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1. How do I obtain a business license?

Business licenses are permits issued by local municipalities authorizing individuals or companies to conduct business within that government's jurisdiction. Business license requirements are based on location and the nature of business. Applicants must submit an application along with the required supporting documents to the Business License Department for review. Please call (912) 876-3564 for more information.

2. How do I obtain a Tax Identification Number and/or Wholesaler's Registration Number?

Federal Tax / Employer Identification Numbers (FEIN) are issued through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at (800) 829-1040. A State Tax / Employer Identification Number and Wholesaler's Registration Numbers are issued through the Georgia Department of Revenue at (404) 417-4477 or from their website. Georgia Department of Revenue

3. How do I incorporate my business?

Business corporations, professional corporations, Limited Partnerships (LPs), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are formed by filing with the Corporations Division of the Office of Secretary of State. For more information, call them at (404) 656-2817 or view their website. Corporations Division of the Office of Secretary o

4. Will I receive a refund if I close my business earlier in the year?

No

5. What is the Business & Development Assistance Team?

The Business & Development Assistance Team is comprised of the following departments: Liberty Consolidated Planing Commission, Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, Inspections Department, and Business License Office. Their purpose is to provide information to make the process easier for potential business owners. Appointments to meet with the Business Assistance & Development Team are scheduled upon request.

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1. Where should I call for car tags?

For car tags, contact the tax commissioner's office at the Liberty County Courthouse at (912) 876-3389.

2. Where can I get a birth certificate?

For a birth certificate, call Probate Court at the Liberty County Courthouse at (912) 876-3635.

3. What is a resolution?

In law, a resolution is a written motion adopted by a deliberative body. The substance of the resolution can be anything that can normally be proposed as a motion. Normally resolutions are enacted to take action on an issue.

4. Where can I obtain a marriage license?

For a marriage license, contact Probate Court at the Liberty County Courthouse at (912) 876-3635.

5. What is a code?

A collection of laws or regulations enacted by the city. The City Clerk's Office documents and keeps record of the code of ordinances.

6. What is an ordinance?

An ordinance is a law passed by a municipal government. This power is granted by state constitution and governed by a municipal charter. However, if a municipality enacts an ordinance that exceeds its charter or is in conflict with state or federal law, the ordinance can be challenged in court and ruled void.

7. What is the difference between a code and an ordinance?

An ordinance is a law passed by a municipal government; whereas, a code is a collection of those ordinances.

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1. How do I apply for assistance from the Homeless Prevention Office?

To apply for assistance from the Homeless Prevention Office, visit the Liberty County Department of Family and Children's Services or call (912) 876-6573 to schedule an appointment.

2. Where is the Community Development Department located?

We are located in City Hall on the second floor. .

3. How do I apply for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation?

Call the Community Development Office @ 912-876-3164 for qualification requirements and an application.

4. What is your privacy policy for the Homeless Prevention Program?

We adhere to a very strict privacy and confidentiality practice regarding individuals served through the Homeless Prevention Program. Our agency is committed to assuring the privacy of individuals and/or families who have contacted us for assistance. We assure you that all information shared both orally and in writing will be managed within legal and ethical considerations, and with the utmost respect.

In addition to a standard policy of participant confidentiality, extra precaution is taken by the City of Hinesville HPP Program regarding victims of domestic violence. In compliance with the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301), staff will not disclose any personally identifying information about any client via the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). We may also use aggregated case file information for the purpose of evaluating our services, gathering valuable research information and designing future programs. Your anonymity will be maintained through the use of your client number or by using aggregate data.

Our agency does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, gender, sexual preference, national origin or disability.

5. Who should attend the Homebuyer Education Workshop?

The workshop is for first time home buyers interested in the Georgia Dream Home Ownership Program as well as persons simply wanting to learn about credit, budgeting, and other aspects of owning a home. For more details visit the Homebuyer Education Program page.

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1. Do you teach CPR / first aid classes?

Yes. We try to have at least one class per month. The cost of the class is $20. Certification is for two years through the American Heart Association. Our classes are are eight hours long and are usually scheduled for Saturdays.

