Frequently Asked Questions

Payment Methods Accepted

Payment can be made by check, money order, or by credit card online. We do not accept payments by phone.  Checks and money orders should be made payable to CCSD.  

Check and money order payments can be mailed to 600 Milton Street Elmira, NY 14904. They can also be dropped off  in the drop box located at 320 E Market Street Elmira, NY 14901.  Please include the payment stub with the account number so that the payment can be applied correctly and promptly.

Online payments can be made with a credit card. Online payments are subject to a 2.95% service fee  with a minimum fee of $1.50. This fee is paid to the card processing company, not to Chemung County.

Bank Payments

Any payments made through a bank or credit union's Bill Pay service may be delayed several days. This is due to the fact that they are not sent in with the required payment stub and therefore require additional processing time. We receive a check from your Bill Pay service when you pay by this method. Please be sure to have your Bill Pay service include your sewer usage account number and the property address on the check if you choose to pay by this method. This will help to reduce delays.

For most homeowners and businesses, sewer usage is billed annually. This bill is typically mailed out in the Spring.  Chemung County Sewer District uses metered water data as the basis for sewer billing. Customers receive water from one of four sources: Elmira Water Board, Village of Horseheads, Town of Big Flats, or private wells. Except for residences on private wells, all consumption is metered and is based on the metered water used by the property.  For homeowners on a well, the annual sewer use bill is based on DEC guidelines for a typical single-family residence.  Only homeowners and businesses that are connected to the sewer system pay this charge.  This bill covers the operation and maintenance costs that the Sewer Districts incur treating the water so that it meets the standards to be released into the Chemung River.  

Sewer tax is a separate charge and is sent out at the beginning of the year on the users' county tax bill.  This charge is based on the value of the property and is charged to all properties in the Sewer Districts whether they are connected to sewer or not.  This charge differs from the sewer use charge in that it covers capital improvement costs to improve and maintain sewer infrastructure.

The County is undergoing a substantial multi-year construction project to regionalize wastewater treatment at the Milton Street location. To ensure public safety, the Sewer District regrets that in-person payments cannot be accepted at the Administrative Offices on Milton Street until further notice. 

 The following methods will be accepted for payment: 

 Mail: Checks and money orders can be mailed to 600 Milton Street, Elmira, NY 14904 

Online: Credit card payments are accepted at https://Sewer.ChemungCountyNY.gov/ 

Drop Off: Drop Box for check and money order payment at Chemung County Treasurer’s Office:

                    320 E. Market Street

                    Elmira, NY 14901

 Please include the bar-coded payment stub with your payment. Please do not leave cash in the Drop Box.

 No payments after October 31.

Customers in Elmira Sewer District receive water from the Elmira Water Board or are  on private wells.  Customers in Sewer District #1 receive water from one of four sources; Elmira Water Board, Village of Horseheads, Town of Big Flats, or private wells. Except for those on private wells, all consumption is metered.

For metered users, billing will be based on units of water used.  For those on wells, dwellings will be assigned a number of units based on estimated water used, to be determined by DEC Guidelines as per their publication “Standards for Wastewater Treatment” and other information as shall be available. 

For more information, please refer to the Scale of Charges for the Sewer District the property is located in.

Chemung County owns and operates two treatment facilities: The Lake Street Treatment Plant which is 61 years old, and the Milton Street Treatment Plant which is 36 years old. The typical life expectancy of a Wastewater Treatment Plant is 30 years so these facilities have both exceeded the typical useful life. At more than 60 years old, the Lake Street facility is struggling to meet the discharge limits established in the facility’s state discharge permit. 

Both treatment plants discharge to the Chemung River which is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and because of this, the County’s facilities must meet with the Chesapeake Bay Program limits for nutrients: phosphorus and nitrogen. Currently, the County’s wastewater treatment plants  do not have a means of removing nitrogen and will not be able to meet the program discharge limits that will take effect January 1, 2025.  There would be significant fines imposed for failure to meet these requirements.

 To solve the challenges at both of these plants, Chemung County is currently in the middle of a multi-million dollar project to consolidate the two treatment plants.  The Consolidation Project is Chemung County’s largest infrastructure project to date and the overall project price is a significant investment at $275M.  To date, the County has secured $72M in grants.  The remainder of the cost will be financed by the county and passed on to users as an increase in sewer rates.

Yes, a meter can be installed on a well.  This can be done by the homeowner or a plumber.  Once a meter is installed, the homeowner must contact the Deputy Director of the Sewer Districts at (607) 873-1503 to schedule an inspection of the meter.  Meter reads must be provided by the homeowner to the Sewer District every January.

