Porter County Recorder Jon C. Miller hated to turn away customers at their counter because they couldn’t pay with a credit or debit card.
“Until recently, our building had an ATM machine available just down the hall, so it wasn’t too much of an inconvenience for our customers. But that machine was removed last year and I hated to inform people that they had to go back outside, across the street to the ATM. This was compounded when we were trying to assist an elderly or disabled person, especially during inclement weather.”
The Porter County Recorders’ office took a step forward in customer convenience with the addition of credit and debit cards to the list of acceptable payment methods. An agreement with Indianapolis based PayGOV.us will allow customers to pay at the Recorder’s office or via payments made over the phone, as PayGov operates 24 hours a day.
“We’re just taking another step toward better customer service for our clients, the taxpayers.” Previously, customers would have to pay with cash, check, or a money order.
Miller made the decision after researching several providers, and ultimately decided upon an Indiana based vendor. “I was impressed by their ‘hands on’ approach, and they have a reputation for excellence in service and reliability. With the Convenience Fee program the County is able to offer electronic payments without paying the cost.”
The convenience fee will be $2 for any transactions under $67; for those that are $67 and over the fee is 3 percent of the amount. The customers will see what the fee is and must agree to it before they are charged, Miller stressed. “There will be ample signage at our counter pointing out the fees.”
PayGOV.us, a leading provider of electronic payment options based in Indianapolis, Indiana and 2009 Indiana Companies to Watch Award Winner, has similar agreements with government entities and utilities in over 20 states.