General Government Frequently Asked Questions
	When is City Hall open?
	City Hall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. We are closed for New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
	Where do I pick up accident reports?
	You come to City Hall to pay for an accident or offense report that occurred in the city limits of Winchester. Accident reports are $5.00 and offense reports are $3.00. Once payment has been made, you may take your receipt to the Police Department to receive the report.
	Where do I pay a traffic citation or parking ticket?
	If you received a traffic citation or parking ticket from a Winchester officer you may pay the ticket at City Hall. If you have questions concerning a citation for Winchester City Court, contact Vickey Fleming at 931-967-2532.
	Where is City Court held?
	Winchester City Court is held at Winchester City Hall in the courtroom. Court is held twice each month on the second and third Wednesday at 4:30 pm. The Winchester City Judge is Trudy McKelvey Edwards. County Drug Court is held each Thursday evening at 7 pm in the City courtroom with Judge Buddy Perry presiding.
	What is the property tax rate for the City of Winchester?
	The City of Winchester has a property tax rate of $0.99.
	When are property taxes due?
	Property Taxes are due and payable from October 1st through February 28th without penalty. After February 28th, there is a 5% penalty along with a ½% for each month past due.
	Are there Property Tax Relief programs available?
	The State of Tennessee offers Property Tax Relief if you are disabled or 65 years old or older and your income is less than $20,000. Some limitations do apply. Call City Hall (967-2532) for more information.
	Do I need a business license?
	If you are operating or doing business in the city limits of Winchester, a city business license is required. This is in addition to your county business license or other permits (such as building permits) that you may already have. Call Judy or Teena at City Hall (967-2532) for information.
	Do peddlers have to obtain business license?
	The City of Winchester has a Transient Vendor's License, which is $50.00 plus $5.00 collection fee. This license will permit the vendor to engage for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of issuance.
	What is the cost of a business license?
	The cost to apply for a new city business license is $20.00. Applications for a City of Winchester business license may be picked up at the City Hall business office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applications may also be mailed of faxed upon request. Call Judy at City Hall (967-2532) to find out your classification.
	Who do I notify when a business is closing?
	When a business closes they must notify Judy at City Hall (967-2532) in order for the business to be deleted from our records. If this is not done you will continue to be billed for a business license and receive all correspondence.
	When does the City Council meet?
	The Winchester City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. . If a Public Hearing is scheduled, meeting time is also 7:00 p.m.
	Can I receive copies of ordinances, resolutions and City Council minutes?
	All ordinances, resolutions and minutes are archived at City Hall. They may be viewed at City Hall during normal business hours or copies purchased for $0.25 a page. Or the actual meeting of the Winchester Council may be viewed on Winchester's very own EGTV Channel 12 following each meeting and at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Council meeting minutes are archived on the city website .
	Do I need to obtain a permit before having a garage or yard sale?
	You must obtain permission from the City before having either a yard sale or a garage sale. Permits can be applied for at the City Hall Annex between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at a cost of $5.00. You must obtain this permit at least three days before the event. For more information call 962-8973 or check Ordinance No. 833.