Please contact the Deputy Director at the number above with any questions on installing a meter at a property.

Annual sewer bills that are not paid by October 31st are relevied onto the county taxes with a 7% penalty.

If you feel that there has been an error on your sewer bill, appeals for review of charges shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director within thirty (30) days of billing date.  All appeals will be reviewed on an individual basis.  Appeals can be emailed through the "Contact Us" link on the website or can be mailed to:

 Alexandra Rennie                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Executive Director Chemung County Sewer Districts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         600 Milton Street                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Elmira, NY 14904

We do not grant appeals for filling a pool or watering lawns and gardens as this is considered incidental water usage, which is factored into the overall rates.

It comes from toilets, household cleaning, bathing and cooking, as well as industrial cleaning and manufacturing. There are also other sources such as rainwater. We especially see a large increase during heavy thunderstorms or when snow is melting.

The first thing to do is call a plumber. Most blockages are found to be in the lateral which is the owner's responsibility to have cleaned and repaired if necessary. The owner is responsible for the lateral from their house to the main in the street. If the plumber finds the blockage is in the sewer main, your plumber should contact us at 607-737-6223, so we can discuss the issue with them and check the sewer main. This number is monitored 24 hours a day.

About 24.2 million gallons per day between the two treatment plants; or the volume required to fill 36 Olympic sized swimming pools.

The clean water leaving the plant is discharged to the Chemung River.

Both of the Chemung County Sewer District's Wastewater Treatment Facilities are advanced secondary treatment facilities. As such, the water we discharge is comparable to the quality of natural surface waters, and is safe for fish and other aquatic life. Both the effluent and the receiving waters are monitored to make sure New York State and Environmental Protection Agency standards are met.

Yes we do.  County residents can currently use the dump station located at the Chemung County Fairgrounds. To ensure public safety, the Sewer District regrets that RV waste cannot be accepted at the  Milton St. facility until further notice, as we are currently undergoing significant construction. There is no fee for this service.

Yes, we do offer educational tours free of charge. For safety reasons, minimum age for school groups is 5th grade. Please call 607-733-2887 for details and to set up a tour.

Most jobs in New York State’s public sector are governed by Civil Service Law. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary to a nurse, a mechanic, a laboratory technician, a truck driver, a building inspector, an electrician, or a teacher aide. However, different Civil Service jobs have different classifications and requirements. 

Whether you are interested in a tested or a non-tested position, the same application, available from the Regional Civil Service Commission office, should be completed. When making an application be sure:

1. To submit a separate application and exam fee for each examination you wish to take
2. The correct examination title and examination number are on the application
3. You meet the qualification and residency requirements (if applicable) on the examination for which you are applying. Application fees are non-refundable
4. Your application is complete and accurate. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information may result in disqualification from the job or examination for which you are applying. Attaching a resume is not an acceptable alternative to completing an application
5. To ask questions if you require additional information. Someone will be available to assist you

You are welcome to apply for any examination announced to the public (competitive class titles) or any currently available opening not requiring an examination (exempt, non-competitive, and labor class titles) for which you meet the minimum qualifications.

Examination notices include the competitive class title, a description of the position, the minimum qualifications required for admittance to the exam, and a description of the subject matter to be covered in the examination. Applications are available from the Regional Civil Service Commission office. Other jurisdictions on our mailing list, such as towns, villages, school districts, and libraries may also have exam notices posted. We recommend you check for new exam notices each month. Candidates that are successful on the exam are placed on an eligible list in rank order. As job opportunities become available, candidates are canvassed to determine interest and availability for employment. Appointing authorities are required to fill positions with candidates that are among the top three highest standing candidates on the eligible list willing to accept appointments.

How do I apply? Whether you are interested in a tested or a non-tested position, the same application, available from the Regional Civil Service Commission office, should be completed.

Many positions in public service require that the candidate take an examination. Positions, such as these, are classified as "competitive". In order to be considered for employment in a competitive class position the candidate must rank among the three highest standing candidates taking the exam. A separate examination is held, as needed to fill vacancies, for all titles in the competitive class. All positions are considered to be competitive unless deemed by NYS Civil Service that it is not practical to determine the merit and fitness of applicants by competitive examination.

Applications for examinations are processed as they are received. Candidates that meet the qualifications are notified by mail a week before the examination date of the location for testing and other instructions. Candidates who do not meet the qualifications are notified two weeks prior to the exam and afforded five days to submit facts in opposition to their disqualification.

