Agenda - 06-29-2000-8r - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 29, 2000 Action Agenda Item No. ~~ f SUBJECT: Approval of Contract for Acceptance of Telephone and Internet Payments of Ad Valorem Taxes Utilizing Credit/Check-Debit Cards DEPARTMENT: Revenue/Tax Collector PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Revenue Director Memorandum -May 18, Jo Roberson, Revenue Collector 2000 Extension 2727 List of Governmental Units currently using Telephone and/or Internet Payment TELEPHONE NUMBERS: System Hillsborough 732181 Model Contract Chapel Hill 968-4501 Convenience Fee Schedule Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider approval of a contract with Official Payments Corporation for the acceptance of telephone and Intemet payments of Ad Valorem Taxes utilizing credit/check- debit cards. BACKGROUND: In an effort to provide additional means for taxpayers to meet their tax obligations, and to enhance overall public service, it has been proposed that Orange County begin accepting payments for Ad Valorem taxes via telephone and also via the Intemet. This would be accomplished by taxpayers utilizing credit cards and check-debit cards to pay applicable taxes. The payment by telephone would entail a taxpayer calling a designated telephone number listed on tax bills and on other taxpayer information documents (although the telephone number is not affiliated with the County Revenue Department), entering certain codes and security data as directed, and providing the appropriate card payment information. Payment via the Intemet would be linked to Orange County's web page with the taxpayer entering the appropriate card infom~ation in a secure manner in response to data prompts. Orange County's process and actions in pursuing this proposal are outlined in the attached memorandum. A list of govemmental units already providing the telephone payment method is attached. Davidson County is the only governmental entity currently providing the Internet payment option. The proposed contract is an open contract with no termination date and simply requires athirty-day notification for cancellation by either party. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There will be no financial impact to the County General Fund. The entire cost of using the service is charged to the consumer as a convenience fee. A convenience fee schedule is attached. The County incurs no costs. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the County Manager to sign the Contract, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney.