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1. Does Troy offer tax incentives to build my business in the City?

The City offers three major tax incentives: the Troy Enterprise Zone Program, the Tax Increment Finance District Program, and the Community Reinvestment Area Program. For more information, contact the Development Department or visit www.troyohio.gov/development. 

2. Does my home qualify for the Community Reinvestment Area program?

Community Reinvestment Areas are areas of land in which property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements. Troy has two Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs), which combine to cover the entire city. If you are performing significant improvements to your home or business, you may qualify. Contact us for more information.

3. Do I need a permit to build a fence, shed, pool or deck?

You typically need a zoning permit for any of these additions. File your permit online by visiting the Online Zoning Permits page. When in doubt, call us before beginning any work.

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1. What hospital will I be transported to when I call 911?

The Troy Fire Department transports all of our patients to hospitals based upon the guidelines set forth by the Greater Miami Valley EMS Council. These guidelines are our operating protocols and are administered under the direction of our Medical Director.

Under these protocols, the TFD transports all of our patients to the closest and most appropriate hospital, which will normally be Troy Hospital on West Main Street. We do take into consideration the preference of the patient and pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatment unless any of the following conditions are present:

• It is medically necessary to transport the patient to the closest hospital for stabilization.

• It is unsafe to transport the patient to the preferred/recommended facility due to adverse weather or ground conditions or excessive transport time.

• Transporting the patient to the preferred/recommended facility would cause a critical shortage of local EMS resources.

In certain situations, including special pediatric emergencies, special cardiac or stroke emergencies and trauma emergencies, our crews would transport to the appropriate facilities specified in our protocols.

If there are any questions, please contact the Troy Fire Department at (937) 339-0495.

2. Why do I get an ambulance bill for calling 911 when I pay taxes?

Please understand that billing for EMS transport is a nearly universal concept that’s been in place for decades not only in the Miami Valley but throughout the state of Ohio and nation. We are not unique and we try to manage our costs to minimize any burdens to only those that are truly necessary. Our community is very fortunate to receive professional Paramedic-level service on every call.

Taxes pay for our training, certification, readiness, facilities and equipment used to provide full-time, Paramedic-level emergency medical services. Our ambulance billing revenue only offsets a portion of our overall operating expenses.

If you have questions about or need assistance with paying your bill, we would be happy to have our billing firm contact you with available options.

3. Where do I find information regarding the new Carbon Monoxide (CO) legislation?

Click here for more information.

4. Do you offer smoke detectors?

Yes. We do offer smoke detectors to qualified residents of Troy. Please contact the fire prevention office at (937) 335-2227 to see if you are qualified.

5. Am I allowed to have a recreation fire in Troy?

Yes, as long as all of the rules, guidelines and ordinances are followed, including the Ohio EPA regulations. Wood stacks/burning area can be no larger than 2 feet high x 3 feet wide, and you must use/burn clean, seasoned firewood or equivalent. For more details, visit our open burning page here. You may consider calling our non-emergency dispatcher at (937) 440-9911 to notify us the night and time of your recreation fire.

6. How do I get a child car seat checked?

Please call Aaron at the Fire Prevention Bureau at 335-2227 to schedule a week-day appointment. If evenings or weekend days are your only availability, please call Shawn at 335-1905. You may also contact Officer Joel Misirian at the Troy Police Department at 937-339-7525, ext. 423.

7. How do I obtain a copy of an EMS or fire run sheet?

You may contact Cassidy Mitchell at Administrative Headquarters at 339-0495 located at 1528 N. Market St.

8. Will you pump water out of my basement, fill my pool, or get my cat out of a tree?

No. We are unable to provide this service due to needing to be available to respond to emergency Fire & EMS calls only.

9. Do you offer Fire Station tours?

Yes. To schedule a tour, please call Station 1 at (937) 335-5678.

10. How do I obtain a burn permit?

You would contact Regional Air Pollution Control Agency at (800) 458-2115 or visit www.rapca.org .

11. When is the community Trick-or Treat night?

Please check here for the City of Troy Community Calendar.