There are three types of positions, which have no examination requirements: 

• Exempt positions for which competitive examinations are not practicable to include deputies to department heads, confidential secretaries, and secretaries to Boards or Commissions. Positions may be classified as exempt due to the confidential nature of the position and only with the approval of the New York State Civil Service Commission.
• Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements. Candidates’ applications are reviewed and approved for employment consideration if the candidate is found to meet the minimum qualifications required by the job specification. Appointing authorities may choose from among all qualified applicants. This class includes titles such as motor equipment operator, carpenter, and mechanic, for which a written examination is not practical. 
• Labor positions have no education or experience requirements. Individuals are hired based on their ability to perform the duties of the position.

Each exam contains subject matter relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the duties of the position. You can find a description of the areas to be tested in the examination notice.

Examination results are received from the New York State Department of Civil Service approximately eight to twelve weeks after an examination. The Regional Civil Service Commission then certifies exam results at their regular monthly meetings. You will be notified by mail of your score and of your rank on the eligible list after the Regional Commission has certified the results. The average time frame for candidate notification is twelve to twenty weeks from the date of examination.

Chemung County and City of Elmira departments, towns, villages, school districts, GST-BOCES, Elmira Water Board and special districts use the lists resulting from these examinations to fill competitive positions.

eRecording is the electronic recording of land record documents. It’s the process by which they are transmitted via the Internet to our office for official recording.

All of the documents you eRecord with our office must be done through one of the portal companies. To eRecord, you must sign up with one or both of these companies.

As per New York State law, eRecording started on September 24, 2012.

No, New York State law gives us permission to accept eRecorded documents but does not allow us to mandate it.

They should be contacted to register to eRecord and inquire about their per document charge.

While it is true that kindergarten is not mandatory, in New York it is required that a child is enrolled and attending school in September of the year that they turn 6 years old. From that time on if the child is consistently absent without documented excuse, the school is required to investigate the reason for these absences.

If you remove your child from a school you must officially withdraw the child's name from the school and district office rosters. You must also make sure that you can provide all the proper home school registration materials and curriculum documentation upon request. A decision of this nature should be thoroughly discussed with your child's school administrators.

No. If a parent does everything reasonable to get his or her child to attend school but the child still is truant and does not go to school it is not considered neglect. Parents are expected to seek help in order to address the reasons a child is not attending school. In New York it is required that children attend school through the end of the school year when they turn 17 years old. So, if a student turns 17 in December they must attend school through the end of the year in June.

Compost simply means controlled decomposition. For homeowners, it means putting all your organic waste (leaves, garden waste, food waste, etc) together and decomposing it in a controlled environment. The result is compost, a nutrient-rich garden amendment.

• It's a responsible convenient way to get rid of your organic waste
• It results in a nutrient-rich substance that will help your flowers, vegetables, and potted plants thrive
• It prevents stormwater runoff pollution. Get more information on the effects of stormwater runoff (PDF) here.

When organic waste is improperly handled, it can damage the natural environment and harm the municipal water supply. Composting is a good way to prevent mismanagement of waste (PDF). The following are two examples of organic waste management that impact water and the environment.

Example 1: Dumping organic waste into a body of water such as a river, stream, or creek.

The nutrients from the organic waste enter the water, changing its nutrient content. This allows plants and algae to grow in the water. The excess organic waste lowers the level of oxygen in the water, a process called eutrophication. The water becomes polluted, unhealthy, and difficult to purify for drinking.

Example 2: Leaving organic waste on the curb or other paved surface for an extended period of time.

When it rains, the water runs past the organic waste on the pavement and picks up nutrients from the waste. This changes the nutrient content of the water before it enters into the sewer system. The water becomes polluted, unhealthy, and difficult to purify for drinking.

Organic waste is waste that comes from a plant or animal source and can be decomposed by living organisms. Here are some types of organic waste that you may deal with:

• Brush
• Christmas Trees
• Clippings
• Food Waste
• Garden Waste 
• Leaves Grass 
• Manure
• Yard Waste 

You can compost almost all of these, with the exception of big branches, brush, and Christmas trees. View a complete list of what you can and cannot compost (PDF).

There are numerous types of compost bins; plastic bins, tumbler bins, open pallet bins and wire mesh. Other options can be easily researched on the internet.

Resources

• Compost Resource Sheet Page 1
• Compost Resource Sheet Page 2

Municipal Organic Waste Pick-up

Some municipalities provide organic waste pick-up a few weeks each year. Do your research to find out what weeks of the year your municipality picks up organics. Be careful not to leave organics out at times when there is no pick-up, as nutrient runoff from leaves or brush can harm water sources.

