Frequently Asked Questions

No; the fire department doesn't dispose of medications or used or expired medical supplies of any kind. Henry County Police Department Headquarters, located at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway in McDonough has a medication drop box for disposal of medications. You may also contact any local pharmacy, doctor's office, clinic, or hospital for tips or recommendations on disposing such items.

No, however, arrangements can be made for City of McDonough citizens to obtain the necessary meter, hose, adapters, and tools for pools to be filled. For more information, contact a Battalion Chief or Chief Dave Williams from the Fire Department Directory.

Yes, McDonough Fire Department purchases or is granted a limited supply of battery operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms each year. While supplies last, the Fire Department will provide those to City of McDonough residents and fire personnel will install them as necessary. The Fire Department will also install or change your purchased smoke or CO alarms and purchased batteries in existing alarms if needed. For further information or to schedule an appointment, visit or call either McDonough Fire Station at 678-782-6250, contact the Prevention Division or a Battalion Chief in the Fire Department Directory.

• NOTE 1: The Fire Department does not provide hard-wired alarms with battery back-up.
• NOTE: 2: Smoke and CO Alarms must be tested regularly and the batteries changed per the manufacturer specifications.

Yes, McDonough Fire Department is usually granted a supply of child car seats at certain intervals throughout the year, and we provide those car seats to certain individuals and families that meet specific criteria as long as supplies last. McDonough Fire and Police Departments have certified Child Safety Seat Technicians who are dedicated to child safety and will install purchased or donated car seats at no cost. 

If you have questions about child safety car seats, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have a car seat installed, please call 470-878-1118. If no answer, leave a message, and a technician will return your call ASAP.

No; the fire department does none of the above. There are several local and nearby locations that sell, charge, recharge, repair and/or dispose of fire extinguishers. These locations can be located by an internet search. For further questions or concerns about fire extinguishers, please contact the Fire Department Prevention Division in the directory.

Sometimes, the fire department attempts to schedule and teach a CPR/AED class to citizens at least once or twice each year, but it doesn't always happen. However, there are Certified CPR Instructors within the department that sometimes teach outside classes and may be willing to teach a class for a per person cost. 

For further inquiries, contact the Training Division in the directory. Other possible means to obtain CPR, AED, or BLS, certifications is to contact the Emergency Response Training and Support Services or call 770-716-1404, the National CPR Foundation, or Faithful Guardian Training Center at 678-432-2243.

Incident reports are usually complete and available 3-5 business days after the occurrence. A property owner, tenant, insurer, and/or investigators may request a copy of a report by contacting the Fire Department at 678-782-6250, a Battalion Chief or the Fire Chief in the FD directory. Upon requests, instructions will be provided as to how and when to obtain a copy. Reports are usually available for pick up and under certain circumstances emailed to a recipient on the same business day of the request. The first copy of a report is generally provided at no cost; however, charges may apply for additional copies.

• NOTE1: The Fire Department does not release copies of any EMS or Investigation Report without a lawful subpoena.
• NOTE 2: Other persons or companies outside those listed and/or requests for records or reports on environmental protection, permits and/or inspections must apply for an Open Records Requests through the City of McDonough Open Records Office at McDonough City Hall, 770-957-3915, ext. 1123 or via email.

For inquiries about Commercial Burning or Bon Fire Permits in the City of McDonough contact the McDonough Community Development Permitting Division, the Fire Department Prevention Division or the Fire Chief. The cost for a Commercial Burn Permit is $500. The Georgia Forestry Commission controls all other prescribed and/or residential burning permits in Georgia, including the City of McDonough. For those questions or permits, call 1-877-OK2BURN (1-877-652-2876).

For inquiries reference scheduling of Fire Safety or other events, contact The Prevention Division, a Battalion Chief or the Fire Chief in the FD Directory. You may also visit or call either Fire Station 678-782-6250, an on-duty officer may be able to assist.

NOTE: McDonough Fire Department does not sponsor nor partake in personal parties, ceremonies, or events at private residences.

An annual statewide burn ban is in effect from May 1 to October 1 unless otherwise advised by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Burning is usually allowed during all other times with a burn permit. When burning in the City of McDonough or Henry County, burning is limited to natural yard rubbish and debris only. Burn piles can be no larger than 6'x6'x6' and must be monitored at all times. A garden hose or other water supply shall be readily available within 50' of and able to reach the fire. All fires must be completely extinguished before dark with exceptions to bon fires and fires used for cooking or warming. For other questions about burning, call the Fire Department at 678-782-6250.

You can obtain your property by filling out a Property and Evidence Release Form that can be located at the City of McDonough Police Department, in the Administrative Office. You will be contacted by Property and Evidence to make an appointment to pick up your property. Please be sure to bring proper identification when you are receiving your property.

You must have an appointment before you can obtain your property.

Employment opportunities with the City of McDonough Police Department can be found on the Career Opportunities page.

If your report has been assigned to a Detective you will be contacted within a few days of filing the report and/or you will receive a letter in the mail regarding what Detective has been assigned to your case and how to contact them. If you have not heard from a Detective and you need to talk to one, you can call 770-957-1218 and ask to speak to the Investigative Aid about your case.

Use our online form to file a complaint against a police officer. 

An Accident Report or Incident Report can be obtained in person from the Records Division, located at the City of McDonough Police Department, 50 Lawrenceville Street, McDonough, GA 30253.

• Family Violence Reports cannot be obtained unless an arrest has been made and then only the victim or aggressor will have the rights to the report.
• Accident Reports can only be obtained by the vehicle owners or insurance companies involved in the accident.

For an emergency, please call 911

For non-emergencies, you can call 770-957-1218 and ask for an Officer to come out and speak with you.

You can also file a police report by coming to the City of McDonough Police Department, and ask for an Officer to make a Police Report.

50 Lawrenceville Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-1218 

Please refer to the map showing the City of McDonough’s Jurisdiction (PDF).

The Christmas Parade is scheduled for the first Saturday in December. Applications may be downloaded from the City of McDonough's website or you may pick up an application at City Hall, 136 Keys Ferry Street. The parade applications are received on a first come; first serve basis. Only the first 80 entries will be accepted. You may contact the Clerk's office with questions at 678-782-6205.

To request a Proclamation, you may contact the Mayor’s Executive Assistant at 678-782-6265.

If you would like to speak during a council meeting, you may contact the Clerk’s office at 678-782-6205.

You may obtain a copy of previous council meeting minutes by visiting the City of McDonough website or by calling the Clerk's office at 678-782-6205.

Please refer to the Municipal Elections page.

You may schedule a meeting with the Mayor by contacting the Mayor and Councilmember’s Executive Assistant at 678-782-6265.

You may contact a Councilmember by visiting the Mayor and Council page for contact information.

Yes, McDonough Fire Department is usually granted a supply of child car seats at certain intervals throughout the year, and we provide those car seats to certain individuals and families that meet specific criteria as long as supplies last. 

McDonough Fire and Police Departments have certified Child Safety Seat Technicians who are dedicated to child safety and will install purchased or donated car seats at no cost. If you have questions about child safety car seats, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have a car seat installed, please call 470-878-1118. If no answer, leave a message, and a technician will return your call ASAP.

No; the fire department does none of the above. There are several nearby locations that extinguishers may be purchased, charged, recharged, repaired, or disposed. These locations can be located with an internet search. For further questions or concerns about fire extinguishers, please contact the Fire Department Inspections Division in the directory.

The owner of a property is responsible for what transpires on his/her property, but licensed contractors know that permits are required before work begins as the rule is a part of the test for licensing. Any permits pulled without proper permits will be penalized.

The owner of a property is responsible for what transpires on his/her property, but licensed contractors know that permits are required before work begins as the rule is a part of the test for licensing.

You may contact a staff person within the Building Division at 770-898-3506.

Depending upon the complexity of the project, a building permit could be issued the same day for a simple residential deck or up to four weeks for a complicated commercial structure.

All permits are reviewed for compliance with the codes and processed as quickly as possible. There is not an additional expediting process.

Yes. Georgia law, O.C.G.A. 43-14, requires all persons contracting or performing for hire any plumbing, electrical, low voltage, heating-air conditioning, or utility work in Georgia to be duly and currently licensed by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board for that work. 

The purpose of this is to regulate building and construction in the City of McDonough, to provide for the administration and enforcement of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes, and to establish procedures for the permitting and inspection of buildings within the City of McDonough. This requirement is also required of homeowners attempting the work themselves.

The purpose of permitting is to ensure that the minimum code standards are being met to preserve the public's safety, health, and welfare.

A permit is required when any owner, authorized agent, or contractor wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure. Also a permit is required to install, enlarge, alter, or replace, any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or sprinkler systems. The installation is regulated by the City’s technical codes, and a permit is required prior to the work beginning.

Download a current schedule of Permit Fees (PDF).

The municipal code of the City of McDonough creates structure within the City government and protects the welfare of the citizens and the environment. The Code is accessible to all citizens on the City of McDonough’s website or at City Hall.

The Code Compliance Office enforces the code when a violation is reported or found.

In most cases, the person responsible for the violation is notified of the violation, briefed on how to correct the violation in order to meet compliance requirements, and given an opportunity to correct the violation within an established time period.

If voluntary compliance efforts are unsuccessful, then the responsible person is issued a citation and ordered to appear before the Judge in the McDonough Municipal Court.

The municipal code of the City of McDonough is a charter and a book of ordinances used as a tool in the administration of the City's affairs and to create an active law for the City of McDonough.

For more information, please see the code online.

The Code Compliance Office is a functional area within the Planning and Zoning Division of the Community Development Department. Our focus is the enforcement of the City Codes and the Zoning Ordinance through education and compliance.

You can report a violation directly to the Code Enforcement Office by telephone at 678-414-8330, by email or by letter to:

Community Development Department
Code Enforcement Office
136 Keys Ferry Street
McDonough, GA 30253

Download the 2019 McDonough 101 Application (PDF). 

Visit our Utility Billing page to find information on establishing new water service. 

You may call 1-800-772-1213 for a location.

The McDonough Christmas Parade is always the first Saturday in December.

The Geranium Festival is always the third Saturday in May. For more information please visit the Geranium Festival website. 

All job openings for the City of McDonough are posted on our website.

Please contact Henry County Board of Education at 33 North Zack Hinton Parkway at 770-957-6601. (The City will provide a copy of your water bill for address verification if needed.)

It is located at:

619 Tanger Boulevard
Locust Grove, GA 30248

Phone: 678-565-4362

It is located at 100 Postmaster Drive. For more information, call 678-432-4319.

Henry County Clerk’s Office
One Courthouse Square

Phone: 770-288-6000

Yes, Henry County Chamber of Commerce is located at 1709 Hwy 20 West. For more information, call 770-957-5786.

Yes, they are included with their bill; you will see the separate amount at the bottom of your bill.

They are issued through Henry County Probate Court at 99 Sims Street - 770-288-7600.

You may also obtain one at the McDonough Post Office at 100 Postmaster Drive - 678-432-4319.

They are issued through Henry County Probate Court at 99 Sims Street- 770-288-7600.

The City of McDonough's code of ordinances requires an occupational tax certificate to insure that businesses are being operated in the appropriately zoned districts and in accordance with all applicable codes.

The business hours are from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (closed for lunch 12 pm-1 pm).

It depends on the type of business, but two forms of identification are required for all applicants: a valid driver's license and a birth certificate or passport. The new occupational tax forms (PDF) will have the required information listed.

The Occupational tax certificate is non-transferable. If you have moved your location within the city limits of McDonough, complete and submit a change of address form (PDF) to the Occupational Tax Department.

 If you move your business location to another city or county, complete the closure of business form (PDF) and submit to the Occupational Tax Department to close your account.  You will need to contact the other city or county to obtain your occupational tax certificate with that jurisdiction.

Certificates can be renewed beginning October 1st of each year.

The process varies based on the type of business, but in most cases you can obtain the occupational tax certificate the same day, if all the supporting documents are submitted.

