PLACEMENT: Consent
TITLE:
title
REQUEST TO CHARGE CONVENIENCE FEES FOR CREDIT CARDS AND ESTABLISH ACCESS TO AN AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Adoption of a resolution establishing convenience fees for the use of credit cards, charge cards, debit cards or electronic funds transfers, and access to an Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic transaction without cost, as an alternative.
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DEPARTMENT: Building
PREPARED BY: Name: Jeff Dougherty
Title: Building Official/Director
REQUESTED BY: Jeff Dougherty
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The County continuously strives to operate efficiently and to keeps its cost of providing services to the public the most affordable as possible. Currently, users of the Accela software system may pay their associated fees by utilizing credit cards, charge cards, and debit cards. The fees cover plan review, permits, inspections, development impacts and others from the various departments. Acceptance of card purchases results in banking charges to the County which are currently absorbed into the County’s operating costs. Pursuant to Section 215.322, Fla. Stat., a local government may impose a convenience fee upon the payor for the service fee charges imposed on the local government by its financial institution, vending service company, or credit card company for certain statutorily prescribed revenues. The resolution authorizes the County to collect a convenience fee from the card users to offset the banking charges associated with the transaction when permitted by state law. In the alternative, the County will provide users the option to pay via an Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic transaction (check) without any cost.
ISSUES:
The convenience fee for the use of credit cards, charge cards, debit cards or electronic funds transfers is subject to specific types of services identified in the Florida Statutes.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board adopt the proposed Resolution.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Direct staff accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: