It's abhorrent either way, Bill. Either outsourcing once decent municipal functions in a manner allowing for bank profit, or trying to tell me that there's a higher cost involved with hosting what amounts to a vending machine rather than an actual clerk.

I agree; it's a pretty shameful practice. There's no way it's cheaper for them to accept and manually process a paper check than to take in a cash wire payment. The City needs to get rid of this absurd fee that encourages inefficiencies in their processes.

FHH,

I know it abhorrent! I am just asking who is 'benefitting' from this cash flow....

Aside from the fact that there is a fee at all why is it above standard merchant processing fees?

Reopening due to trolling

Reopening

In addition to the unfairness, the high fee is not in the city's interest. It dissuades people from paying electronically, increases demands on City Hall staff and increases the cost of living or doing business in the city.

Has City Hall provided an explanation for the fee, outside of its title of "convenience fee"? I look forward to hearing it--and particularly, why it would be above a standard merchant fee for an electronic transaction?

To put it in perspective, if ALL Property Taxes were paid on-line, this 'convenience fee' would be worth $770,000 in additional revenue, or a 'hidden' a .5 mil increase of the tax rate .

Frame it how you will and word it how you want, but it looks like taxation without representation to me.....or

Although there is plenty to be disturbed about in connection with the City government, I would point out that cities are legally obligated to collect 100% of every tax bill. This means that the cash entering city coffers must equal the total tax.
When a credit card is used, the City pays a commission to the card company which means that the net proceeds to the city do not equal the tax bill. Accordingly, the City requires individuals availing themselves of the credit card option to pay extra which allows the net yield to the City to equal the tax bill. One could argue that the City has mis-labeled this as a "convenience fee".

They are collecting 100% of the payment, and then they're turning around and paying for a service, so I don't think that's a valid argument. If I walk into City Hall and pay my taxes with a credit card, am I also charged the same fee?

Yes, you are charged more so that the City yields 100% of the tax

The amount of the 'convenience fee' should not be assessed on a 'percentage basis', but on a transactional basis, like an ATM.

We are closing this request due to its historic nature. If this concern still requires attention and you still believe SeeClickFix is a viable tool for its resolution the best way for it to be addressed is for you to create a new request including a current description of what is occurring and what solution you hope to see regarding this matter, citing/linking this request in the details. Thank you for your dedication to improving the quality of life in our community.