12. Does Troy have a fireworks ordinance?

Troy does not have a local fireworks ordinance, and follows Ohio's fire code. For more information, click here.

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1. Does the City of Troy impose a municipal income tax?

Yes. The City of Troy does impose a municipal income tax to provide revenue in support of municipal operations as authorized by Chapter 171 and subsequently amended. This tax was first adopted in 1967 and is imposed on the earnings of all residents and, as well, to nonresidents who work within the City of Troy. In addition, the tax is imposed on all businesses that operate within Troy, performing work and/or service within Troy, and on the net profit from all business activity from Corporations, S-Corps, Partnerships, LLCs and any other type of entity with nexus within the City of Troy. Note: Single entity LLCs who file a Schedule C on their individual Federal Income Tax Return may also file reporting the Schedule C on their individual City of Troy Income Tax Return.

Individuals who are Troy residents, but have pass-through income (with the exception of S-Corp income) must report the pass-through income on their individual income tax return (unless the entity files a Troy tax return reporting all income to Troy). If the pass-through income of a resident has been taxed at either the entity or pass-through level by another municipality, credit as provided by the Income Tax Ordinance will be allowed for tax paid on said pass-through income. S-Corporations will report Troy activity only on an entity level.

2. What is the current income tax rate?

The current City of Troy income tax rate is 1.75%.

3. Must I file an income tax return?

The City requires all individuals 18 and older residing within the Municipality, as per the mandatory filing provision for all residents, as well as each person engaged in business within the Municipality regardless of residency to file a tax return, regardless of whether or not tax is due.

4. I am a Troy resident who works outside the City of Troy. My employer withholds local income taxes from my pay. Do I still owe income taxes to the City of Troy?

The City allows credit for tax properly withheld for other city tax paid up to Troy’s rate of 1.75%. If you work in a city with a tax rate of less than 1.75%, you will owe the City of Troy on the difference between the amount withheld and our rate of 1.75%. If you work in a city with a tax rate equal to or greater than 1.75%, and tax has been properly withheld, you will not owe the City of Troy additional tax on that income. As a resident, even if you do not owe tax to the City of Troy, you still must file an income tax return with the City of Troy.

Also, you will be required to file and pay quarterly estimated tax installments against any current year liability that you may owe during the current year on income subject to the Troy municipal tax. Please refer to the Income Tax Ordinance for assistance with estimated tax payments, or call our office for further instruction.

5. Where can I get income tax forms?

Income tax forms may be obtained by accessing them on the forms page. Forms are also available at:
City Hall
100 S. Market St.
Troy, OH 45373

6. Where do I file my income tax return?

Your City of Troy income tax return can be filed with the Troy Income Tax Division at:
100 S. Market St.
Troy, OH 45373

7. Can someone assist me in completing my City of Troy Income Tax Return?

Yes! By simply bringing your income tax information to the Income Tax Division at:
100 S. Market St.
Troy, OH 45373.

The staff will complete your tax return. There is no charge for this service, and no appointment is necessary during January or February. Returns are prepared by appointment during March and April. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Note: We cannot offer assistance with preparing Federal or State Tax Returns.

We recommend that you file early (prior to April 1) as there may be a substantial wait for assistance as the deadline approaches. You will need to bring all pertinent income tax records (W-2’s, 1099’s, copy of complete federal tax return) in order for us to properly and completely prepare your City of Troy Tax Return.

8. My spouse and I file separate federal tax returns. Do we need to file separate City of Troy Income Tax Returns?

A husband and wife may elect to file either separate Troy tax returns or file jointly, regardless of how they file their Federal and State income tax returns. The tax calculations will show the same result regardless of whether returns are filed separately or jointly.

9. What will happen if I don’t file my income tax return or pay my balance due?

Failure to file a tax return and failure to pay the outstanding balance due are both violations of the Income Tax Ordinance of the City of Troy. In addition to penalty, interest, and late filing fee assessments, criminal charges and/or civil judgment can be obtained in order to enforce the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance.