2. When should I change the battery in my smoke detector?

It's best to change your smoke detector batteries every time we change our clocks for daylight saving time (twice a year).

3. What is your ISO rating?

We are a Class 3 Fire Department.

4. Can I buy, sell, or use fireworks in the state of Georgia?

Yes, you can buy, sell or use fireworks in the state of Georgia using the following guidelines from Georgia House Bill 110.

1. Fireworks can only be sold or used by persons 18 years of age or older.

2. Fireworks cannot be used indoors.

3. Fireworks can be used daily between the hours or 10:00 a.m. and midnight. On January 1, July 3, July 4 and December 31, fireworks can be used from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m.

4. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or a gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

5. Am I legally responsible if something goes wrong when I use fireworks?

Please be advised that you have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in using fireworks and are presumed to intend the natural and probable consequences of your acts. You are responsible for discharging them safely without endangering other persons or property. As a result, you may be subject to potential criminal and/or civil liability for any damage to persons or property resulting from your use of fireworks.

6. Who should I contact if I want to sell fireworks in Hinesville?

Call the Fire Marshal's office at 912-877-4143 or visit the Business License Office at Hinesville City Hall. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays).

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1. Where do I get copies of police reports?

The Records Section of the Police Department between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday except city holidays.

2. How long does it take to get a copy of an accident report?

Generally Motor Vehicle Crash Reports are available within five business days.

3. How do I purchase police auction items?

Visit www.propertyroom.com or www.publicsurplus.com. We also hold a live auction annually with other city departments. Visit our events calendar and sign up to be notified when an event is scheduled.

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1. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Yes, there is a $20 permit fee. See Obtaining a Permit to learn more about permit requirements. For more information, contact the Inspections Department at (912) 876-4147. Obtaining a Permit

2. Do I need to get a permit for a storage shed?

Yes, permits are required for site-built storage sheds as well as for prefabricated buildings / kits. Permit fees vary with type and valuation. See Obtaining a Permit to learn more about permit requirements. For more information, contact the Inspections Department at (912) 876-4147. Obtaining a Permit

3. Do permits expire?

Yes, all permits issued are valid for a period of six months. Continued progress must be made to keep the permit active. For more information, contact the Inspections Department at (912) 876-4147.

4. What is backflow prevention?

The Backflow Prevention Program is an ongoing endeavor which protects the City’s water supply from cross-contamination. Annual certification and testing is required for all commercial buildings.

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1. What is the amount of my fine?

View violation fees on the following link. Fine Fees

2. Is my citation a mandatory Court appearance?

If you are charged with the following offense, you must appear in court even if you have posted a cash bond:

• DUI
• No license
• Suspended license (second offense)
• Theft by shoplifting (under $300)
• Probation violation
• Violation of sound making device (fourth offense or more)
• Window tint (fourth offense or more)
• Vicious dog

3. How do I pay a citation and not have to appear in court?

When you receive a citation from the Hinesville Police Department, it has your court date and time. If you intend to pay your before your court date, you may do so by paying the citation any time up until 7 a.m. the morning of court. If not paid by 7 a.m., you must appear in court at 7:45 a.m. Payments are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but after 4:30 p.m. you must have exact change if paying with cash. You may also pay by mail to:

Municipal Court of Hinesville
123 East M.L. King, Jr. Drive
Hinesville, GA 31313

Methods of payments include:

• Cash
• Check made payable to the City of Hinesville (no starter checks, checks over $200 are not accepted after 4 p.m., all checks must be pre-printed, and proper ID is required)
• MasterCard, Visa or American Express with proper ID (we also accept payments over the phone by the owner of the card)
• Money order
• Cashier's check

If you have posted a cash bond for an offense that does not require a court appearance and you do not appear in court, your bond will be forfeited and your case will be closed as guilty by bond forfeiture.

Online payments may be submitted on the homepage at www.cityofhinesville.org.

4. Can I speak to the judge before my court date?

The judge cannot discuss your case outside of court. We cannot provide the phone number for him at his regular office. He is only available during court for discussion of cases.

