PayGOV.US

The City of Conrad offers Utility customers new payment options

adminpaygov — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:59:37 +0000

CONRAD, MT.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—August 18th, 2011

PayGOV LLC (www.paygov.us) announced today that Conrad citizens are now able to pay utility payments by credit or debit card at the Utility office, over the Internet (http://www.paygov.us ) or via 24/7 LIVE operators at 1-866-480-8552. Conrad is the latest Montana municipality to offer electronic payments. They join Columbus, Ennis, Laurel, Hardin and West Yellowstone along with hundreds of other municipalities.

The City understands many residents face financial struggles and that we are in the midst of a difficult economy. In order to remain sustainable it is vital that every avenue be explored to limit municipal costs while increasing revenue collection. The City is continually reviewing expenditures and cost savings initiatives to better service their citizens.

Special recognition must be conferred to Mayor Wendy Judisch who is spearheading the effort to modernize the Utility Department . “We have been reviewing our options to offer electronic payments for quite some time. Until now the service was considered cost prohibitive,” explained Mayor Judisch. “We chose PayGOV because of their superior reputation for customer service. We needed a program that could be provided at no cost to the City. PayGOV meets these needs by assessing a nominal convenience fee paid only by users of the program. The program is being piloted in the Utility Office before we consider possible expansion to other departments.”

PayGOV.US, a leading provider of electronic payment options based in Indianapolis, Indiana and 2009 Indiana Companies to Watch Award Winner, has similar agreements with government entities and utilities in over 20 states.

Kirklin, Indiana to offer online payments

adminpaygov — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:59:47 +0000

June 29th, 2011

KIRKLIN, Indiana.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 29th, 2011

PayGOV.US LLC (www.paygov.us) reported that the Kirklin, Indiana and PayGOV have entered into an agreement. Citizens are now capable of paying their obligations by credit or debit card. This service is offered online (http://www.paygov.us ) or via 24/7 LIVE operators (866-480-8552). The service extends the Town’s ability to serve constituents with payment acceptance 24 hours a day. Kirklin joins hundreds of Indiana municipalities working with PayGOV.

Mary King, Town Clerk/Treasurer, was instrumental in taking the steps necessary to modernize the office. After a thorough analysis of prospective vendors, Mrs. King discovered an Indiana-based company known for their service.

“I’m pleased to say we now offer electronic payments,” King explained. “This option meets the needs of convenience for our citizens, without any cost to the Town!”

For more information contact Jonathan Stoops at jstoops@paygov.us or 1-866-480-8552.
PayGOV.US assesses a nominal convenience fee processing these transactions. American Express®, MasterCard ®, Discover ® and VISA ® along with debit cards carrying a MasterCard ® or Visa ® are accepted by the program. Citizens using credit cards with bonus rewards programs can, depending on their card’s program, earn rewards, points, and cash-back on airline frequent flyer miles.

PayGOV brings Independence® to the Butte County Sheriffs’ Department

adminpaygov — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:18:28 +0000

OROVILLE, California.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 1st, 2011

PayGOV.US LLC (www.paygov.us) announced that Butte County, California Sheriffs’ Department now manage and reconcile payments with Independence®. Independence® is a state of the art financial transaction management system designed around the needs of Law Enforcement. Butte County is the first stage of a larger program to expand the system throughout California and later the United States.

This development represents an expansion of PayGOV services currently being provided to the County. As a County vendor for several years PayGOV has consistently proven their solution to be the best value. Other solutions reviewed proved too costly and limited in functionality.

Designed for both small and large scale organizations, this user-friendly financial managerial solution is completely customizable and offers flexibility to manage and maintain: accounting record; transaction record; inventory management; and other accounting entries in real time. Application generates business accounting reports and other business reports.

“Security is a primary factor in the selection of a financial management program.” Explained Michael Hiatt, PayGOV CEO and Owner, “From conception, Independence® was built with security and reliability in mind. A robust product off the shelf, it is completely scalable with dynamic modules to address the day to day realities of any office.”

With the successful installation behind them PayGOV is moving forward with Phase II of the scheduled implementation of California counties.

PayGOV.US

PayGOV.US is a leading provider of electronic payments and financial solutions based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information contact Michael Hiatt at mhiatt@paygov.us or 1-866-480-8552.