Independent Contractor

Some companies will contract with residents to dispose of their organic waste. Check with your municipality for a list of commonly used contractors.

Drop-off at a Municipal Site

Some municipalities provide a drop-off site for organic waste. Some also leave the finished compost, wood chips, or mulch out for residents to take home. Other nearby municipalities may accept organic waste from residents in your municipality.

• Drager
  
• Intoxalock
• SmartStart

Yes, all vehicles that you own or operate to include motorcycles. You may not operate any motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed (except for certain employer-owned vehicles during work functions with prior approval). You may not own a vehicle that does not have an IID installed. You must transfer the title of any vehicle you own and turn in your registration and plates if you do not install an IID in that vehicle.

Yes, if you own or operate a motor vehicle you must install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). The status of your license does not change the IID order.

If you have the device installed for 6 months and do not have any court ordered extensions of the minimum installation period, you may request that the STOP-DWI Program petition the Sentencing Court for approval of early de-installation using the De-Install Request form. Approval of the request will be based on a review of your monitoring reports.

No. The license restriction will remain in effect for the duration of your Conditional Discharge sentence (typically 12 months) if you do not have a device installed. For Probation cases, you must consult your Probation Officer.

Complete the De-Installation Request form and submit to the STOP-DWI Program. Your attorney may submit the request on your behalf.

The DMV does not have a record of a change of ownership unless and until the new owner applies for a New York State title certificate. If the new owner does not apply for a title certificate in New York, New York DMV records will continue to show that you are the most recent owner of the vehicle. You will need to explain to the sentencing court your specific circumstances and provide proof of sale or repossession. Learn more online.

Yes, the monitor receives reports after each service visit or in real-time depending on the unit. Certain violations are reported to the Sentencing Court and the District Attorney. Additional information regarding violations is available in the Operators Instruction Sheet.

No. If you operate an employer owned vehicle during the course of your employment, you will need to complete a Statement of Ignition Interlock Acknowledgement confirming that your employer has been notified of the restricted nature of your driver's license. If you are the owner of the business which owns the vehicle, this exemption does not apply. Contact STOP-DWI for the required form and instructions.

Yes. You must have an Ignition Interlock Device regardless of where you live within the state or out of the state. The rules for interstate monitoring and a list of companies that have locations in other states are available on the DCJS website under the Regulations/Law tab.

If you are convicted in New York, you will have an Interlock Restriction on your New York driving record which means you do not have the privilege of driving in New York without an IID. To have the Interlock Restriction removed, you must first comply with your sentence, request and receive the Interlock Restriction Removal Authorization, and then contact the NYS DMV Driver Improvement Unit (DIU) by phone at 518-474-0774, Option Number 5 (Phone Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 to Noon) or visit them online.

Yes. You will find an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program Financial Disclosure Report on the DCJS IID Program page under the Forms tab. You must make this request with the Sentencing Court. If you are approved for a 100% free device, you must contact the STOP-DWI Program to be assigned a vendor for installation.

Yes, unless you have a 100% fee waived order approved by the Sentencing Court. If you pay any part of the fee associated with installation and maintenance, you are free to select your own vendor. If you have a 100% fee-waived order, the STOP-DWI Program will assign you a vendor.

No. The law still applies however.

Information regarding conditional licenses is available through the New York State DMV website.

Circumvention of the Ignition Interlock Device is a misdemeanor charge under VTL 1198 (9) for both the restricted driver and the person who provides the breath sample or vehicle for the driver.

Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1193 and 1198 cover the law. The regulations are covered by Part 358 of Title 9 of the NYCRR which are available on the DCJS website.

• DMV Website
• The Impaired Driver Program

No. Once an Ignition Interlock Device condition is imposed by the Court (either at sentencing or in advance of sentencing), you are no longer allowed to operate a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device.

Methamphetamine is a synthetic (man-made) stimulant that is highly addictive. The drug is abused because it produces euphoric effects-sometimes described as a sense of well-being-that can last up to 24 hours. Methamphetamine is inexpensive and relatively easy to produce-making it affordable and readily available to teenagers. Crystal Methamphetamine resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white "rocks" of various sizes. It has a higher purity level and may produce even longer lasting and more intense physiological effects than the powder form of the drug.

Because methamphetamine can be produced using many different methods, its appearance can vary dramatically. The drug may be sold either as a powder-sometimes crystalline-or as rock-like chunks. The color of methamphetamine likewise varies: white, yellow, brown, gray, orange, and pink all have been observed.

