it means the bulb is getting ready to go out.  To report please call the Public Works Complex at (620) 431-5250, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3. If there is a tree limb on my electric line is it the city’s responsibility to get it off, or is it mine?

Call the Public Works Complex at (620) 431-5250, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Ask to have the Electric Department’s tree trimmer come by to look at it.  He will determine if it is something the city will take care of or if it is the home owner’s responsibility.

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1. Where do my property taxes go?

Property taxes are divided between USD #413, Neosho County, City of Chanute, Neosho County Community College (NCCC), State of Kansas, and Southwind Extension District. Property Tax Pie Chart

2. For every $100 in paid property taxes, where does the money go?

Property taxes are divided between USD #413, Neosho County, City of Chanute, Neosho County Community College (NCCC), State of Kansas, and Southwind Extension District. The attached table shows a complete breakdown of how much is given to each of these entities, as well as a more detailed breakdown of the City of Chanute Departments. $100 Property Tax Breakdown.pdf

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1. Who is responsible for installation, repairs, or replacement of the service line from the meter to the building?

The customer is responsible for the installation, repairs, and maintenance of the service line from the curb stop at the right of way or easement to the building regardless of where the meter is located.

2. Who can I contact if I smell gas or think I have a gas related problem?

Contact the Public Works Complex, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, at (620) 431-5250; or after hours and weekends call Power Plant #2 at 620-431-5270 or (620) 431-5282.

3. Who is required to do a drug test?

All Contractors or those hired to do buried gas line work. More information is available on the PHMSA website.
Drug and Alcohol Regulations

4. Do I need to have utilities located before I dig on my property?

Anytime you dig it is required by law to call Kansas One-Call (a.k.a. Dig Safe) – for any reason. There are many different types of utilities that could be damaged and could be very dangerous to you or others. The excavator is responsible for the cost of any damaged utilities if these proper guidelines are not followed while digging. Plan before you dig by contacting Kansas One-Call at (800) DIG-SAFE or simply by dialing 811. You can also visit the Kansas One-Call website.

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1. What is the non-emergency number?

(620) 431-5768

2. Will the School District Chanute change?

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3. Would sewer hook up be required for new construction?

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4. Is garbage pick-up required in Chanute?

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5. Where will our tax dollars be going?

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1. Does the city have any free Wi-Fi hotspots?

The city has several Wi-Fi hotspots that are available to the public for free. Wi-Fi hotspot Maps.

Map of Wi-Fi Hotspots

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1. Does the city still have a spring / fall clean-up and free access to the landfill? If not then why?

The city has gone to having only a spring clean-up and free access because we now have a clean-up program. The city offers clean-up dumpsters, per residence within the city limits, twice per calendar year. These dumpsters are scheduled through the landfill office and can be set for a maximum of two days at a time. (They are delivered in the afternoon, emptied the next day, and hauled away the following day. That equals to two full days.) Residents are able to dispose of most common waste with the exception of no construction or demolition materials, paint, tires, grass clippings, and leaves.

2. Can residents dispose of hazardous liquids and chemicals such as household cleaners, paint, etc.?

No, the city landfill cannot accept hazardous liquids.

3. Does the city landfill allow out of city, county and state residents to dispose of waste?

Yes, we have no restrictions on accepting out-of-town waste.

4. Can residents dispose of brush and tree limbs at the landfill? And what about grass clippings and leaves?

Tree limbs and brush may be disposed of at the landfill, up to two inches in diameter, for free of charge. Anything larger than that may still be disposed of with the rate of $16/ton or a minimum charge of $5 a load up to 200 pounds. Grass clippings and leaves are not accepted at the landfill, but can be taken to the city’s compost site at our wastewater treatment plant located at 2600 South Katy Road.

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1. How do I get a library card?

Kansas residents may receive a library card at no charge. For those over 18, one form of photo identification with current information showing name and address (or a photo identification with other acceptable proof of residence) must be submitted and an application filled out. Children under the age of 18 must have cards co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. This form also either authorizes or denies minors access to the public Internet computers. The patron card must be presented each time materials are checked out. Loss of the card must be reported immediately or the patron will be responsible for materials checked out on it. Replacement cards will be issued at the cost of $1.00 each.

2. Does the library have an online catalog?

Yes we do. You can access it at our library or by clicking the link below.