Owen County, Indiana Clerk of Courts fulfills Campaign Promise by launching online payments

adminpaygov — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:31:24 +0000

SPENCER, Indiana.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 11th, 2011

PayGOV.US LLC (www.paygov.us) reported that the Clerk of Courts for Owen County, Indiana and PayGOV have entered into an agreement. Citizens are now capable of paying their obligations by credit or debit card. This service is offered at the County CourtHouse, online (http://www.owencounty.in.gov) or via 24/7 LIVE operators (866-480-8552). The service extends the Clerks’ ability to serve their constituents with payment acceptance 24 hours a day. Owen County joins 71 of the 92 Indiana Counties working with PayGOV.

Jeff Brothers, who recently began his first term as Clerk of Courts, promised during his campaign that he would take steps necessary to modernize the office. After a thorough analysis of prospective vendors, Mr. Brothers’ discovered an Indiana-based company known for their service.

“I’m pleased to say I have kept my word,” Brothers explained. “This option meets the needs of convenience for our citizens, without any cost to the County.”

For more information contact Jonathan Stoops at jstoops@paygov.us or 1-866-480-8552.

PayGOV.US assesses a nominal convenience fee processing these transactions. American Express®, MasterCard ®, Discover ® and VISA ® along with debit cards carrying a MasterCard ® or Visa ® are accepted by the program. Citizens using credit cards with bonus rewards programs can, depending on their card’s program, earn rewards, points, and cash-back on airline frequent flyer miles.

The Town of St. John, Indiana Announces Innovative Online Payment Options

adminpaygov — Mon, 02 May 2011 01:26:21 +0000

NewswireToday – /newswire/ – Indianapolis, IN, United States, 04/29/2011 – PayGOV.US, LLC reported that the Town of St. John, Indiana entered into an agreement to facilitate utility payments. Citizens are now capable of paying their obligations by credit or debit card – PayGOV.US.

This service is offered at the Town Hall, online (stjohnin.com), or via 24/7 LIVE operators (866-480-8552). The service extends the Town’s ability to serve their constituents by accepting payments 24 hours a day. St. John joins Dyer, Munster, Highland, and LaPorte as the latest North-West Indiana municipality to work with PayGOV.US.

Particular acknowledgement is owed to progressive St. John leader and Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Surry. Ms. Surry has expended considerable effort researching prospective solutions. After an exhaustive and thorough analysis of prospective vendors she discovered a local Indiana company with a faultless reputation for service. “PayGOV.US provides St. John the ability to offer electronic payments to our citizens without any cost to the town”, explained Ms. Surry. “PayGOV.US provides all aspects of this service, including equipment, training, and 24/7 assistance, for free to St. John. Only citizens who choose to use this option will be assessed the nominal convenience fee. There are no one –time or monthly fees to the town. Our research revealed PayGOV.US as the leading provider of this service to Indiana Cities and Towns and the best value for St. John. Other solutions proved too costly or unnecessary. The functionality of other solutions were limited in comparison to PayGOV.US.”

Other solutions evaluated either charged significant amounts to the Town for equipment and training, or were designed to have the Town absorb the fees. Any expense incurred by the Town becomes an expense for all Utility customers. Under the chosen solution people have a choice to use the service.

“Every-day we are reminded of the fact that we’re in a difficult economy,” observed Michael Hiatt, CEO and Owner of PayGOV.US. “Government must continue its mission to serve their citizens through these challenging times. It has become vital that each agency explore every avenue to increase collection of revenue. Our program is designed to provide convenience to St. John citizens without an increase to overall taxpayers.”

PayGOV.US is the most recent step forward towards implementation of new, convenient solutions to St. John. PayGOV.US offers additional services at no cost to the Town. Working with PayGOV.US, Ms. Surry is moving forward with several key initiatives designed to simplify the lives of residents. Current programs under review are:

• Online utility bill payment system;
• Online registration and payments for park programs;
• Online viewing of all town resolution and ordinances;
• Direct withdrawal from checking option for utility bills.

After requisite approval all of these programs can be activated over the next few months. PayGOV.US, a leading provider of electronic payment options based in Indianapolis, Indiana and 2009 Indiana Companies to Watch Award Winner, has similar agreements with government entities and utilities in over 20 states.

City of Westfield, Indiana Contracts with PayGOV.US to Provide Payment Services for Residents

adminpaygov — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:01:49 +0000

City of Westfield, Indiana Contracts with PayGOV.US to Provide Payment Services for Residents

	NewswireToday – /newswire/ – Indianapolis, IN, United States, 02/07/2011 – PayGOV, LLC reported that the City of Westfield has signed an agreement to facilitate electronic payments for the Utility office.