Methamphetamine can be injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested orally. Injecting or smoking the drug produces an immediate and intense rush. The euphoric effect that results from snorting or ingesting the drug is not as intense and requires more time to take effect-3 to 5 minutes for snorting and 15 to 20 minutes for oral ingestion.

In the past the typical methamphetamine user was an adult male with a lower than average income. However, now individuals of all ages and economic status use methamphetamine. Data reported in the National household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that an estimated 9.6 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. The survey also revealed that many teenagers and young adults use methamphetamine-338,000 individuals aged 12 to 17 and 1.5 million individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug at least once.

Methamphetamine used among high school students is a particular concern. Nearly 7% of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 2% used the drug in the past month., according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey.

Methamphetamine use is associated with many serious physical problems. The drug can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain-which can lead to a stroke. Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses of methamphetamine can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death.

Individuals who abuse methamphetamine may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Methamphetamine also can produce psychotic symptoms that persist for months or years after an individual has stopped using the drug.

Methamphetamine abusers who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne viruses. Chronic users who inject methamphetamine also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver and kidney disease.

The most common names for methamphetamine are crank, meth, and speed. Some additional street terms:

-Beannies -Getgo

-Brown -Methlies quik

-Chalk -Mexican crack

-Chicken feed -Redneck cocaine

-Cinnamon -Rock

-Crink -Tick tick

-Crypto -Wash

-Fast -Yellow powder

The common names for methamphetamine are:

-Batu -Hot ice

-Blade -L.A. glass

-Cristy -L.A. ice

-Crystal -Quartz

-Crystal glass -Shabu

-Hand yak -Shards

-Hiropon -Stove top

-Super ice

-Tina

MS4 = Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System

"A conveyance or system of conveyances owned by a State, City, Town, Village, or other public entity that discharges to the Waters of the United States and is designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (includes gutters, pipes, ditches)

• Chemung County MS4 Municipalities Map (JPG)
• Chemung County Urbanized Area Map (JPG)

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports soil, animal waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, debris and other potential pollutants. The quality of runoff is affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of the flow.

Stormwater gathers a variety of pollutants that are mobilized during runoff events. Polluted runoff degrades our lakes, rivers, wetland and other waterways runoff. Transported soil clouds the waterway and interferes with the habitat of fish and plant life.

Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can promote the overgrowth of algae, deplete oxygen in the waterway and be harmful to other aquatic life. Toxic chemicals from automobiles, sediment from construction activities and careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten the health of the receiving waterway and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from animal wastes and illicit connections to sewerage systems can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wading, swimming and the propagation of edible shellfish. According to an inventory conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of the impaired waterways are affected by urban/suburban and construction sources of stormwater runoff.

Proposals are publicly opened on the date and time specified on the bid notice. The Purchasing Director or other designated individual will preside over the proposal opening. At least one Purchasing Assistant or other designated individual will also attend the proposal opening. There is no formal public opening for RFP proposals. Proposals will be opened individually announcing the name of the company submitting the proposal. There will be no pricing announced at this time. Once all proposals are opened, the proposal opening is concluded.

Bids are publicly opened on the date and time specified on the bid notice. The Purchasing Director or other designated individual will preside over the bid opening. At least one Purchasing Assistant or other designated individual will also attend the bid opening. Bidders are welcome to attend the bid opening although their presence is not mandatory. There also may be other people present at the bid opening such as architects and department heads. Bids will be opened individually announcing the name of the company submitting the bid. Bid documentation will be reviewed to check that all forms are completed. Bid security, addenda acknowledgment and pricing for the bid will be read aloud at this time. Once all bids are opened and pricing, bid security and addenda acknowledgment is announced for each, the bid opening is concluded.

A Request for Quote (RFQ) is a document used in soliciting price and delivery quotations that meet minimum quality specifications for a specific quantity of specific goods and/or services.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is an invitation to vendors to submit a written offer to supply services or materials. The RFP will require the vendor to define the specific financial and/or service commitments that comprise the offer. Purchasing makes the RFP available to multiple vendors to review and respond with a proposal. Evaluation of competing proposals is based on various criteria, one of which is price.

A Request for Bid (RFB) is a written request to prospective suppliers to submit a bid for materials or services. Bid submittal documents are enclosed in a sealed envelope in response to the RFB.

Probably the best place to start looking is from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) itself. Visit the TSA Frequently Asked Questions page.

In February of 1870, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) married Elmiran Olivia Langdon at Ms. Langdon's home in Elmira. For the next 20+ years the Clemenses spent their summers at Olivia's sister's (Susan Langdon Crane) home, just outside of Elmira. The home, known as Quarry Farm, was situated on a mountain just east of Elmira, and had a picturesque view of the Chemung Valley, and the city of Elmira below. In 1874, as a gift for Samuel, the Crane's built an octagonal study on a knoll a short distance from their home. It was thought that it would give Samuel a quiet place to think and write. It certainly was an inspiration. During this time period, and in this study, Mark Twain wrote major portions of some of his most acclaimed works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Tramp Abroad. Mark Twain loved his study. He described it as, "...the loveliest study you ever saw, octagonal with a peaked roof, each face filled with a spacious window... perched in complete isolation on top of an elevation that commands leagues of valley and city and retreating ranges of distant blue hills.

On April 21, 1910 Samuel Clemens died at the age of 75. He is buried along with his family in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira.

In 1952, the study was gifted to Elmira College and moved to the college campus, where it resides today. It is open to the public daily from mid-June through Labor Day and by appointment throughout the rest of the year. Quarry Farm is now owned by Elmira College and serves as a residence for Mark Twain scholars. The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies offers a variety of programs, including conferences, seminars, and public lecture series. For information, call 607-735-1800 or write The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies, Elmira

Park reservations are made through the Department of Building and Grounds. Reservations for the use of facilities at Harris Hill Park and Park Station can be made by calling 607-737-2843 or by coming to the Building and Grounds Department located at 217 Madison Avenue in Elmira, from 7 am to 3:30 pm (closed 12-12:30 for lunch) Monday through Friday. Credit cards are now being accepted. There is a nonrefundable additional charge for credit card use. A minimum of $2 or 2.65% whichever is more. For more information on County Parks, visit the Parks and Recreation page.

Chemung County Fairgrounds reservations can be made by calling the Department of Buildings and Grounds at 607-737-2843.

View the Chemung County Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations (PDF).

The Chemung County Fire and Emergency Management Office Public Awareness and Preparedness page provides various pamphlets and websites to help you protect your family and prepare for emergencies and disasters.

POD stands for Point of Dispensing.

Passports can be obtained at the County Clerk's Office, 210 Lake Street in Elmira. Applications are processed 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

Passport Requirements & Information

• 16 and older (10 year passport issued) - Check or money order only made payable to U.S. Department of State - $110
• 15 and under (5 year passport issued) - Check or money order only made payable to U.S. Department of State - $80
• Plus a $25 Execution Fee for each passport (Cash or check made payable to Chemung County Clerk)
• Passport Photos(2) taken at County Clerk's Office - $12
• Passports are obtained 6 weeks after application.
• Expedite Passport service (3 weeks delivery) is $60 additional fee per applicant.

You will also need:

• Two identical passport photos (color only)
• Proof of citizenship: Birth certificate with raised seal, file date and certified by Official Custodian of the Record (no hospital certificates) or previous passport or Naturalization Certificate
• Identification: Current driver's license or previous passport (if issued after 16th birthday within the past 10 years) or current college ID

Freedom of Information Law requests pertaining to records held by County Departments can be obtained by contacting the Chemung County Public Information Director. Visit the FOIL Request Information page to learn more.

Birth and death certificates are available from the Vital Records Department, located at 103 Washington Street in Elmira. Certificates are only available for births and deaths that only occurred in Chemung County. Visit the Health Department's Vital Records page for more information.

The New York State Child Support Online website can help. The Customer Service Helpline is 888-208-4485.

If you suspect someone is committing welfare fraud, we encourage you to report it to us today.

If you attend a Community College in New York State you will need to get the residency form from your learning institution. Then you must also get the town or village that you live in to certify that you are a resident of that particular municipality by obtaining the seal from the municipality on this form. The certificate will entitle you to receive 50% off the Community College tuition cost.

The Chemung County Treasurers Office offers a tax search program online. You can access information in a number of different ways. Access the tax search program.

You can find the Property Tax Payment Schedule online.

You can find all the information you need about registering your vehicle by visiting the New York Department of Motorized Vehicles (DMV) website.

Chemung County is served by the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, located in Big Flats.

You can see all the Chemung County Transit bus schedules by visiting the Chemung County Transit (CTRAN) website.

The Elmira Corning Regional Airport website has a link to FlightView where you can check on any flight. Visit the FlightView website.

A replacement bin can be purchased at the Chemung County Shredder Station located at 1690 Lake Street, Elmira, for a cost of $12.

Chemung County and Cornell Cooperative Extension offer a variety of recycling programs including hazardous waste collection days, electronics collection days and tire recycling days. To find out about these programs and what items are accepted at the Chemung County Landfill, visit our Recycling page.

Information about the various polling districts in Chemung County is available online from the Board of Elections.

Unsure what district you are in? Click here for an interactive map where you can locate your district. You can use the tool bar at the bottom of the map to zoom in on your district and manipulate the map. Once you have identified your district click here to locate your polling location.

You can also call the Board of Elections at 607-737-5475 during normal business hours.

• You can register in person at the Chemung County Board of Elections Office.
• You can register in person at any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center.
• At the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or on their website, if you already have DMV-issued identification.
• You can download a PDF version of the New York State Voter Registration Form (PDF), complete it, and mail it to the Chemung County Board of Elections.
• You can call the New York State Board of Elections hotline at 1-800-FOR-VOTE or our Board of Elections at (607)735-5475 to request a voter application.
• Request a New York State Voter Registration form by mail by entering your name directly into our Voter Registration Form Request
• You can register online at the Online Voter Registration Portal

• Apply online - EARLY MAIL BALLOT REQUEST APPLICATION PORTAL

• Apply in person or by mail - EARLY MAIL BALLOT – ENGLISH

• Apply online – ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION
• Apply in person or by mail - ABSENTEE APPLICATION -ENGLISH

Super Saturday

Super Saturday is a free supervised recreational and enrichment program for youth in grades K-5 who reside in the Elmira City School District. The program begins at 8:30 am at the Elmira YWCA with free breakfast; the youth participate in two workshops from 9 to 11 am for one six week session during the fall and winter. To view up-to-date program information, visit the Super Saturday page.

Summer Cohesion

Summer Cohesion is a fee-based, six week, summer drop-in, recreational, educational, and cultural enrichment program. The program provides children, ages 4 through 12 with a safe, structured, fun, and rewarding summer. Every year there are approximately 10 sites located throughout Chemung County. At each site, children learn about water safety, nature, life skills and cultural enrichment - just to name a few. Throughout the summer, travelling programs visit each site to provide special indoor and outdoor activities. Children also visit and tour area libraries, museums and businesses. The program serves over 1000 youth each year. To view up-to-date program information, visit the Summer Cohesion page.

The Spot

(SPOT) School

A free, drop-in, recreational program for teens who are in sixth to eighth grade that reside in the Elmira City School District. This program typically operates once a week during the school calendar year, either Friday or Saturday night from 7 to 10 pm. To view up to date program information click HERE.

(SPOT) Summer

A drop-in recreation program, free of charge to any adolescent twelve to fifteen years of age who resides in the Elmira City School District. The program operates for six weeks during the summer from noon to 6 pm in designated parks. Recreation Leaders provide well-structured, fun, and enriching activities at the park such as, but not limited to: arts and crafts, board games, basketball, baseball, and kickball. Off-site activities include field trips to New York Sports and Fitness Kick Boxing and Spinning Camps; Rock N' Bowl, Rock N' Skate, and Rock N' Splashes; 171 Cedar Arts; Movie Theater Take Over and a day at Darien Lake Amusement Park. Transportation is provided to all off-site activities. To view up to date program information, visit The Spot page.

• 14 to 20 years of age - Summer Youth Employment Program
• 15 years and above - Super Saturday Program
• 17 years of above - Summer Cohesion Program
• 18 years and above - SPOT Program

Visit the Youth Bureau page for information on each of these programs.

Program Brochures are released in May to all County schools and are available on our Summer Cohesion page. Signups take place in early June.

The Chemung County Fire and Emergency Management Office page can link you to various pamphlets and websites to help you protect your family and prepare for emergencies and disasters. Click here for more information.

If you attend a Community College in New York State you will need to get the residency form from your learning institution. Then you must also get the town or village that you live in to certify that you are a resident of that particular municipality by obtaining the seal from the municipality on this form. The certificate will entitle you to receive 50% off the Community College tuition cost. Click here for more information.

Passports can be obtained at the County Clerk's Office, 210 Lake Street in Elmira. Applications are processed 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Monday through Friday.

PASSPORTS

16 and older (10 year passport issued) - Check or money order ONLY made payable to U.S. Department of State - $110

15 and under (5 year passport issued) - Check or money order ONLY made payable to U.S. Department of State - $80

PLUS a $25 Execution Fee for each passport (Cash or check made payable to Chemung County Clerk)

Passport Photos(2) taken at County Clerk's Office - $12

Passports are obtained 6 weeks after application.

Expedite Passport service (3 weeks delivery) is $60 additional fee per applicant.

