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Welcome to the Buzz
Congratulations! You have received the very first "Bedford Buzz" e-newsletter! This is a publication of the City of Bedford Communications Division. If you have any questions about the Buzz, please send an email to public.info@bedfordtx.gov.
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Starting with the March 15 billing cycle, the City of Bedford will use a new water billing payment system called OpenGov. This change will impact ALL water customers who pay their water bill online.
Why the change?
The new system includes a simplified and flexible bill payment option, a live environment where customers can view their water payments, transaction history, and current amount due, as well as the ability to set up account notifications. New features of the system also allow users to pay with Discover or American Express (in addition to other major credit cards), choose paperless billing options, and sign up to receive text message updates.
How will this work?
The current billing website will remain active until March 25, but will no longer accept payments on or after this date. Customers trying to access the old system on or after March 25 will be redirected to the new OpenGov page.
The week of March 18 – 24 will be a transition period. During this time, customers can continue to pay over the phone or mail-in payments. However, City staff is requesting customers not to pay in-person (unless necessary) so staff can attend training. Please note, any payment made during this transition week will NOT be reflected in the system until March 25.
On Monday, March 25, customers need to sign-up for an OpenGov account by visiting https://bedfordtx.pay.opengov.com/. On or after March 25, customers will be able to make an online payment or access real-time account information through OpenGov.
Additional instructions on how to set up an account will be included in the customer’s March or April bill, depending on the customer’s designated billing cycle.
PLEASE NOTE, customers’ account numbers will change with the OpenGov system. Customers will receive a pin number set up their OpenGov account during the March 15 billing cycle and WILL NOT have access to the OpenGov system until March 25.
What if I pay my bill via automated credit card drafts?
Customers paying by automated credit card drafts can continue making payments via the current system until March 25. These customers will need to enter their credit card information in the new OpenGov site prior to their April bill’s due date.
What if I pay via automated bank draft, through the mail, over the phone, etc.?
The system changes do NOT affect customers who pay their water bill in-person, over the phone, through the mail, or have an automatic bank draft set-up. However, these customers should still log into the OpenGov system to confirm payment information, starting March 25.
Questions?
Please contact Utility Billing Department staff at 817-952-2112 or mailto:customerservice@bedfordtx.gov.
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Bedford Police Online Reporting System
The Bedford Police Department is making it easier to file a police report for non-emergency crimes with a new online reporting website.
By reporting these non-emergency crimes online, dispatchers will be able to focus on emergency calls and those filling out an online report can easily print out a copy.
All cases submitted through this system will be reviewed by detectives. People who file an online report may or may not be contacted by a detective based on the circumstances of the case.
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City to Install Lightning Detection System at Parks
The City will install lightning detection systems at Stormie Jones and Meadow Parks along with Generations Park at Boys Ranch this spring to alert park-goers of severe weather in the area.
The lightning detection systems provide real-time updates on severe weather in the immediate area, and includes auditory and visual alerts to prompt park goers to seek shelter.
Please note, the volume of the sirens will be monitored and can be adjusted by City staff. The systems will be installed in all three parks within the next two months.
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Toddler Playground coming to Harris Ryals Park
Harris Ryals Park, located at 2700 Cummings Drive, will be receiving 2–5-year-old playground equipment this year! The playground, which will have similar colors to the existing 5–13-year-old play structure at the park, will feature three slides and engineered wood fiber (or wood chips).
The playground will be located generally to the east of the existing playground (which is staying) and is anticipated to be installed by summer 2024. When details on an installation date are announced, they will be shared on all City communication channels. Parks and Recreation staff plans to add a shade structure to this playground in the future, when funding is available.
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How can I help - a common question people ask after a disaster. For those with the time, talent, and training, becoming a member of your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), is the answer.
Bedford is proud to have a well-developed CERT program, and there's always room for more members. If you’re interested in joining the Bedford CERT, make sure and sign up soon! The next CERT Training class is below. This is a compressed version over three days, instead of once a week for 10 weeks as in the past. All three days are required to attend.
Dates and Times:
- Friday, April 5: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, April 6: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, April 7: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: City Hall, Building C, 1805 L Don Dodson Rd, Bedford, TX 76021
Cost: The class is free. Lunch is provided for both days for $25 or you may bring your own.
This class is being jointly taught by the Bedford, Euless, and Hurst teams and will be completed in just three days. Registration is required by March 29. at https://www.bedfordtx.gov/cert.
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Did you know brush and yard waste (like rocks, dirt, trimmings, and equipment) do not belong in your recycling? Instead, place it in the trash. Any old garden hoses should also go in the trash since it can wrap and tangle around Republic Services recycling equipment, potentially hindering the recycling process and damaging equipment. When in doubt, throw it out! |
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Crud Cruiser - Saturday, March 9
Bedford residents can dispose of household hazardous and electronic waste beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Meadow Park Athletic Complex (3200 Meadow Park Dr.).
Remember, the capacity of the Crud Cruiser truck is limited and the City recommends arriving early! Additional trucks are not available so if you miss this event, you can pick-up a household hazardous waste voucher from the City to dispose of your items at the Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center. (More info: https://www.bedfordtx.gov/hhw)
If you have EMPTY paint cans, those can be disposed of in your normal trash. If there’s still some paint left in the can and if the paint is NOT oil-based, visit www.bedfordtx.gov/hhw for tips on how to skip this event and properly dispose of your paint can. Oil-based paint is always considered hazardous and can never be thrown out in your trash. For a list of acceptable materials and how to properly bring waste, visit https://www.bedfordtx.gov/crudcruiser.
Holi Festival of Color - Saturday, March 9
Celebrate color and the arrival of spring at the City’s annual Holi Festival of Color on Saturday, March 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr. Holi is an ancient Indian celebration that marks the beginning of spring after a long winter and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. The festival will include live performances by local dance groups, a DJ, food trucks, chalk art, and more! The highlight of the festival features throwing colored chalk powder, which is safe and non-toxic, into the air and on one another.
Spring Break Park Drop-In - Wednesday, March 13
Join Parks and Recreation at Generations Park at Boys Ranch (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.) on Wednesday, March 13 from noon to 2 p.m. for a park drop-in. Beginning at noon, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy and play some kid-friendly activities at the pavilion near the playground. At 1:10 p.m., we’ll head over to The Bedford Center YMCA for a session with the Creature Teacher.
Mornings with the Mayor - Saturday, March 16
Join Mayor Cogan and your Bedford neighbors at the next Mornings with the Mayor at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr. Meet Mayor Cogan, hear updates regarding City news and projects, and have your questions addressed in one-on-one discussions.
Library Friends Backyard Picnic - Saturday, April 6
Come hang out with the Bedford Library Friends in the Library’s backyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Enjoy food trucks, games, and music. The Friends will be selling 500 solar eclipse glasses for $2 a piece. There will also be Goat Yoga at 11 a.m. (must purchase a ticket in advance at https://bedfordtx.libcal.com/event/11903681) and a plant swap at 1 p.m.
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Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions. |
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*Picture Your Photo Here*
 Have a photo of you enjoying Bedford? Whether it’s enjoying Generations Park at Boys Ranch or in your own backyard, send your best shot to public.info@bedfordtx.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of “Bedford Buzz.” Please make sure your photo is family-friendly, recently taken in Bedford, and everyone prominently featured in the photo is OK with becoming Buzz-worthy.
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