	Westfield citizens are now able to pay utility payments by credit or debit card at the Utility office, over the Internet (westfield.in.gov) or via PayGOV.US’s 24/7 LIVE operators (866-480-8552). The new service extends the city’s ability to serve their constituents by accepting payments 24 hours a day. Westfield joins hundreds of other municipalities already working with PayGOV.US. Particular acknowledgement must be rendered to progressive leaders Derrick Cash, John Rogers and Peg Richardson, who, after an exhaustive search of potential vendors, were able to discover a local company with an impeccable reputation for service. “The brutal fact is—we’re in a difficult economy. It is vital that each municipality explore every avenue to increase collection of revenue.” Remarked Jonathan Stoops, Chief Operations Officer for PayGOV.US. “Westfield is an enlightened community that doesn’t shy away from advancing technology and is always on the forefront of innovation. Our program is designed to provide convenient methods of payment to decrease outstanding receivables.” PayGOV.US (paygov.us), a leading provider of electronic payment options based in Indianapolis, Indiana and 2009 Indiana Companies to Watch Award Winner, has similar agreements with government entities and utilities in over 20 states. COO Jonathan Stoops was a finalist for in the banking and financial services section of the 2009 Indy’s Best and Brightest. The program selects 100 finalists in 10 categories based upon professional accomplishments and leadership qualities. All of the finalists must work within the Indianapolis area and be under the age of 40. PayGOV.US assesses a nominal convenience fee for processing these transactions. American Express®, MasterCard ®, Discover ® and VISA ® along with debit cards carrying a MasterCard ® or Visa ® are accepted by the program. Citizens using credit cards with bonus rewards programs can, depending on their card’s program, earn rewards, points, and cash-back on airline frequent flyer miles. For more information contact Jonathan Stoops at jstoops[.]paygov.us. http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/84968/

Convenience Charges: Local agencies discover the benefits of electronic payment fees.

adminpaygov — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:56:33 +0000

American City and County, December 2007

by Jonathan Stoops, Chief Operations Officer, PayGOV

For many years, local governments were reluctant to accept credit card and electronic check payments because of the fees incurred to use the services. Agencies that chose to accept credit cards often paid for the services out of their operating budgets, limiting funds for other programs or raising taxes. Now, local governments are implementing electronic payment methods that use a flat convenience fee to increase receivables, strengthen collections, provide an alternative form of payment for constituents and increase revenue.

Credit card companies used to fight the idea of allowing government agencies to charge convenience fees for residents who paid with their cards, arguing that the fees would discourage credit card use. But, as people grew accustomed to paying the fees for non-government services or online purchases, eventually, the credit card companies changed their tune.

Although there were few laws that prohibited convenience fees, many states passed laws to allow flat convenience fees for most types of government services. Not only do electronic payments offer additional and convenient methods of payment, the flat convenience fees for the services can strengthen an agency’s budget by providing an additional revenue source. By using flat convenience fees, governments can cover their costs for the services.

A local government agency can implement an electronic payment system by contracting with a third party that processes the payments and remits them to the appropriate agencies. Companies can offer equipment, training, and support at no cost to the agency, and, the service often can be used with existing software and hardware, or provided separately.

Three methods of electronic payments commonly use flat convenience fees, which provide distinct benefits for residents and local governments.

Online — According to Nielson/Net Ratings, nearly 75 percent of U.S. households, or 204.3 million people, have Internet access. Payment gateways can either be placed directly on a government Web site, or, users can be directed to a third-party site. Residents can pay their taxes, renew their license plates, register for dog tags, or pay their parking ticket online.
Terminals — Residents can avoid long lines at counters and receive confirmed payment by using a credit card terminal in government offices. A card can be verified and accepted in less than six seconds, and payments can be processed on the same day.
Phone — While the majority of U.S. households have Internet access, more than 93 percent of homes have a telephone, which also can be used for electronic payments. Automated systems or call center staff can collect the credit card or check information for processing.

Agencies that use all three methods offer the widest variety of options for residents. Flat convenience fees make services more than just convenient, they make common sense.

http://americancityandcounty.com/mag/government_convenience_charges/

PayGOV In the News

adminpaygov — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:53:05 +0000

PayGOV.US named Indiana 2009 “Companies to Watch” Awardee.

Designation as an Indiana Company to Watch celebrates PayGOV.US as a high-performing, second-stage company. Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Centers and Purdue University in Association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, the award recognizes PayGOV.US’s performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes and philanthropic actions.