Your certificate expires on December 31st of each year. There is a grace period until January 15. After January 15, a late fee of $100 will be assessed to your fees.

DBA lets the public know who the real owner of a business is. The DBA is also called a Fictitious Business Name or Assumed Business Name. It helps protect consumer, so dishonest business owners can't try to avoid legal trouble by operating under a different name. When someone files a DBA, it's normally circulated in some kind of print newspaper (maybe you've noticed all those "fictitious business name" entries in the local classifieds). It lets the community know exactly who people are behind a business

In general, there are two reasons why a business would obtain a DBA:

1. For sole proprietors: If you're operating your business as a sole proprietor, then you may need to file for a DBA if your business has a different name than your own name. So, let's say I've started a gardening business called Spring Flowers Gardening; I'll need to file for a DBA for "Spring Flowers Gardening."
   • There are a few other details to know. In some cases, you don't need a DBA if your business name is a combination of your name and a description of your product or service. In this case, if my business was called Ricky Johnson's Gardening Service, I may not need a DBA. But, if it's just my first name (aka Ricky's Gardening Service), then a DBA may be required. If that sounds confusing, don't worry; just touch base with Henry County Superior Clerk's Office at 770-288-8022 and ask them if you'll need a DBA.
2. For corporations and LLCs: If you have filed to become a corporation or LLC, then you've already registered your business name and may NOT need a DBA. However, you are encouraged to get a DBA if you plan on conducting business using a name that's different than the name filed with your LLC/corporation paperwork.

So back to my Spring Flowers business…I incorporated my business as Spring Flowers Gardening. My business will need to file a DBA in order to operate under "SpringFlowersGardening.com" or "Spring Flowers." Likewise, if I opened a Garden Shop, I'd need a DBA for "Spring Flowers Garden Shop." In short, you're encouraged to obtain a DBA to operate with any kind of variation of your original name.

Contact Henry County Superior Court at 770-288-8022.

The Tax Identification Number is required by the IRS if your business is taxed as a corporation, limited liability corporation (LLC) or a partnership; if you file employment taxes or if you have employees.

You can go to the IRS website or call Georgia Department of Revenue at 404-968-0480.

Georgia businesses selling items or services requiring the collection of state sales tax must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Center. It's important to understand that a resale number only entitles you to avoid sales tax for items that you will resell to customers.

E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. 

An e-verify company ID is not the same as your Tax ID Number. It's a 6 digit number assigned to your businesses after you have enrolled in the program based on the number of employees.

Home-based businesses are normally used as administrative offices only.

Contact Community Development secretary at 678-432-4622 for questions regarding prohibited uses for home-based businesses.

The occupation tax is calculated based on annual gross receipts. Tax on gross receipts is based on the associated tax class for each business description. Once the gross receipts are provided for a 12 month period, the fees will be generated based on the tax class/type of business.

The fee for insurance companies per our city code is $100 per location.

Yes, non-profits are required to submit a renewal application every year the business is in operation, providing a copy of the IRS 501 (c) Registration of Exemptions 

A listing of qualified practitioners of profession is available on McDonough code of ordinances Chapter 5.04.080 - Professionals as Classified in O.C.G.A. § 48-13-9(c) (1)-(c)(18).

Our office issues Alcohol Licenses, Filming Permits and Special Event- Alcohol Outdoor Event Permit as well as Notary Service.

Payments are accepted in the form of cash (exact amounts); business checks; personal checks; cashier's checks; money orders; debit and credit cards.

Phone payments can be made at 678-782-6225 but online payments are not available.

Contact Community Development secretary at 678-432-4622 for questions regarding all sign permits or banners.

Yes. Call or email HR.

Applications are reviewed by the hiring department and a decision will be made on which applications move forward to the interview process. The length of the screening process varies depending on the volume of applications received for the particular job posting.

For any further questions regarding the application process, please call 678-782-6220 or email us.

You will need to submit your changes in writing to the Human Resources Department.

Applications can be hand-delivered to City Hall at 136 Keys Ferry Street or they can be scanned and emailed.

