City life comes with its share of everyday frustrations, from potholes and fallen tree limbs to properties that may need the city’s attention. When those issues need the city’s attention, Fort Dodge residents have a simple way to report them: send a text.

Through TextMyGov, residents can report city issues anytime by texting 515-408-9888. The automated service is available 24 hours a day and walks users through the reporting process step by step.

To get started, text “Hi” to 515-408-9888 and follow the prompts. For example, to report a pothole, text “Hi,” then enter “POTHOLE” when prompted. The system will ask for the nearest address and give you the option to add a short description, upload a photo, or text “DONE.” Once you receive a confirmation message, your report has been submitted — usually in less than three minutes.

Residents are encouraged to save the TextMyGov number in their phones, just like any other contact, so it is easy to report an issue when one comes up.

Melanie Hayes, administrative assistant at Public Works, said a few simple steps can help make sure requests get routed correctly.

First, keep addresses simple. TextMyGov already defaults to Fort Dodge addresses, so residents do not need to add extra information such as “United States.” For numbered streets, Hayes recommended using numerals — for example, “7th” or “4th” instead of spelling out “seventh” or “fourth.”

Second, submit one issue at a time.

That is the most important tip, Hayes said.

Junk pickup and yard waste pickup, for example, should be entered as separate requests so each one can be sent to the right place. Residents can submit as many separate requests as they need, but each request should follow the prompts for that specific issue.

Requests that combine multiple problems, include too much unrelated information, or skip the prompts may not reach the correct department and can fall through the cracks.

It also helps to know the difference between yard waste, garbage, and junk. Yard waste includes leaves, weeds, yard debris, and grass clippings. Garbage is regular household waste that belongs in city garbage bins for weekly pickup. Junk refers to larger household items that do not fit in regular garbage bins.

For those larger items, Junk Days on Demand gives Fort Dodge residents with City of Fort Dodge garbage service a way to request pickup. To schedule junk pickup, text “JUNK” to TextMyGov at 515-408-9888 and follow the prompts.

Junk Days on Demand typically runs from the end of May through the first part of August each year, depending on seasonal staff availability. Requests should be submitted no more than one week before the desired pickup date. Junk will be collected on the same day as the resident’s regular weekly garbage pickup.

Items must be placed at the curb no later than 5 a.m. on the designated pickup day, but no more than 24 hours before pickup.

Some items require stickers before they can be collected. Stickers may be purchased at City Hall and are required for passenger car tires, TVs and electronics, and appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, and dishwashers. Stickers are $5 for passenger car tires and $15 for TVs, electronics, and appliances. Those fees simply cover the cost of proper disposal.

Hayes also reminds residents that two crews are working on pickup days. The regular sanitation crew follows the normal garbage route, while the Junk Days crew collects approved larger, bulky items.

Items that require stickers, such as appliances, electronics, and tires, may be collected separately, so residents should not be alarmed if everything is not picked up at the same time.

TextMyGov is designed to make routine requests quick and easy through written text messages. For many issues, following the prompts is the fastest way to get a request submitted and routed to the right department.

Residents who need help scheduling a pickup for the first time, or who have a Public Works concern that requires more explanation, may contact Hayes directly at 515-955-6139 during City office hours. If she is unable to answer, residents are encouraged to leave a detailed message with enough information for her to follow up.

City life will always come with the occasional pothole, fallen limb, nuisance concern, or bulky item that needs attention. Reporting those issues, though, does not have to be another frustration.

By texting 515-408-9888, residents can help the city stay informed, respond more efficiently, and keep Fort Dodge neighborhoods moving in the right direction — one simple text at a time.