HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 09 26 Informational 102 Utility Field Pay
COMMISSION AGENDA
Informational X
ITEM 102
Consent
Public Hearings
Regular
September 26, 2011
KS JD
Regular Meeting
Mgr. / Dept.
Authorization
REQUEST:
The Information Services, Finance and Administrative Services, and
Utility Departments wish to inform Commission on a strategic initiative to
enhance customer service for utility customers.
______
SYNOPSIS:
The Information Services Department, in partnership with the Utility
Department, and Finance and Administrative Services Department, has
initiated a method for payment collection for utility customers. Customers
who wish to have service restored after normal business hours and can
provide a valid credit or debit card can have their utility service restored
with proper payment.
CONSIDERATIONS:
On August 22, 2011 the City Commission adopted changes to Ordinance
2011-11. One of the changes adopted was a re-connection fee for turning
service on outside of regular business hours after disconnection for
nonpayment. In order to provide greater customer service and to eliminate
the need for customers to come to City Hall to pay the re-connection fee, a
payment collection process has been implemented which utilizes the
City’s current credit card processing company. This process provides real-
time feedback to the customer and the Utility employee and allows for
payment to be made while the Utility employee is at the customer location
and service can be restored immediately. The City will also offer this on-
site service, on a very limited basis, to residents who are disabled and
physically unable to come to City Hall to pay the reconnect fees.
The Utility employee, with the use of a tablet device, will visit a secure
website where the credit card holder can enter in their information. Once
REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
AGENDA ITEM - INFORMATIONAL 102
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the information has been entered and processed, the credit card processing
vendor will provide a receipt via email to the customer and immediate
verification to the Utility employee that the payment has been received.
Standard processing fees will be applied by the credit card processing
vendor for all transactions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is a monthly fee of $39.99 for cellular service which is currently
budgeted in department 1360.
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
This Agenda Item Has Been Electronically Forwarded to the Mayor and
City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, And Is Available on
the City’s Website, LaserFiche, And The City’s Server. Additionally,
Portions Of This Agenda Item Are Typed Verbatim On The Respective
Meeting Agenda Which Has Also Been Electronically Forwarded To The
Individuals Noted Above; And Which Is Also Available On The City’s
Website, LaserFiche, And The City’s Server; Has Been Sent To
Applicable City Staff, eAlert/eCitizen Recipients, Media/Press
Representatives Who Have Requested Agendas/Agenda Item Information,
Homeowner’s Associations/Representatives On File With The City, And
All Individuals Who Have Requested Such Information;
This Information Has Been Posted Outside City Hall, Posted Inside City
Hall With Additional Copies Available For The General Public, And
Posted At Five (5) Different Locations Around The City. Furthermore,
This Information Is Also Available To Any Individual Requestors. City
Staff Is Always Willing To Discuss This Agenda Item Or Any Agenda Item
With Any Interested Individuals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Commission review and accept the
information in this agenda item.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.