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1. What are acceptable excuses from jury duty?

A prospective juror may be excused if he/she:

• Has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. The prospective juror will be required to provide a doctor's note verifying the disability.
• Must provide actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. (Employment as a caregiver does not qualify)
• Is unable to read or understand the English language.
• Over 70 years of age
• Has custody of a child under 12 years of age and service would leave the child without adequate supervision.
• Is a student of a public or private secondary school or enrolled and in attendance at an institution of higher education.
• Is an employee of the legislative branch of state government. (Not exempt if staff in law enforcement or department of corrections).
• Has been convicted of a felony or theft offense.
• Active military out of the county.

Each request is individually reviewed. Potential jurors are encouraged to complete the request truthfully, to the best of their knowledge. Failure to do so is against the law. Jury service is a citizen's civic duty and responsibility.

2. I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused?

Texas law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. When you get to a courtroom, the judge will make that decision.

3. I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living. Why not excuse me now and save time?

Randall County tries civil and criminal cases, both of which require juries. The random selection process prevents you from knowing in advance what trial or even what type of trial for which you'll be selected. If when you get to a courtroom the judge excuses you, you've fulfilled your obligation for jury service. But the Jury staff cannot excuse you as a potential juror because of what you do for a living.

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1. What is a floodplain?

Any land that is susceptible to being inundated by water from any source. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land area from:

• The overflow of inland or tidal waters
• The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
• The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a normal body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as:
  • Flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge
  • By some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event

2. What is a floodway and who designates it?

The floodway includes the channel of a river and the adjacent floodplain that state standards specify smaller allowable increases. FEMA requires the community to designate a floodway to avoid the possibility of significantly additional rise in base flood elevations.

3. How do I find out if my property is in a floodplain?

You can request this information in writing (email, fax, or deliver requests) to the County Floodplain Administrator.

To assure we have the correct location, please submit with your request:

• Randall Appraisal District identification number (R-Number)
• Physical address
• Legal description of the property

You may also use the FEMA Map Service Center and Flood Map Store. Digital versions and images of flood maps are now available for viewing and printing from the online FEMA Flood Map Store. The Flood Map Store allows users to create a FIRMette at no cost. A FIRMette is a section of the flood hazard map at 100% scale that can be printed on standard paper sizes.

4. What are the penalties if I don't secure all my permits?

The penalties for not securing all permits are as follows:

• The County may require the removal of the improvements constructed without permits
• You may be fined up to $500 per day of offense (each day constitutes a separate offense)
• You would not be able to occupy or use your building or development until you receive all required permits

5. How are premiums calculated?

A number of factors determine the premium rates for flood insurance coverage. 

They include:

• Age of the building
• Amount of coverage purchased
• Building occupancy
• Design of the building
• Location

Factors for buildings in SFHAs include:

• The elevation

The only buildings in Zones B, C, and X which are eligible for preferred risk coverage at a pre-determined, reduced premium rate are single-family and 1 to 4 family dwellings. For these exceptions, there are certain loss limitations depending on the amount of insurance purchased.

6. What constitutes as substantial improvement or substantial damage?

Substantial improvement means any rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a building when the cost of the improvement equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the building before start of construction of the improvement. 

The term includes buildings which have incurred "substantial damage," or damage of any origin sustained by a building when the cost of restoring the building to its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the building before the damage occurred. Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual repair work performed.

Substantial improvement or damage does not, however, include any project for improvement of a building to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions. Also excluded from the substantial improvement requirement are alterations to historic structures as defined by the NFIP.

7. How are flood hazard areas and flood levels determined?

Flood hazard areas are determined using:

• Floodplain topographic surveys
• Hydro-logic and hydraulic analysis
• Information obtained through consultation with the community
• Statistical analyses of records of river flow, storm tides, and rainfall

The detailed FIS covers those areas that are subject to flooding from rivers and streams, along coastal areas and lake shores, or in shallow flooding areas, but do not include areas of less than one square mile.

8. What are flood hazard zones and what do they mean?

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) shows areas within the 100-year flood boundary, which are termed "Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)." 

100 Year Flood

A "100 year flood" does not refer to a flood that occurs once every 100 years, but refers to a flood level with a 1% or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The SFHAs may be further subdivided into insurance risk rate zones. Areas between the 100 year and 500 year flood boundaries are termed "moderate flood hazard areas." The remaining areas are above the 500 year flood level and are termed "minimal flood hazard areas."