5. What should I do if I cannot appear in court on my court date?

Cases (one time only) may be postponed by 3 p.m. on the day before your court date by completing the appropriate forms in the clerk’s office at 123 East M.L. King, Jr. Drive for the following reasons:

• Emergencies with proper verification
• Subpoena from a higher court
• Military obligation (must have your supervisor, E-6 or above, come to the clerk's office)
• Postponements for other reasons require a cash bond

6. What if I fail to appear in court?

If you fail to appear at your scheduled court appearance, a warrant may be issued for your arrest with additional fines. The clerk’s office will notify the Department of Driver Services to suspend your driver’s license or your privileges to drive in this State until you have satisfied the court. If your license or privileges are suspended, a reinstatement fee may be assessed by the State. For more information, contact the court at (912) 368-8206.

7. What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is an initial hearing before a judge during which the judge reads the charges to the defendant, informs the defendant of his or her constitutional rights, and gives the defendant the opportunity to enter a plea. If the defendant enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), the judge may impose sentence immediately. If the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, the matter is set for trial at a later date in the month.

Arraignments are held on the first, second and third Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays. Most officers are not subpoenaed to court for this date. On arraignment day you may enter the following pleas:

• Guilty – This plea means that you acknowledge having committed the violation stated on the citation.
• Not Guilty – This plea means that you deny having committed the violation stated on the citation and that the City must prove its charge(s) against you at a court hearing. If the officer is already present in court, the case may be heard. If the officer is not in court, the case is then set for a non-jury trial where any witnesses and police officers are subpoenaed, and evidence is used by either side.
• Nolo Contendere (no contest) – This plea is neither an admission or denial of charge(s). It states that you are not contesting the charges and do not want a trial, and is admission that you believe the City would prove the charges, if not rebutted by your evidence. The plea is accepted at the court’s discretion.

8. What is a bench trial?

A bench trial is a court appearance before the judge by the violator, officer and any witnesses to present facts of the case and announce judgment. Bench trials occur on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

9. How do I get a trial by a jury?

You must appear in the Municipal Court on your assigned court date and request the judge to transfer your case to State court. Upon the approval, you will be required to post a bond, as we cannot send cases to State court without a bond. You will be notified by that court of your new court date and time to appear.

10. How do I appeal the judge's decision?

If you do not agree with the judge’s decision of your case you may appeal it through the Superior Court of Liberty County within 30 days of disposition. Contact Liberty County Superior Court Clerk F. Barry Wilkes at (912) 876-3625 for further information.

11. Is there a dress code and prohibited item policy?

Yes, your clothing should be neat, clean, well-fitted and appropriate for court.  you may NOT wear shorts, sweatpants, over-sized or baggy clothing, spandex, shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity or illegal drugs.  Sunglasses and hats are not allowed to be worn unless required by religious belief or needed for medical condition.

Military personnel should be dressed in the attire as directed by their chain of command and should be escorted by and E6 or above.

Cell phones are to be turned off or silenced while in the courtroom.  If your cell phone goes off or you are found using them, it may be confiscated with a fine imposed for its return.

No weapons or video recording devices are allowed without being approved by the court prior to the court date.  No food, beverages or tobacco use is allowed.

12. Are there any security precautions I should be aware of?

You should arrive between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Before entering the court, you will go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.

13. What can and cannot the court staff do to help?

We can help you with the following:

• Explain and answer questions about how the court works
• Give you general information about court rules, procedures and practices
• Provide court schedules and information on when a case is scheduled for a hearing
• Give you information from your case file
• Usually answer questions about maximum punishments allowable by law
• Provide you with fine information for offenses for which the judiciary has adopted a fine schedule

We cannot help you with the following:

• We cannot advise whether or not you should bring your case to court
• We cannot tell you what words to use for preparing motions or other court papers
• We cannot recommend what you should say to the judge in court
• We cannot speculate about what decision the judge might make or what sentence the judge might impose in your case
• We cannot change an order signed by a judge or override any decision rendered by a judge
• We cannot talk to the judge on your behalf
• We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court
• We cannot give you information on background checks

14. Where does the money go?

All fines are subject to the following surcharges or additional fees as required by State law and local ordinance. The Police Officer Annuity and Benefit Fund is subtracted from the fine imposed. All other fees are added to the fine imposed.

• Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund O.C.G.A. 47-17-60
• Law Library Fund O.C.G.A. 36-15-9
• Peace Officer, Prosecutor and Indigent Defense Funding Act O.C.G.A 15-21-70 to 77
• County Jail Construction and Staffing Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-90 to 95
• Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-110 to 115
• Local Victim Assistance Programs O.C.G.A. 15-21-130 to 134
• Drug Treatment and Education Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-100-101 (Drug offenses only)
• Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund O.C.G.A. 15-21-140 to 152 (DUI offenses only)
• Drivers Education and Training Fund O.C.G.A 15-21-179
• Technology fee Resolution Number # 2009-27
• Publication fee ($25) for publication of photo in newspaper, as ordered by sentencing judge on second or more DUI offense

15. What are Rule NISIs?

Rule NISI is a court order requiring an individual to appear in court to "show cause" why a particular action should or should not be granted/ordered. For example, if the Inspections Department has someone that will not clean up around their property, cut the weeds, abandoned vehicles, etc., they do not write citations for that but issue a Rule NISI.

16. How do I request a certified disposition?

Certified dispositions may be requested by individuals who have had their case heard in Municipal Court. The disposition shows all charges and the judge’s decision. Dispositions may be obtained at a cost of $2. You may request a disposition by mail by sending a money order or cashier's check to:  Hinesville Municipal Court 123 East M.L. King, Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313, or click the link below

https://hinesvillega.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest

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1. What is public relations?

Public relations is the planned process of distributing important information to intended audiences.

2. Does the Public Relations Manager develop campaigns for elected officials?

No. The Public Relations manager works for the City of Hinesville to promote the City as a whole and inform the public about products, services and local government business.

3. Does the Public Relations Manager plan downtown events?

No. The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority is responsible for organizing downtown events in Hinesville. However, the Public Relations Manager does assist with promoting these events and encouraging participation.

4. Is the Public Relations Department responsible for coordinating special events and sponsorships?

No. The Public Relations manager works with the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority and other agencies to publicize events that promote the City and benefit the residents of Hinesville.

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1. When is my scheduled garbage collection day?

View the sanitation schedule which is broken up by street name. Sanitation Schedule

2. When is my drainage ditch scheduled to be cleaned?

View the drainage maintenance schedule which is broken up by date. Drainage Maintenance Schedule

3. Where can I get free mulch?

We have a stockpile available to the public in the parking lot at the Public Works facility at 613 E.G. Miles Parkway.

4. What do I need to do before I begin digging or breaking ground?

By law, everyone-including homeowners-must contact Georgia 811 by dialing 811 or 1-800-282-7411 at least 48 hours before beginning any mechanized digging on your property. Even if your digging project is small, its always best to call! For more information, visit http://www.gaupc.com.

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1. Can I pay my water bill over the phone?

No, we do not take phone payments. you can either mail your payment, use one of our drop boxes, or pay on-line.

2. How do I activate my water service?

You must bring a copy of your lease or purchase agreement, a valid drivers license, and $100.00 for a security deposit, to City Hall. If you are military and would like to have the security deposit waived, you will need the same items plus your orders bringing you to Fort Stewart, and take them to the Soldier's Center on Fort Stewart. More...

3. When is my water bill due?

All water bills are due on or before the 15th each month.

4. Can my water service be activated same day?

Yes. But you must arrive at City Hall or the Soldier's Center before 3pm.

5. How can I find out the amount of my balance?

Go to "On-Line Bill Pay" and login using your customer ID and PIN. Call 912-876-3564 for assistance.

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6. What is the typical water usage for watering my grass 2 hours each day?

Approximately 18,000 gallons per month.

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7. What is linked sewer?

The sewer is not a metered service, but is billed on usage based on the metered water consumption.

8. Can I change the due date on my bill?

No. All water bills are due upon receipt and past due after 5pm on the 15th of each month.

9. I am a new customer and my first bill has a balance forward of $15.00

A one-time connection fee is charged on every account when a move-in or transfer service order is generated. This fee shows as a "balance forward" on the first bill.