Using A Credit Card to Pay Local Government Fees Could Get More Expensive

Every time a local resident charges a county service on his or her credit card--like fees for summer camp at Lay Park--the county has to pay a transaction fee to the credit card company.

Under Mayor Denson's FY2014 budget, that could change, so that the transaction fee would be passed along to the resident. Those proposing to do so are calling the extra amount a convenience fee.

Currently, customers can't pay their water bills with a credit card, but they can use a credit card to pay a tipping fee at the landfill, for car tags and building inspections, as well as for programs with leisure services. The county isn't proposing to add extra charges to a debit card exchange.

The amount of money a convenience fee would generate is about $45,000, according to calculations made by the tax commissioner's office.

The Athens Clarke County Commission is considering this proposal, as well as others, as they refine the Mayor's budget for 2014. The next work session on the budget is May 16 at 5:30pm in the Dougherty Street Government Services Building.

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