Historically, about one-third of claims paid by the NFIP are for flood damage tin areas identified as having only "moderate" and "minimal" risk of flood. Flooding in these often is the result of inadequate local drainage 25 systems, and such flooding sources with small drainage areas are generally not identified on FIRMS. 

Flood Hazard Zones

The SFHAs are subdivided into flood hazard zones (insurance risk rate zones) according to the following criteria:

• Zone A: 
  • Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevation or depths are shown
  • Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply
  • SFHAs subject to inundation by the 100 year flood
• Zones AE:
  • Base flood elevations are shown within these zones
  • Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply (Zone AE is used on new and revised maps in place of Zones A1-30.)
  • SFHAs subject to inundation by the 100 year flood determined in a Flood Insurance Study by detailed methods
• Zone AH:
  • Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown in this zone
  • Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply
  • SFHAs subject to inundation by 100 year shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are between one and three feet
• Zone AO:
  • Average flood depths derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within this zone
  • Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply
  • SFHAs subject to inundation by 100 year shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are between one and three feet
• Zone X:
  • Flood insurance is available in participating communities but is not required by regulation in these zones
  • However, buildings in these zones could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate local creates areas of high flood risk within these rate zones
  • These areas have been identified in the community flood insurance study as areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flood in the area

9. If a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is believed to be incorrect, what can be done to change it?

Three procedures have been established for changing or correcting a flood map.

They are:

• Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
• Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
• Physical map revision

10. What is Letter Of Map Amendment (LOMA)?

A LOMA is the result of an administrative procedure in which the Federal Insurance Administrator reviews scientific or technical data submitted by the owner or lessee of property who believes the property has incorrectly been included in a designated SFHA. A LOMA amends the currently effective FEMA map and establishes that a property is not located in a SFHA.

Although FEMA may issue a LOMA, it is the lending institution's prerogative to require flood insurance as a condition of its own beyond the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 before granting a loan or mortgage. Those seeking a LOMA should first confer with the affected lending institution to determine whether the institution will waive the requirement for flood insurance if a LOMA is issued. If so, the policyholder may cancel flood insurance coverage and obtain a premium refund.

11. What comprises technical or scientific data?

In general, the scientific or technical data needed to effect a map amendment include certified topographic data and/or hydro-logic and hydraulic analyses to support the request for amendment or revision.

12. What is a Letter Of Map Revision (LOMR)?

A LOMR is an official revision to the currently effective FEMA map.

It is used to change:

• Flood elevations
• Flood zones
• Floodplain and floodway delineations
• Planimetric features

All requests for LOMRs must be made to FEMA through the chief executive officer of the community, since it is the community that must adopt any changes and revisions to the map. A LOMR is usually followed by a physical map revision.

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1. How can I reach the Randall County Jury Office?

The Jury Office is:

• Open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• During business hours, jurors may call 806-468-5600, ext. 4083 to speak with a staff member 
• For after hours jury information call 806-468-5602
• Fax number: 806-468-5604
• Randall County Justice Center
  2309 Russell Long Boulevard
  Canyon, TX 79015

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1. Where does the District Clerk obtain names of prospective jurors?

The list of names that is used to call people for jury service is created by combining the County’s voter registration list and Texas Licensed Driver and Identification records. Names are randomly selected from that master list for possible service as a juror.

2. I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. Can’t you take my name from your records?

Under certain circumstances, such as permanent mental or physical disability. Call the jury room at 806-468-5600, ext. 4083 and the jury staff can help you with the procedures that are needed to accomplish this.

3. I am not a citizen of the United States but I would still like to serve as a juror. Why can’t I?

The law automatically disqualifies non-citizens, convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored, and people under 18 years of age from jury service.

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1. Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution guarantees all people the right to trial by an impartial jury of one's peers, regardless of:

• Economic status
• National origin 
• Race
• Religion
• Sex

In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen's right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of prospective jurors.

2. Who is entitled to a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

3. What are my duties as a juror?

Your duty as a juror is to weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented to you and to decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

4. How are jurors selected for a trial?

After your panel is selected and reports to a courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the judge and possibly the attorneys will ask you questions to see if you can keep an open mind and be fair. After you have been questioned, you will either be selected or excused for that particular case. If you are selected, you and the other selected jurors will receive instructions from the judge as to what is expected of you. If you are not selected, you will return to the jury room and may be sent to another courtroom with another panel.

5. How long does jury service usually last if I am selected?

If you are selected to sit on a jury, the average trial length is two to three days, although trials may be longer or shorter depending upon the facts of the case.

