2 years ago
Paying with plastic is second nature to many Americans. However, you can't take it for granted. "And they'll say 'I can just put it on my credit card' and they're usually pretty shocked that we're one of the people that doesn't accept credit cards in this point in time," said Niagara County Deputy Clerk Wendy Roberson. When it comes to purchasing file mortgage documents and pistol permits, paying with plastic at the Niagara County Clerk's Office isn't an option. Surprised?
"I think you'll find it's a common practice with county clerks across the state of New York," said Roberson.
Currently the Clerk's Office has requested lawmakers to take part in a one-year pilot program that would allow their department to accept credit and debit card payments.
"Ease of use. It's a plastic world. It's just something that we realized now it's just another option we'd like to offer our customers," said Roberson.
For years it's only been cash or check payments that have been accepted at the Office.
"Having to worry about a bounced check, that worry goes away with a credit card payment," said Roberson.
Offering another, more convenient way for Niagara County residents to pay will save time and help avoid a problem the Clerk's Office runs into often.
"If they have a preconceived number in their head of what their document's going to cost and they come in with a check written and it's not the correct amount... sometimes it's very frustrating for the customer," said Roberson.
The one-year test agreement would be with Systems East Inc. and would cost Niagara County about $2,000.
If passed, a convenience fee will be charged to the customer for the transaction and that money will be put back into the budget.
Lawmakers will vote Tuesday evening on whether or not the pilot program will be approved.
