Title VI Nondiscrimination and ADA Accessibility

Accessibility for All – Building an Inclusive Smithville

ADA / Title VI Compliance Information for Contracts and Bids

Title VI Nondiscrimination Information

The City of Smithville is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in providing access to public services, programs, and activities.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes ensures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, disability, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), City facilities, programs, and services are designed and maintained to be free of architectural and communication barriers. The City also provides accessible technology and resources on its website to allow users to customize their online experience to meet individual needs.

Nondiscrimination Statement

As a recipient of federal financial assistance and under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, the City of Smithville ensures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any Department programs or activities.

Como beneficiaria de asistencia financiera federal y en virtud del Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y estatutos relacionados, la Ciudad de Smithville garantiza que ninguna persona, por motivos de raza, color u origen nacional, sea excluida de la participación, se le nieguen los beneficios o sea objeto de discriminación en cualquiera de los programas o actividades del Departamento.

*Approved by City Council July 14, 2025

Title VI Civil Rights Plan, Policy, and Assurances

The City of Smithville, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, will ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 49 C.F.R. Part 21 (Department of Transportation Regulations for the Implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); 49 C.F.R. Part 21; and related statutes and regulations. City of Smithville acknowledges it is subject to and will comply with Federal Highway Administration Title VI Assurances.

Title VI Complaint Process

The City of Smithville is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in providing access to public services, programs, and activities.

Under federal law, recipients of federal financial assistance, including the City of Smithville, must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations, including Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 7, which covers nondiscrimination in programs receiving federal assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations prohibit discrimination and limit participation on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age by programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Anyone who believes that they have been subject to unlawful discriminatory practices by the City of Smithville, or its contracted third-party operators, has the right to file a complaint with the Title VI Coordinator. If you have experienced discriminatory behavior, please complete and submit a complaint form within 180 days of the incident.

Formal complaints should be in writing and may be submitted by completing and mailing or emailing the Title VI Complaint PDF Form. Complaints received by City of Smithville’s Title VI Coordinator are forwarded to the TxDOT Office of Civil Rights (OCR). TxDOT OCR will forward the complaint to the FHWA Texas Division Office, along with a preliminary processing recommendation. The FHWA Texas Division Office will forward the complaint to FHWA Headquarters Office of Civil Rights (HCR).

Complainants should also file this form directly with the following agencies:

Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights HCR-20, Room E81-320
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

Email: CivilRights.FHWA@dot.gov

AND/OR

Texas Department of Transportation Civil Rights Division
Attn: Title VI Program Manager
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701

Acknowledgement of receipt of the complaint: If the written complaint is determined to have merit, the City of Smithville will investigate and attempt an early resolution. If a complaint is received, the Title VI Coordinator will provide written acknowledgment to the complainant within ten (10) business days. Additional information will be requested if the complaint is incomplete.
Agency notification: When applicable, and in accordance with federal requirements, the Title VI Coordinator will forward a copy of the complaint to the appropriate federal or state oversight agency, along with a statement describing all actions taken to resolve the matter and the results of such actions. The Title VI Coordinator will cooperate fully with oversight authorities during this process.
Notification of investigation to complainant and other parties: The City of Smithville will notify the complainant and respondent of whether the complaint has sufficient merit to warrant investigation. If the complaint is to be investigated, the notification shall state the grounds of the City’s jurisdiction, while informing the parties that their full cooperation will be required in gathering additional information and assisting the investigator. If the complaint does not warrant investigation, the notification to the complainant shall specifically state the reason for the decision.
Documentation: Copies of the complaint, a summary of the investigation report, any response, and the City’s decision letter(s) will be kept on record and made available to appropriate oversight agencies as required by law.
Appeal, if necessary: If the complainant disagrees with the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant may appeal in writing to the City Manager. The written appeal, including all arguments, evidence, and documents supporting the appeal, must be received within fourteen (14) business days of the decision letter. The City will issue a final written decision in response to the appeal within thirty (30) business days. The City’s decision is final.
Closure letter or letter of finding issued: Upon completion of the investigation, the Title VI Coordinator will issue either a closure letter or a letter of finding. A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states that there was no finding of a Title VI violation and that the investigation will be closed. A letter of finding summarizes the allegations and investigation findings and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training, or other action will occur.
Investigation timeline: The Title VI Coordinator will make every effort to complete discrimination complaint investigations within sixty (60) calendar days after the written complaint is received but recognizes that some investigations may take longer. The Title VI Coordinator will document each investigation in an investigation report.

Language Access Plan

The City of Smithville is dedicated to providing services for all individuals. This includes providing timely, reasonable, and effective language assistance to individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This Language Access Plan outlines the City of Smithville’s framework to coordinate and improve meaningful access for LEP individuals by:

Decreasing language barriers
Enhancing customer service
Guiding staff
Communicating effectively with linguistically diverse audiences

The Language Access Plan was developed to enhance access for all and to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency can meaningfully access City of Smithville programs, activities, and services in a timely and effective manner. The Language Access Plan is consistent with:

The City of Smithville’s commitment to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals
The City’s mission to deliver equitable access to municipal services and information
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI implementing regulations and guidance

Contact Us – Questions or Complaints

Title VI Coordinator - Jennifer Lynch, City Secretary

Email: jdlynch@ci.smithville.tx.us
Phone: (512) 237-3282 ext. 2106
Address: City Hall – 317 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957

Accessibility for All – Building an Inclusive Smithville

Americans with Disabilities Act Information

The City of Smithville is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in providing access to public services, programs, and activities. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to all State and local governments and all departments, agencies, special purpose districts, and other instrumentalities of State or local government (“public entities”). It applies to all programs, services, or activities of public entities, from adoption services to zoning regulation. Title II entities that contract with other entities to provide public services (such as non-profit organizations that operate drug treatment programs or convenience stores that sell state lottery tickets) also have an obligation to ensure that their contractors do not discriminate against people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulations, City facilities, programs, and services are designed and maintained to be free of architectural and communication barriers. The City also provides accessible technology and resources on its website to allow users to customize their online experience to meet individual needs.