10. I am starting a business in Troy. Where do I get information and forms for a business account?

To establish a business account and withholding account and to secure the necessary reporting forms, you may download the appropriate forms from this website for your initial filings of withholding tax, estimated tax due for business, or the business income tax return. In addition, you should also download and complete the Business / Withholding Questionnaire and remit for proper account set-up. You may also call our office at 937-339-3861 and we can set up your accounts over the phone, or fax the necessary forms to you for you to complete.

For additional information and requirements, you may refer to the Income Tax Ordinance.

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1. When do I need a permit and where do I get an application?

A permit is needed anytime you increase the footprint of a building, install an accessory building (including, but not limited to: a fence, garage, patio, pool, shed...etc.) or open a new business. Applications can be found on our website, by visiting us at City Hall (102 S. Market St.), or by contacting us at (937) 339-9481.

2. What is the difference between a Zoning Permit and a Building Permit?

A Zoning Permit is issued by the City of Troy. It verifies the project you are proposing is in compliance with the City of Troy zoning regulations (setbacks, height, lot coverage...etc.). A Building Permit is issued by the Miami County Building Department and verifies the project you are proposing is in compliance with building regulations (construction materials, plumbing, electrical...etc.).

3. What rules apply to Garage Sales?

-Garage sales are limited to no more than two garage sales per unit per year and can not exceed three consecutive days.
-One on-premise sign is permitted that does not exceed 4 square feet.
-Two off-premise signs are allowed if they do not exceed 2 square feet.
-Signs are NOT allowed to be placed on telephone poles or in the right-of-way (between the sidewalk & curb)
-All signs must be removed 24 hours after the garage sale.
-Garage sales are permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

4. Do I need to submit any information along with my permit application when applying for a permit?

Yes, you will need to submit a site plan indicating where on your property you would like to locate new structures. This needs to include the setbacks to all surrounding property lines and the distances from any existing structures.

5. What is the process for filing a complaint concerning the condition of my neighbor's property?

Please contact the complaint line at (937) 335-6103 and provide the address and description of the complaint. Complainants can be anonymous, however, staff will not be able to provide feedback regarding the status of anonymous complaints.

6. How much does a permit cost?

Each permit has a separate fee. You can access the list of fees by clicking on the 'Forms & Documents' tab on the homepage.

7. How do I know if a particular address is located within the City of Troy?

You will want to check the Miami County Auditor's website (www.miamicountyauditor.org). Parcel numbers that start with "D08" or "D45" are in the corporate limits of Troy.

8. What happens to a variance if I sell my home or business?

Variances stay with the land. A variance will continue even if ownership of the property changes. New owners must adhere to the terms and conditions of the original variance granted.

9. My neighbor and I are having a dispute regarding the property line. Will the City locate them for us?

The City will not locate property lines. You should consult a professional engineer/surveyor or your title company to assist you.

10. My neighbor's tree hangs over the fence and drops limbs into my rear yard. Can the City address this issue?

No, the city can only address dead or dying trees in the right-of-way (usually located between the sidewalk and street). You should consult an attorney as this is a private civil legal dispute and the city has no control or jurisdiction.

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1. What do I do if my trash and/or recycling are missed?

To report missed trash or recycling, contact the City of Troy at (937)-335-1914. If it is determined that the trash/recycling was in compliance with our Residential Solid Waste Regulations, it will be picked up the same day or the following day.

2. When will my brush or T-bags be picked up?

Brush and are picked up on the same day as your regular trash as long as it is in compliance with Section 9 of the Residential Solid Waste Regulations.

3. How do I dispose of broken glass in my regular trash?

Place the broken glass in a cardboard box that is securely taped, and then clearly mark it with the word "Glass". Place the box on top of the trash can or on the ground next to the rest of your trash.

4. How do I dispose of paint cans that still have paint in them?

After you have removed the lids and dried out the remaining paint, you can place the paint cans out with your regular trash. The drying process can be sped up by filling half of the can with cat litter and mixing it into the paint. The lids must be removed so the waste collectors can see the paint has been completely dried.

5. How do I dispose of mirrors?

The mirror must be covered with any kind of paper. The paper must be securely taped to the mirrors frame so that no part of the mirror is exposed. The mirror can then be placed out with your regular trash.

6. How do I dispose of fluorescent light bulbs?

The light bulbs must be completely wrapped in paper and taped, then they can be placed out with your regular trash. Light bulbs can also be recycled during specific times of the year at the Miami County Transfer Station, located at 2400 N. County Road 25A. They also offer dates to dispose of unwanted household chemicals. For more information about the County's recycling regulations and dates call (937)-440-3488.

7. How do I dispose of my gas grill?

Remove the propane tank from the grill and place the grill out with your regular trash. The City of Troy does not accept or dispose of propane tanks.

8. What are the hours for the Dye-Mill Road Compost Facility?

For hours and a list of acceptable materials, click here.

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1. What number do I call to report a dead animal in the road?

Dead animals in the road can be reported by contacting the City of Troy at (937)-335-1914.

2. When will my street be swept?

The street sweeper is out on a routine basis starting in April and continues throughout the summer season (weather permitting). The sweeper starts on the West end of town and work towards the East. It then moves across the river and works North until the route is completed. This route takes approximately 20-30 working days to complete. Please contact the Street Department at (937)-335-1914 to determine the current sweeping status.

3. How do I report a pothole?

To report a pothole or any other pavement concerns, please contact the City of Troy at (937)-335-1914.

4. How do I get my mailbox replaced when it is damaged by a plow truck?

For instructions on getting your mailbox replaced, please call the City of Troy at (937)-335-1914.

5. How do I get my curb lawn repaired if it is damaged by the city while plowing snow?

If you believe your curb lawn was damaged during the city's plow operations, please call (937)-335-1914 and provide your name and address. Additional information may also be requested at the time of the call. The street department foreman will come out and assess the damage to determine if it was caused by a city plow truck. If so, your address will be placed on a list and be repaired typically beginning the first part of April (weather permitting).

6. How are sidewalks repairs prioritized?

Each year, a section of the city is selected for the sidewalk replacement program. This program eliminates safety issues by requiring deteriorated sidewalks be repaired. For questions, contact the Engineering Department.

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1. Where can I come to pay my bill?

Payments can be made in person at the City Hall building on the first floor. City Hall is located at 100 South Market Street in Troy. You may pay in person at the counter, or you can place your payment in the night depository. The night depository is immediately to the right inside of the main door. This depository is emptied daily.

2. What are the hours of operation?

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The night depository is available 24 hours a day, and is located in the lobby area on the first floor by the Market Street entrance of City Hall.

3. How can I contact customer service regarding my bill?

You can call 937-335-4151 during the office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can also be reached by e-mail at utility.billing@troyohio.gov.

4. What pay methods can I use to pay my bill?

There are variety of ways to pay your bill. Please refer to the Payment Options page for full details.

5. Are there agencies that can assist with payment of my utility bill?

There are several local agencies that provide many outstanding services to our residents, and assistance with bill payment is one of those services. For specific guidelines or to see if you qualify, you must directly contact the agency to see if they can assist:

• Partners in Hope 937-335-0448
• Salvation Army 937-667-6586
• St. Vincent 937-335-2833
• FISH 937-335-1440
• New Path 937-669-1213

6. Can my payment date be changed?

No, the payment date is based upon how the city has been divided. There are 4 different sections within the city, and the due dates are set by section. The due dates are either the 14th or the 28th of each month. Your due date is indicated on the utility bill. It is important to remember that your bill will be due on the same day every month. Failure to pay by the due date will result in a 10% late fee (except when the due date falls on a weekend or holiday). When your due date falls on a weekend or an observed holiday, the bill due date becomes the first business day after.

7. I own a property and rent it out to others. Why am I responsible for any unpaid utility bill?

The City of Troy Chapter 909.03 states that the property owner is responsible for the payment of any and all charges billed for service at the owner’s property, whether the account for such charges for the property is carried in the tenant’s or another’s name. The signing of an indemnification card is required by the city, and the owner must sign this card for the service to be placed in the tenant’s name. This also serves as notification to the owner that they are responsible for any charges regarding the service at their property.

8. I am a new resident in Troy, how do I sign up for utility service?

To sign up for new service, simply appear during normal working hours at the office of Utility Billing, located on the first floor of City hall at 100 South Market Street in Troy. You must complete either a utility contract for owner occupied property form or a utility contract for tenant occupied property form. For full details, or to download these forms from our website, visit the Starting Service page.

9. If I have had a water leak, am I eligible for an adjustment to my bill?

Adjustments for water leaks / plumbing problems may be made with the following general guidelines:

• The problem must be repaired and proof of repair must be provided in writing. No adjustments will be considered until the problem is fixed and proof of repairs is provided.
• Adjustments are limited to the last two meter readings or last two monthly billings. No adjustments will be made for problems that were not fixed for longer periods (i.e. water leak has been ongoing for one year and has just now been repaired). Only the last two months will be reviewed for possible adjustment.
• Adjustment will be for the sewer portion of the bill only. No adjustment will be considered for water which has been expended.The sewer portion of the bill will be considered for adjustment, since, in most cases, the problem would have resulted in no outflow through the sewer system for water expended.

10. I have a swimming pool, and am preparing to fill it for this year. Am I eligible for any adjustment to sewer charges for the water used to fill the pool?

Please see our Swimming Pool Program page.

11. Am I eligible for any adjustment to sewer charges for the water used to care for my new lawn?

Please see our New Lawn Program page.

12. If I have a question regarding trash pick-up, recycling (including how to obtain a recycling container), brush and leaf pick-up, or grass clippings, who do I call?

You will contact the Central Maintenance Facility at 937-335-1914. Their business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except recognized holidays). They will be happy to assist you with all of these matters.

13. What are the hours of operation for the Dye Mill facility?

Current days and times for Troy residents can be found on the Dye Mill Road Facility page.
Troy residents may take grass clippings, leaves, sod, concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, and brush trimmings.
Proof of Troy residency required

14. How can I establish a bulk water account?

To establish a bulk water account, you must appear at the office of Utility Billing, City Hall, 100 South Market Street, Troy OH, first floor during normal working hours. You must present an acceptable form of identification (driver’s license or state identification card). Upon completion and signing of a contract, you will be given a PIN number, unique to your account. Do not share this PIN number, as bulk water is directly billed to you whenever your PIN is used to access. Bulk water is distributed at the Water Treatment facility. Once a month, you will be billed for usage. Any late payment will result in the account being frozen until paid in full.

15. I recently got married / divorced. How do I go about changing my name on my current utility account?

Stop by the office of Utility Billing, City Hall, 100 South Market St. Troy OH, on first floor during normal working hours. You will need to sign a new contract for service, provide an acceptable form of identification (driver’s license or state identification card), and provide a copy of legal paperwork which documents the marriage / divorce.

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1. Who do I call to inquire about my water bill?

Please call the Billing and Collection Office, open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 937-335-4151. This office is located on the first floor of the City Building, 100 S. Market Street.

2. How can I get my well water tested?

Troy’s Bacteriological lab accepts well water samples, but these must be collected as stipulated by Ohio EPA. This protocol mandates our lab supply the sterilized sample bottle and the OEPA sample submission form to whomever is collecting the sample. You simply record the date, time, address, and add your name and contact information to the form. The name of the sampler is required, if it is not you. Samples can be submitted between 7am-2pm, 7 days a week, and must be accompanied by a payment of $30/sample, payable to the Troy Water Fund. The sample must be submitted to our lab within 24 hours of collection, and should be refrigerated until submitted. For more information, call the Water Treatment Plant at 937-339-4826.

