NIAGARA COUNTY: Paying with plastic

By Mark Scheer<br><a href="mailto:scheerm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Mark</a>

November 16, 2008 10:58 pm

— Residents may soon have the option to use their credit or debit cards to purchase pistol permits, file mortgage documents and conduct other business with the Niagara County Clerk’s Office.
County Clerk Wayne Jagow has asked lawmakers for permission to participate in a one-year pilot program that would allow his department to accept credit and debit card payments to cover fees for services in which currently only checks or cash is accepted.
Jagow said the move is a reflection of the changing times as more and more individuals and business owners have switched almost exclusively to transacting their business with plastic only.
“I want us to be able to provide another option for people,” Jagow said. “This gets us into the 21st Century.”
Jagow has asked county lawmakers to consider entering into a one-year contract for $1,995 with Systems East, Inc.. The Cortland company specializes in municipal collection and finance management services and software. Jagow said the company will provide his office with the equipment needed to process card payments. As part of the deal, Systems East, Inc. will be allowed to charge a convenience fee on the credit and debit transactions. Jagow said the fee will differ depending on the type of business done with the county and will be based on a percentage of the overall cost of a given transaction.
Jagow said his office will continue to accept cash and check payments as it does now during the one-year pilot period.
“People are not forced into any particular form of payment,” he said.
If proven successful, Jagow is hopeful the pilot program will lead to further expansion of his department’s payment options, including the acceptance of payments from the home or office via the Internet.
A resolution that would allow the county to enter into a one-year test agreement with the company has been submitted for approval by legislators Dan Sklarski, D-Town of Niagara, and Peter Smolinski, R-North Tonawanda. The resolution is on the agenda to be considered for Tuesday’s Legislature meeting.

Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250