Sek-N-Find Catalog:

The Chanute Public Library card catalog is online! Search the Library’s collection, explore the collection of other area libraries, and have materials you find transferred to your local library! This service is available for patrons of the Chanute Public Library at no charge!

The Chanute Public Library is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System and participates in a consortium which includes 25 libraries in the region. Users are able to search the consolidated catalog for books and materials of all 25 libraries and place a hold on items from any of the libraries. Library card holders can then use the SEK-N-Find catalog to request items to be transferred between libraries for checkout by the person requesting them. Users can limit their search to items only at Chanute by using the “Advanced Search”, or by logging in so that the catalog will recognize which library they are registered with. Users may also renew items and access their reading history once logged into their account.

Online Catalog

3. What are the library collections & lending policies?

The library annually circulates over 130,000 items, including books for all ages, magazines, music recordings, audiobooks, videos and DVDs. Special collections include large-print books and educational toys.

There is no limit on the number of items which may be borrowed by an individual except: Video cassettes and DVDs – 5 per card Reference books and rare or historically valuable books do not circulate.

Length of Loan Periods:

Adult & children’s books – 3 weeks
New fiction and designated non-fiction – 1 week
Interlibrary loan materials – set by the lending library
Magazines – 1 week Video cassettes and DVDs – 1 week
Other audio-visual materials – 3 weeks

Renewals may be made in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the
Sek N Find catalog. All materials may be renewed one time. Items borrowed on Interlibrary Loan can be renewed at the discretion of the owning library. Items which other patrons have placed a hold on cannot be renewed.

Reserved Materials:

Library patrons may reserve materials in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the Sek N Find catalog. The patron will be notified when the materials become available. Books and other materials must be picked up within 5 days of notification unless the patron requests additional time.

Return of Materials:

The patron is responsible for returning materials on or before the date due. If items are overdue, the patron may be refused the right to borrow additional materials until the missing materials are returned or replacement costs are paid. Materials are the responsibility of the owner of the card used to check them out and/or the co-signer in the case of juveniles.

Fines are $0.50 per day, with a maximum of $5.00 per item, for all materials after the grace period. Grace periods vary from 7 days for DVDs and videos to 14 days for most other materials. Fines on interlibrary loans will be based on charges made by the loaning library. An accumulated $10.00 fine will suspend borrowing privileges. Library cards must be free of any charges before Internet access will be allowed.

Materials lost or damaged well beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the patron. Fees paid are for damage to municipal property and do not constitute a purchase of the item.

4. What other services does the library offer?

Library Services:

Reference Service: Staff is available to help you answer your questions or assist you in finding information for research. We also provide access to several research databases .

Interlibrary Loan: If we do not have the particular book or article you need, ask us to borrow it for you from another Kansas library.

Talking Books: The Federal Government provides, free of charge, special books on tape for those with visual impairment or other physical disability. Applications may be picked up at the Chanute Public Library.

Adult Programs: Other adult programs are offered throughout the year, including programs sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council and special Christmas craft programs. Ask at the library, or check our calendar, for upcoming events.

Memorial/Gift Program: You can purchase materials for the library’s collection to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, to honor a friends or a family member, or simply to give a lasting gift to the community. Book plates with the honoree’s name will be included in each book.

Internet & Word Processing: The library provides 10 public-access computers which provide access to the Internet as well as Word, Excel, and Power Point. Users are allowed 1 hour per day. Library cards are required for access, but adults can be logged on with “visitor” status. There is a charge for printing.

Book Sale: Each fall the Friends of Chanute Library sell donated or discarded books at great prices.

Kansas Library Card: Provides access to Audiobooks and More, state-sponsored databases and Homework Kansas. (LINK)http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com/470C4FA2-2B94-4146-979A-DE14B869C7D0/10/378/en/Default.htm

5. Is there a book club associated with the library?

Book Discussion Group: This group meets at the library one evening each month for an informal discussion of a book. Subjects and dates vary, so ask someone at the desk for current information.

6. Can I get eBooks from your library?

We currently do not have eBooks available for our patrons to download. You can access eBooks from the State of Kansas Website. You will need to have a State Library Card. This is different than your Chanute Public Library Card. To obtain one get with Susan or Cindy at the Adult Circulation Desk. For more information go to the link below. EZ Library

7. What services do you offer for children?

Story Time: Story Time is scheduled throughout the year for children ages 3-6 and are held in the Story Room in the Children’s Section. Class sizes are limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. Schedules vary throughout the year, so check for current offerings.

