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
Local News
NIAGARA COUNTY: Paying with plastic
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