Applications can also be faxed to Human Resources at 678-782-6414. Note: All Police applications should be mailed or hand-delivered to the Police Department at 50 Lawrenceville Street, McDonough, GA 30253.

The general application (PDF) is used for all positions with the exception of Fire and Police. Those departments have separate applications.

• Fire Department Application (PDF)
• Police Department Application (PDF)

No. A resume can be attached to an application but a completed application is required for all positions. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to effectively evaluate your skills, abilities, and qualifications. Incomplete applications may be rejected, so please be thorough.

No. Not for that position. Once a closing date has passed, no application will be accepted or considered. Please continue to visit our site for new job postings as they become available.

Yes. However, a separate application must be completed for each position for which you are applying.

Job applications can be picked up at City Hall, 136 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough, Georgia or they can be downloaded from our Job Opportunities page. 

The City of McDonough accepts applications only when positions are posted.

A list of available positions can be found at City Hall on the job board or on the Job Openings page.

Yes.

1. Provide HR with something in writing to stop your payroll deduction with Bankers and the date.
2. HR will stop your deduction in payroll.
3. The Bankers invoice is paid a month in advance. Your deduction will stop the last pay period of the month you request if the invoice has not been paid for the following month. If the invoice has been paid for the following month then your deduction will stop the last pay period of the following month after your request.
   • EXAMPLE ONE: Turn your request in to HR mid-March. If the Bankers invoice has not been paid for April your deduction will stop the last pay period of March.
   • EXAMPLE TWO: Turn your request in to HR mid-March. If the Bankers invoice has already been paid for April your deductions will stop the last pay period of April.
4. You will also need to call Banker's Life yourself to cancel since it is an individual policy.

Yes.

Complete the Deferral Change Form 457(b) and Roth 457(b) (PDF). Once completed email or bring to HR.

Yes.

Complete the W-4 (Federal) (PDF) and/or G-4 (State) form(s) (PDF) located under the Tax Forms and Direct Deposit section of the employee portal. Email or bring by HR.

Please note the forms must be completed and given to HR the Monday before payroll. If the forms are received after the deadline the changes will not be made until the next pay period.

Generally, the Fire Department doesn't shut off any utilities; however, under emergency situations, the Fire Department will shut off electricity, gas, water and possibly other utility services in order to cease or prevent hazards, injury, death and/or property damage or destruction. If you're interested in learning how to shut off your utility services in case of damaged wiring, switches, outlets, water lines, gas lines, etc. please contact a Battalion Chief, the Prevention Division or the Fire Chief from the FD Directory.

Toll-free customer service number 866-458-7500

For inquiries reference permits or inspections on new buildings or businesses under construction, contact the McDonough Community Development Building Division or the Fire Department Prevention Division. For f inquiries reference fire or safety inspections for your existing business or home, contact the Fire Department Prevention Division or the Fire Chief.

The Stormwater utility can be used for Rights- of- Way drainage issues and legal Stormwater easements only; we unfortunately cannot fix your backyard. We can help with driveway pipes, clogged storm inlets on streets, and other public use items.

Stormwater is the water which falls as precipitation, which is mostly rain in this area. This water runs off driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and streets and does not soak into the ground. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow directly into a storm sewer which discharges into streams, rivers, and wetlands. Stormwater is NOT treated like household sewage. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated the same water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking water supply.

Yes, McDonough Fire Department is usually granted a supply of child car seats at certain intervals throughout the year, and we provide those car seats to certain individuals and families that meet specific criteria as long as supplies last. McDonough Fire and Police Departments have certified Child Safety Seat Technicians who are dedicated to child safety and will install purchased or donated car seats at no cost. 

If you have questions about child safety car seats, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to have a car seat installed, please call 470-878-1118. If no answer, leave a message, and a technician will return your call ASAP.

No; the fire department does none of the above. There are several local and nearby locations that sell, charge, recharge, repair and/or dispose of fire extinguishers. These locations can be located by an internet search. For further questions or concerns about fire extinguishers, please contact the Fire Department Prevention Division in the directory.