Sandusky debuts online bill payment system

SANDUSKY — Sandusky water customers can now pay their water and sewer bills without leaving their homes or businesses.The city recently launched the long-anticipated online bill payment system to expand payment options for residents. Any of the city's approximately 10,000 customers can submit a payment via credit card. To do so, access the city's homepage online, ci.sandusky.oh.us. There's a large orange button that states "view or pay your bill online."An image taken from Sandusky's government home page shows a bright orange button reading "view or pay your bill online." This is the area where people can make online payments for water or sewer bills.With help from city finance director Hank Solowiej, here are some major points about the program to understand:The reason: "It provides our residents with another payment option for their water and sewer bills. The residents have been asking for this service option for several years now. Residents will have the ability to make a payment 24/7 on all types of devices, (such as) mobile and desktops.Note: People can pay their bills in a variety of other ways as well. This would include sending a text message, calling a customer service representative or still receiving a paper bill and making a payment in-person. Inside the new City Hall, debuting later this year, officials want to install a bill paying kiosk as well.The convenience: "Since it is web-based, there are no apps or software for the residents to download. This will streamline the invoice and payment process, improve cash flow and create postage/printing savings for the city for those who sign up to receive bills online. Customers will receive several email reminders that a payment is due. Once payment is paid, the email reminder for that month stops. Residents will also be able to access the prior 24-month billing history online."The decrease of delinquencies: "Today we average about 15 percent to 20 percent delinquency rates. Our goal (with this new system) is to get that below 10 percent."The cost: There were no hard costs to establish this process since it is fully integrated with our utility software.The user fee: "We have the following disclaimer on the landing page for payment: 'This is a fee-based service. A service fee of $3.25 will be applied to all transactions ACH/EFT and credit cards with a maximum transaction amount of $300 for credit cards.'"The other services: It's just for water and sewer bills right now. (Staff is) beginning the process to find an online payment solution for other city services, (such as) recreation fees, building permits and rental registrations either with (this provider) or another provider."An image taken from Sandusky's government home page shows the portal where people can begin making online payments for water and sewer bills.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Solowiej, Hank