Toddler Story Time: These sessions are offered for toddlers and an accompanying adult throughout the year. No pre-registration is required, but check with the library for current scheduling.

Summer Reading Program: Beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day, youth are encouraged to join us for a summer of reading pleasure. Special programs are also offered throughout the summer. A calendar of summer events is available at the library beginning in mid-May.

Other Programs: Special craft programs and other after-school programs are offered throughout the year, so check with the library or access our calendar through facebook for details.

8. When are the Board of Trustee meetings?

Meetings of the Board of Trustees are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Leighty Conference Room at the Depot. No meeting is held in the month of August. The public is invited to attend. If anyone wishes to have business acted upon at a board meeting, they should contact the library director or Board chairman at least one week prior to the meeting so that such business may be included in the printed agenda.

9. How do I renew my items?

You can either log into the online catalog and renew your materials, or you can call (431-3820) us. Online Catalog

10. How do I log into the online catalog?

Place your entire Chanute Public Library card number into the first space, and your last name all lower case as the password. Online Catalog

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. Do you have an RV campground?

Yes, we have two areas for RV Campers.  We have 28-sites with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, water hookups, and a dump station.  The first night is free of charge, after that it is $20 a night up to 10-nights in any 30-day period.  Availability is on a first-come first-serve basis.  One area is located on the NW corner of S. Santa Fe Ave and Chanute 35 Parkway; and the other area is to the west, adjacent to the Lakeview Recreation Area located at 208 W. Chanute 35 Parkway (both areas are within walking distance of each other).  There is also a restroom/shower house located between the two areas.  Plus, the payment box and dump station is located south of the restroom/shower house.  

2. Do you rent out the parks shelter houses?

We do not rent out the shelter houses but we do take reservations (free of charge) for 25 or more people.  There is a fee if you need more picnic tables and/or trash barrels for your event.  For reservations please call the Parks Department at (620) 431-5250.

3. I need to get a copy of my child’s recreation schedule, who do I talk to for that?

The Parks Department and Chanute Recreation are two different entities now. You can call the recreation office at (620) 431-4199; or you can look at the Chanute Recreation website.

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1. What is the non-emergency number?

(620) 431-5768

2. Where do I go to pay a ticket?

Contact the Municipal Court Clerk, located inside the south west entrance to the Memorial Building, 101 S Lincoln Ave. Office hours are M-F 7:30 A.M.-Noon and 1:00 P.M - 4:30 P.M.

3. How do I get a copy of an incident/accident report?

To obtain a copy of an incident/accident report, go to the Municipal Court Clerk's office, which is located in the south west entrance of the Memorial Building, at 101 S Lincoln, Ave. Office hours are M-F 7:30 A.M-Noon and 1:00 - 4:30 P.M. Copy of the reports are $5 each.

4. Where can I go to get fingerprinted?

The Chanute Police Department provides fingerprinting for $10. You must bring with you a valid driver's license or identification, and a fingerprint card, which you may obtain from your employer.

5. How can I get my property back from the Police Department?

Property is released on a case-by-case basis. Property may be returned when it is no longer needed as evidence or after a court hearing. Contact the officer who handled your specific case for further questions.

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1. When does the city decide to generate?

The City of Chanute receives energy from Evergy through various baseload contracts and day-ahead purchases.  In the event that our day-ahead purchases from the market exceed the cost to generate by a considerable margin, Chanute will then generate at a lower cost than it can be purchased.  Also, Chanute's 50MW combustion turbine is registered in the SPP market under contract.  Since it exceeds the 10MW threshold SPP can call on Chanute at any time for generation to put extra energy on the grid and/or for grid stability. 

2. How does the city know how much power to generate?

We are in constant contact with Evergy and have metering in place that allows us to monitor what Chanute and Ash Grove Cement Company power demands are.  The metering provides us the information to determine what generated output is needed to sustain total load.

3. Why do we lose power sometimes and who do we contact when such case occurs?

We have one of the most up-to-date electrical systems in Southeast Kansas.  However, sometimes a circumstance beyond our control does knock out the city’s power supply, such as:  animals crossing on the power lines; an electric pole and/or wire being knocked down; transformers overheating; or trouble from our supplier's line before it reaches Chanute.  Should you lose power you may contact the Public Works Complex, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (620) 431-5250; or, for after hours and weekends call Power Plant #2 at (620) 431-5270.

4. Why do I have trouble getting a call through when the power is out?

Power Plant #2 is manned 24-hours a day with only one operator and two phone lines. When the power goes out that one operator is trying to isolate the problem and answer two phones all at the same time, so please be patient.

5. Why can`t you tell me when my power will be back on?

The operator does not know in many cases what caused the power to go out. He has to dispatch a service crew to go out and determine the cause and they decide what needs to be done and approximately how long it will take to fix.

6. Why do my neighbors have power and I don`t?

We have 7 primary power lines throughout the city and every house and business gets its power from one of these 7 lines. If your neighbor has power and you do not they may be getting power from a different primary line than you, or the problem may be isolated to your residence.

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1. How often are the streets swept?

On an average of three times a year. Or you can call in a request at (620) 431-5250.

2. How often are alleys graded?

At least two times a year. Or you can call in a request at (620) 431-5250.

3. How can I get a pothole patched?

Call in to report at (620) 431-5250 and the street crew will address it when feasible.

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1. How do I dispose of large items, such as a couch, a TV or appliances?

There are two methods for the disposal of large items.  If you have received a dumpster through our clean up program, you can set the item alongside the dumpster.  To reserve a dumpster please call the Landfill Gatehouse at (620) 431-5268, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Or, you can set the item out with your trash on your regular collection day.  Please call the Public Works Complex at (620) 431-5250, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to let them know you have a large item(s) to be picked up with your regular trash.

To dispose of an appliance with refrigerant, you must show paperwork that the refrigerant has been properly recovered by a licensed professional per EPA Regulations (40 CFR Part 8 Subpart F).

2. Can I use a 55-gallon barrel for a trash can?

Trash collection containers shall not exceed 32-gallon capacity per city ordinance.

3. Will holidays affect the trash collection schedule?

The city advertises schedule changes the week prior to the holiday in the local newspaper and on the local radio station.  You may also call the Public Works Complex at (620) 431-5250, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with any questions.

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1. Where do I apply for Utility Service?

Memorial Building, 101 S. Lincoln Avenue, Chanute, Kansas, 66720

2. What hours are you open?

8:00 - 4:30 Monday-Friday
closed weekends and holidays

3. What do I need to bring to get Utility service in my name?

1. VALID Photo ID
2. Proof of Social Security number.
3 If you are renting, we require a copy of your Lease/Rental agreement from your landlord stating all adults that will be residing at the residence.

4. Do you call me on turn off day if my bill is not paid?

We communicate bill due dates by mail. The initial bill provides the due date, and a pre-termination notice serves as a reminder if the bill is not paid on time. We understand the comfort of having bills paid on time. Since our office can be very busy at times, it is not feasible for our staff to make follow up phone calls. Mail is the best way to ensure that you receive written confirmation of the due date.

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1. My drains are backed up, what should I do.

Typically this is caused by a problem in the drains in the house or yard and is the homeowner or tenants responsibility. If the sewer main is at fault the City will clean it, call 620-431-5250 to report the problem.

2. I smell sewage gas, or a rotten egg smell in my house, why?

This is often the sign of a drain without a trap, or a trap that has gone dry. Try running water through any rarely used drains. If this does not stop the problem call a plumber as it could be dangerous

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1. My water pressure is low, can you help?

Yes, the City can check at the meter to determine available pressure to see where the problem lies.

2. How much Sodium is in the water?

Sodium levels run 14 to 19mg/L.

3. My water has a “fishy” taste, Why?

This is normally caused by decaying vegetable matter in the river and its tributaries. The water is safe to drink and treatment is done at the river and the plant to minimize tastes and odors as much as possible

4. My water smells and tastes of Chlorine, Why?

For a few weeks, once or twice a year the water plant feeds "free" chlorine into the system instead of "combined" chlorine. Free chlorine is a better oxidizer and is very effective at keeping the distribution lines clean. Even though about the same amount of chlorine is in the system free chlorine can be smelt and tasted. The water is safe to drink when either type of chlorine feed is used.

5. What are the current water restrictions?

Water restrictions for the City of Chanute are implemented through various triggers in our conservation plan. Current restrictions can be found on the Drought & Water Conservation page. Water Restrictions