YOU WILL ALSO NEED:

1. Two identical passport photos (COLOR Only)

2. Proof of citizenship: Birth certificate with raised seal, file date and certified by Official Custodian of the Record (NO hospital certificates) or previous passport or Naturalization Certificate

3. Identification: Current driver's license or previous passport (if issued after 16th birthday within the past 10 years) or current college ID

In February of 1870, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) married Elmiran Olivia Langdon at Ms. Langdon's home in Elmira. For the next 20+ years the Clemenses spent their summers at Olivia's sister's (Susan Langdon Crane) home, just outside of Elmira. The home, known as Quarry Farm, was situated on a mountain just east of Elmira, and had a picturesque view of the Chemung Valley, and the city of Elmira below. In 1874, as a gift for Samuel, the Crane's built an octagonal study on a knoll a short distance from their home. It was thought that it would give Samuel a quiet place to think and write. It certainly was an inspiration. During this time period, and in this study, Mark Twain wrote major portions of some of his most acclaimed works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Tramp Abroad. Mark Twain loved his study. He described it as, "...the loviest study you ever saw, octagonal with a peaked roof, each face filled with a spacious window... perched in complete isolation on top of an elevation that commands leagues of valley and city and retreating ranges of distant blue hills."

On April 21, 1910 Samuel Clemens died at the age of 75. He is buried along with his family in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira.

In 1952, the study was gifted to Elmira College and moved to the college campus, where it resides today. It is open to the public daily from mid-June through Labor Day and by appointment throughout the rest of the year. Quarry Farm is now owned by Elmira College and serves as a residence for Mark Twain scholars. The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies offers a variety of programs, including conferences, seminars, and public lecture series. For information, call 607-735-1800 or write The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies, Elmira College, Box 7035, Elmira, NY 14901.

Click here for a link to the Mark Twain Country website.

Chemung County is located in the south central region of Upstate New York. It is part of the Southern Tier as well as the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. For more detailed information about Chemung County, you can click here.

Birth and death certificates are available from the Vital Records department which is located at 103 Washington Street in Elmira. Certificates are only available for births and deaths that ONLY occurred in Chemung County.

That's simple. You can sign up to be notified using our E-Notify service. Click here to go to it.

No, there are no administration charges for this program. 

Yes, while no children currently occupy the units, as a rental, there is always the opportunity for a new family to move in. 

Yes, all units meeting the eligibility criteria must be registered. However, the owner-occupied unit may be exempt from inspection requirements. This also applies to units occupied by immediate family members.

Yes, the Lead Rental Registry is a program separate from the City of Elmira’s Rental Housing Registration. While structured similarly, the Lead Rental Registry is focused exclusively on identifying lead hazards, rather than general building code violations. 

Lead hazard remediation are the repairs required to correct lead hazards. These may include:

• Property removing peeling or chipping paint and re-painting (paint stabilization)
• Covering damaged areas with rigid, non-leaded materials (enclosure) or with specialized durable coatings (encapsulation)
• Lead abatement (permanent removal of lead)

You may be eligible for assistance though the NYS Homes & Community Renewal’s Leading in Lead grant or the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction grant. Both are administered by the City of Elmira’s Office of Community Development.

If you are EPA-certified in lead renovation, repair, and painting, you may complete renovation activities in your rental units. Lead abatement shall be completed by a firm certified in lead abatement by EPA. CCHD offers these classes periodically, at no charge. Participants must pre-register for these training courses. Call 607-873-1308 to be added to the waitlist.

Clearance dust wipe sampling is a way to ensure that the amount of lead dust in a home is at a safe level. This is done after all paint and soil hazards have been adequately addressed, or when no lead paint hazards have been identified. 

Failure to comply with any part of Public Health Law Section 1377 may result in financial penalties, placarding the property, and potential legal action. 

A lead inspection includes a visual assessment of peeling and chipping paint. Inside and outside surfaces will be assessed. Qualified inspectors will look for bare soil outside, which can contain lead. Any hazards will need to be repaired in a lead-safe manner by certified contractors.

Yes, because children may occupy the apartment in the future.

First, tell your landlord. Ask if they have registered the property and scheduled the necessary lead inspection. If they have not, encourage them to do so or you can call the Chemung County Health Department at 607-873-1308 to schedule a lead inspection.

• Test your child for lead at ages 1 and 2, and anytime testing is recommended by a health care provider.
• Keep children away from peeling and chipping paint
• Clean regularly using wet cleaning methods, such as mopping and wiping surfaces.
• Wash hands frequently throughout the day to remove lead dust, especially before eating or drinking.
• Eat nutritious foods that contain calcium, iron, and Vitamin C