3. What are the results of Troy lead testing?

Historically, Troy has shown very few detections for lead since testing began in 1993.
The EPA Action Level of concern is set at 15 parts per billion. Public Water Systems exceeding this 15 ppb standard in more than 10% of their samples are required to take special measures to control water quality.
Troy's sampling results have always been well below the level of concern.

4. Does Troy add fluoride to the drinking water?

In two past referendums, the citizens of Troy have voted to not fluoridate Troy's drinking water, so NO fluoride is added to the drinking water by the City of Troy. Water drawn from the city's wells does contain naturally occurring fluoride, and this persists through the treatment process. The level of fluoride in the tap water averages 0.3 to 0.4 parts per million (ppm). If fluoride is added to drinking water, the current recommendation from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for fluoride is a range of 0.7 to 1.2 ppm.

5. How long does bacteria testing take?

Water samples must be incubated a minimum of 24 hrs. Testing results are normally available within 30 hrs. of submission. The sample submission form must provide contact information (phone, e-mail) in order for our lab to report samples to you.

6. Can I use my own container for a bacteria test?

No, for quality control reasons Ohio EPA requires that a certified laboratory provide pre-screened and approved containers. If bottles from another certifed lab are used, they must be accompanied by OEPA sample bottle quality control documentation from that laboratory.

7. How often is Troy's water tested?

Water Treatment Plant Operators do process control checks hourly (pH, free chlorine) as well as tests for Total Hardness and Total Alkalinity at 2-hr. intervals. Per Ohio EPA regulations, a minimum of 30 bacteriological samples are collected each month from various areas within the Troy distribution system, and the free chlorine residual at the plant effluent and in the distribution system is tested daily. Ohio EPA issues annual monitoring schedules, including quarterly and annual sampling requirements for various chemical, radiological and disinfection by-product constituents.

8. How do water rates in Troy compare to rates in other nearby systems?

A current regional water & sewer rate survey, conducted annually by the City of Oakwood, is available at the following link: Regional Water & Sewer Rate Survey

9. Can the Troy lab test for nitrates?

The City of Troy lab is a bacteriological lab, and does not test for organic or inorganic compounds. If you have a private well, you can have the above constituents and additional water tests done by a commercial OEPA- certified lab such as Pace Analytical, 25 Holiday Dr., Englewood, OH 45322-2706, phone 937-832-8242, https://www.pacelabs.com or MASI Environmental Laboratories, 7940 Memorial Drive, Plain City, OH 43064, phone 614-873-4654, http://www.masilabs.com/services.html

10. Does the Troy Water Treatment Plant conduct tours?

Tours are available for organized groups, such as Scout troops, 4-H clubs, service organizations, and local schools. To arrange a tour, please contact the WTP Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent directly at 937-339-4826.

11. How does Troy prevent lead in its drinking water ?

Lead is not present in our source water.
Lead contamination in drinking water results from lead plumbing materials exposed to corrosive water.
To prevent this, the Water Plant staff continuously monitors the treatment process to control alkalinity and pH, ensuring our product is in a non-corrosive and absolutely safe state.
For decades we have tightly controlled the chemistry of our water, utilizing common but very effective treatment techniques to achieve a precise Ohio EPA- mandated calcium carbonate stability index.
This precise chemistry allows us to deposit a very thin protective layer of calcium carbonate coating within our system's piping and fixtures, to add an extra layer of protection from lead plumbing components that may exist in older sections of our system.

12. How often does Troy conduct Lead testing?

By Ohio and US EPA mandate, we conduct Lead & Copper testing at 30 locations every three years.
Samples are taken by citizens in Troy residences and submitted to an EPA-approved independent laboratory for analysis.
EPA Lead & Copper rules are now under revision, and more frequent testing is expected in the future.

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1. What should I avoid flushing or putting down the drain?

Fats and oils, diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, and paper towels can cause clogs when flushed. In addition, we ask that you keep medication, automotive chemicals, paint, harsh cleaning products, and any hazardous wastes out of the drain and our sewer system.

2. How much water does the Wastewater Treatment Plant treat per day?

We treat an average of 5.5 million gallons per day. The plants design capacity is 7 million gallons per day.