Freebies and nearly free services for county residents
By Susan Nienow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Before spending money to fix the drainage ditch behind your house or buying a county map that may not be up-to-date, take a look at the many Chesterfield County departments that offer free or low-cost services to residents. Some services are widely publicized, but others are undiscovered treasures.

For example, if your pets need rabies shots, why spend $20 at the vet when you can have them vaccinated for just $6 during a Rabies Clinic at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds on Sat., Sept. 23 from 1-3 p.m.?

Need a smoke detector? The Fire and Emergency Services department will install a free detector in your home or replace your batteries. Call the department at 748-1426 if you are having trouble installing yours or reaching it for battery replacement.

Need a map? The Department of Environmental Engineering publishes the Chesterfield Gazetteer every year. This complete county map is accurate through the end of December and is only $8. "The department can custom make any maps for you," said Director Dick McElfish. There is a charge for that service.

Want to watch a movie? Residents can check out first release DVDs at no cost at the county libraries. Additionally, shut-ins or those with disabilities can request home delivery of library materials.

Below is a list of other free and low-cost services offered by Chesterfield County departments:

Animal Control - 748-1683 Rabies Clinics - 3-4 per year with minimal charge for each pet.

Commissioner of the Revenue - 748-1281 Tax help - Assistance with completing and filing Virginia state income tax returns, and transmission of returns using the state's I-File system.

County Administration - 748-1211 Notary service.

Environmental Engineering 748-1035 If your property adjoins an easement and there are drainage problems, the county will fix the problem. Street name signs are made and maintained by the county. Call if yours is missing or broken.

Fire/Emergency Medical Services 748-1426 Home inspections Inspectors will visit your home and make recommendations on how to improve its safety. Community and neighborhood safety education programs - Firefighters will outline the rules that every household needs for fire safety. CARES program Provides cash assistance to victims of house fires or car accidents.

General Services - 748-1251 Collection of household hazardous waste like cans of paint and cleaning supplies at the county's transfer stations. Loading of free mulch at transfer stations (Mondays). Curbside recycling - Call 340-0900 to find out the schedule for your neighborhood and to receive an 18-gallon bin for your recyclables.

Health Department - 748-1691 Lead testing and counseling. Immunization shots and vaccines - There may be a charge. Health screenings in schools. HIV testing. Family planning information and counseling is free for teens under 18 and those still in high school.

Hispanic Liaison - 796-7085 Translation services, tax preparation assistance.

Historical Society/Museum 777-9663 Tours for groups.

Libraries 748-1601 www.co.chesterfield.va.us/HumanServices/ Libraries/default.asp Meeting rooms for community organizations. Book clubs. Get in the Know - Free programs for the 50+ crowd. Monthly art exhibits. Friends of the Library book sales. Assistance with electronic resources - Librarians can help you access any of the databases the library has available.

Parks and Recreation - 748-1623 www.chesterfield.gov/humanservices/park sandrecreation/p_rhome.asp Activities, classes, sports and lessons of all kinds, for all ages. Some activities are free, and others have a small fee.

Police Department796-7032 Citizen Academy - 10-week program to learn about the many aspects of community policing. Senior Academy - 10-week program for seniors that focuses on public and personal safety. Domestic violence assistance and education for victims, 911 phones, financial assistance - 751-4113. Home security inspections An officer will check your home for security problems.

Public Affairs748-1161 County Speakers Bureau - Speakers provided for civic organizations or other groups.

Social Services Information packet for choosing childcare - 796-7072. Tax preparation for low-income taxpayers - 748-1403. Training for foster or adoptive parents - 7481103. Pre-admission screening for nursing home placements, community-based care, adult day care and specific Medicaid waivers - 7481100.

Utilities Department - 748-1271 Provides dye tablets for homeowners to check for toilet leaks. Marks county-owned underground water and sewer utilities through Miss Utility - (800) 552-7001.

Virginia Cooperative Extension - 751-4401 www.co.chesterfield.va.us/HumanServices/ ExtensionServices/exthome.asp Free lawn and garden seminars. Free Master Gardener help-line where residents can receive answers to their lawn and garden questions. Master Gardener training There is a charge for instructional materials. Grass Roots program - Master Gardener volunteers will take soil samples and examine your yard for drainage issues or other potential problems. Homeowners receive a detailed report with recommendations on fertilizer and chemical treatments, reseeding and other topics. There is a nominal charge for this service.