6. What are the different types of cases I might be selected for?

There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil. In a criminal case, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, the jury decides whether or not money damages should be given and, if given, how much those damages will be.

7. What should I wear to jury service?

Jurors should dress comfortably, but properly for a courthouse. Shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops and halters are not permitted. If you report wearing any of these items, you may be asked to return home, at your own expense, to change into more suitable attire.

8. Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Texas State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to attend as directed may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Randall County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they:

• Are not a resident of Randall County, Texas
• Are not a United States citizen
• Are under 18 years of age
• Have been convicted of a felony or theft offense

9. What can I bring with me to jury service?

The jury process can require a juror to wait a considerable amount of time. For this reason, jurors are encouraged to bring a book or other form of reading material with them to the jury assembly room. Jurors may not bring cameras, walkmans or radios. Cellular phones and pagers must be turned off.

10. What happens if I do not show up for jury service?

Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined up to $1,000. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further action.

11. Are there phones and vending machines in the jury room?

Yes. A phone and vending machines are located near the jury assembly room. If you plan to make a purchase vending items, please bring enough change.

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1. Will I be compensated for jury duty?

Yes. Your payment is calculated at the rate of $6 per day. The second day of service on a jury panel is $40. Payment is computed on the last day of your service week, and a check will be mailed to your home address.

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1. What about getting a postponement for jury service?

The Jury Office realizes prospective jurors may have been summoned at an inconvenient time and is willing to defer service to a more convenient time in most instances. Jurors may request the first-time postponement after being summoned via phone 806-468-5602 or internet on this web page. Jurors may select a new date of their choice, with some limitations as long as the new date is within 90 days of the date on which they were scheduled to appear. Subsequent postponements are not allowed unless it is an extreme emergency that was not anticipated when the first postponement was granted.

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1. Can I sign up for an email reminder to renew motor vehicle registration?

You can sign up for an email reminder on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.

2. Can I send someone to renew my motor vehicle registration?

If the title owner is unable to come into the office and would like to send someone on their behalf, the following documentation is needed:

• Appointed persons government issued photo ID
• Copy of title owner’s government issued photo ID
• Current passing inspection report
• Current proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Hand written letter signed by the title owner stating they are giving the person coming in permission to buy their registration

3. What is considered acceptable forms of identification for new registration?

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requires an owner to present a current photo identification when applying for new registration. The following is considered acceptable forms of identification:

• Driver’s license or state identification issued by a state or territory of the United States
• Identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services identification document
• United States Department of Homeland Security identification document
• United States Department of State identification document
• United States military identification card
• United States passport or foreign passport

4. How can I obtain a duplicate title?

To obtain a duplicate title, you will need to contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by calling 806-467-3600.

5. How do I apply for a bonded title if I bought a vehicle without a title?

To apply for a bonded title, you will need to contact the local Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by calling 806-467-3600.

6. What specialty plates are available?

You can review and learn about available specialty plates through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.

7. What if I did not receive my vehicle sticker?

If you renewed by online please visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website and review the Dude, Where's My Sticker page.  If you renewed by mail contact the Tax Office by calling 806-468-5540.

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1. What is a plat?

A plat is a scaled drawing prepared by a land surveyor showing the location and boundaries of individual tracts to be developed. 

The plat must comply with local platting and subdivision regulations that are adopted in accordance with State law. The plat must also comply with the general rules and procedures and practices of the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors. After review by various departments and local utility companies and after all necessary changes are made to the plat by the land surveyor, the plat is considered for final approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The plat is then officially recorded in the deed records of the county in which the platted property is located.

2. Why is platting necessary?

The purpose of platting is to meet local and State law requirements designed to promote orderly and systematic growth in and around the City. The platting process ensures that a project is on a legally subdivided lot with proper space for development and with the required utility easements, roadways, and public facilities.

3. When is plat required?

A plat is required when land is divided for the purpose of sale or transfer of ownership, or when creating a new building site prior to issuance of a building pennit inside the city limits. 

A plat is also required to attain connections to a public utility, such as electricity, in an area extending 5 miles beyond the current City limits, known as extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The ETJ is identified on an official map kept on file in the City Planning Department. Platting is required unless an exception is authorized by the City's platting and subdivision ordinance or by State laws that govern platting.