More than just ADA compliance, we are committed to expanding accessibility for every resident and visitor.

City of Smithville Nondiscrimination Statement

Discrimination is Against the Law. The City of Smithville complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (consistent with the scope of sex discrimination described at 45 CFR § 92.101(a)(2)). The City of Smithville does not exclude people or treat them less favorably because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Signed 504 Nondiscrimination Statement (2025).

Signed 504 Nondiscrimination Resolution (2018).

Quick Links:

• File an ADA Grievance • ADA Policies • Accessibility Report

Our Commitment to Accessibility

The City of Smithville ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to city programs, services, and activities, as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Equal access to facilities and services
Reasonable modifications and accommodations
Public accountability and continuous improvement

ADA Policies & Procedures

Clear policies make sure our city remains accountable:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of disability in the services, activities, programs, benefits, and/or facilities of the City of Smithville. This Complaint Process is established to meet the requirements of the ADA and to provide a clear procedure to ensure equitable service to all individuals accessing City programs, services, and facilities.

This process may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, benefits, or facilities of the City of Smithville or its service providers.

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination, including the name, address, and phone number of the complainant, as well as the date and a description of the problem.

Complaints may be submitted using the ADA Complaint PDF Form. Alternate means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or an audio recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request. A separate ADA Complaint Form should be filed for each alleged act of discrimination.

The complaint should be submitted by the complainant, or his/her designee, as soon as possible, but no later than sixty (60) days after the alleged violation.

ADA Grievance Procedure Policy – Read the Policy
Details the complaint process, timelines, and appeal rights.

We publish reports to remain transparent and highlight areas for improvement.

ADA Accessibility Improvement Report (2025) – Read Report
Identifies non-compliant sites, cost estimates, legal risks, and opportunities for economic development through accessibility.
BEFCO Report: Smithville Accessibility Plans for City Facilities - Download Report
Transition Plan (In Progress) – Public posting will include updates on timelines, responsible parties, and barriers being addressed.

This ADA Website will provide more information about ADA Title II Nondiscrimination Regulations

Compliance & Training

The City participates in state oversight and training to ensure progress.

TxDOT Good Faith Effort Guidance (2024) – Download PDF
Guidance on continuous progress, even if full compliance is not yet achieved.
TxDOT Standard Operating Procedures (2024) – Download PDF
Outlines survey timelines, milestone calls, reporting requirements, and training expectations.
SCAT ADA Workshop

Public Participation

Accessibility is about partnership

Workshops & Forums: Designing for Everyone community events, SCAT trainings, and local forums invite feedback from residents.
Pilot Programs: Partnering with businesses (e.g., gas stations) to provide accessibility support services.
Success Stories: Residents and businesses making Smithville more inclusive.

Progress & Accountability

Sidewalk & curb cut repairs (in progress)
ADA parking expansion at Library & Dog Park
City Hall after-hours accessibility improvements
Event accessibility planning (temporary ADA parking, restrooms, pathways)

Contact Us to Request Accommodations or Discuss ADA Compliance

ADA Coordinator - Jennifer Lynch, City Secretary

Email: jdlynch@ci.smithville.tx.us
Phone: (512) 237-3282 ext. 2106
Address: City Hall – 317 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957

Auxiliary aids (sign language interpreters, Braille, large print, etc.) are available upon request. Please make requests at least 48 hours in advance.

ADA Compliance Disclaimer

In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, the City of Smithville will provide reasonable accommodations for persons attending public meetings. All City of Smithville Council, Board, and Committee meetings and workshops are available to all persons regardless of disability. If you require special assistance, please contact the DESIGNATED STAFF PERSON at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting: EMAIL, (512) 237-3282. You may also write to 317 Main St Smithville, TX, 78957 or call through a T.D.D. (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) to Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989.
En cumplimiento con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA), la Ciudad de Smithville puede proporcionar adaptaciones razonables para las personas que asistan a las reuniones públicas. Todas las reuniones y talleres del Consejo, la Junta y los Comités de la Ciudad de Smithville están disponibles para todas las personas, independientemente de su discapacidad. Si necesita asistencia especial, comuníquese con el PERSONAL DESIGNADO al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión: CORREO ELECTRÓNICO: (512) 237-3282. También puede escribir a 317 Main St., Smithville, TX, 78957 o llamar a Relay Texas mediante un dispositivo de telecomunicaciones para personas sordas (TDD) al 1-800-735-2989.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Smithville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of Services. Discrimination is prohibited against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or in the provision of services, programs, or activities, in compliance with federal and state laws.

La Ciudad de Smithville es un Empleador y Proveedor de Servicios con Igualdad de Oportunidades. Se prohíbe la discriminación contra cualquier persona por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad, religión, discapacidad, información genética o condición de veterano, ya sea en el empleo o en la prestación de servicios, programas o actividades, en cumplimiento con las leyes federales y estatales.

City of Smithville Equal Employment Opportunity Program/ Programa de Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo de la Ciudad de Smithville - Download Document