4. Where is a plat required?

A plat is required on any tract to be developed within the corporate limits of the City of Amarillo, or on any tract in the City's ETJ that is 5 acres or less in size and is not subject to ETJ platting exceptions set forth in State law as described later in this publication.

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1. When are taxes due?

Tax statements are mailed each October first and are due upon receipt.

January 31 is the last day of each year to pay without penalty and interest. Taxes are delinquent on February 1 of each year and penalty and interest begin to accrue.

2. Does the tax office use the post office cancellation mark to determine the payment date?

Yes, if payment is sent by regular first-class mail or a private mail carrier and properly addressed with pre-paid postage, the post office cancellation mark is considered the date of payment.

3. What if I do not receive a tax statement?

Property owners know that their property taxes are due each year. You may print out an e-statement. You may check with the tax office. 

State law provides that failing to send or receive a tax bill does not affect the validity of the tax, penalty or interest due by an individual, the existence of a tax lien or any procedure the taxing unit institutes to collect the tax.

You may want to check with your mortgage company to determine if the mortgage company pays your taxes.

4. What if I sold my property last year?

The taxing unit does not prorate taxes for the year. Most contracts for the sale of real property provide that the taxes for the year of the sale will be prorated between the buyer and seller. The sales contract and any closing statement received when the property was sold should indicate how the tax liability was handled.

If the seller owned the property on January 1 of last year then the seller is liable for the taxes for all of last year. The taxing unit can proceed against the seller personally for the tax.

The taxing unit can also proceed against the buyer to foreclose the tax lien. The buyer should be informed of the taxes since the buyer has a vested interest in not having the tax lien foreclosed on the property.

5. What if I received the tax statement but my mortgage company is supposed to pay my taxes?

The homeowner or mortgage company has to request each year that the tax statement be sent directly to the mortgage company. If this request has not been made then the tax statement is sent automatically to the property owner.

If you receive a tax statement that should go to your mortgage company then you will need to write your loan account information on the tax statement and forward it to your mortgage company so they can make payment out of your escrow account. You may also provide your loan account information to the tax office and the tax office can send your mortgage company a tax statement.

You may want to check with your mortgage company to determine if your taxes were paid timely.

6. What if the name is wrong on the tax statement?

The Potter Randall Appraisal District determines ownership. The Potter Randall Appraisal District may be contacted by phone at 806-358-1601 or by mail or in person at:
5701 Hollywood Road
Amarillo, Texas 79118

7. Can I change the address where my statement is mailed?

Yes, the property owner can request the mailing address to be changed in writing by contacting the Potter Randall Appraisal District or the tax office. The Potter Randall Appraisal District’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 7190
Amarillo, TX 79114

8. When are installment payments due for Over 65, disabled or veteran homestead pay agreements?

Taxpayers who have an Over 65, disabled or veteran homestead exemption may pay current taxes on their qualified homestead in four installments. You must pay one-fourth of your taxes and sign an agreement by January 31 in order to avoid penalty and interest. If the first one-fourth payment and signed agreement is received by February 28 then 7% penalty and interest applies.

The remaining payments are due by March 31, May 31 and July 31 without penalty and interest. If you miss an installment payment then you will have penalty (6%) and interest (1% each month delinquent) added to the installment amount.

9. How are the tax rates determined?

The governing body of each taxing unit (commissioner’s court, school board, etc.) sets its own tax rate each year to raise the tax dollars needed to meet the budget it adopted.

The process begins on July 25 of each year when the chief appraiser certifies the appraisal roll to the taxing unit. The governing body must adopt their tax rate for the upcoming tax year by September 30.

10. What districts have a tax ceiling with an Over 65 or disabled homestead exemption?

When you receive an Over 65 or disabled homestead exemption, you also receive a “tax ceiling” for some of your taxes. Some taxes on your home do not increase as long as you own and live in that home and no new construction is added.

The school district taxes have a ceiling. Other districts that may have a ceiling are the county, city and junior college.

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1. Must my employer pay me while I'm on jury service?

No. An employer is not required by law to pay employees who are on jury service but many employers do. You should check with your company's human resources department before serving to see if your company pays your salary for days you are a juror. If you do receive your salary while on jury service, you should ask what your employer requires as proof that you served as a juror.

2. What is the proof of service during jury duty?

If your employer requires proof of attendance, it is attached to your summons. The clerk will fill out and sign it for you. This is done when you have completed your service and are released from further jury duty.

3. Can my employer fire me for performing jury service?

No. According to Texas law, "…A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror. An employee whose employment is terminated is a violation of Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section §1221.