Title
Treasurer/Tax Collector recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute Master Agreement 452-S1711 with Official Payments Corp, to provide credit card and electronic fund transfer payment of fines, fees, debts, taxes and other charges for departments Countywide; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign additional schedules for services to individual departments throughout the term of Agreement 452-S1711.
FUNDING: None. (Fees are paid by cardholders)
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Treasurer/Tax Collector recommending the Board authorize the Chairperson to sign Agreement 452-S1711 with Official Payments Corp (OPAY), to provide credit card, debit card and electronic fund transfer (EFT) payment of fines, fees, debts, taxes and other charges on an "as-needed" basis for departments Countywide for a term effective upon execution and continuing until terminated.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 9, 2010, the Board adopted Resolution #024-2010 authorizing the acceptance of credit card, debit card and EFT payments for payment of fines, fees, debts, and charges as enumerated in Government Code 6159(b). The March 9, 2010 agenda item indicated that any contracts related to this project would come back to the Board for approval. A county-wide contract will facilitate the process.
Numerous departments have expressed an interest in allowing alternative forms of payment such as credit cards, debit cards and EFT for the convenience of the public and for the improved collection of fees and revenues.
Additionally, the Board has approved the County’s ERP conversion to FENIX (Tyler Technologies - Munis) and the County’s migration to the Megabyte Property Tax System. Tyler Technologies recommends OPAY as a gateway and payment provider for Citizens Self Service and Tyler Cashiering modules. Also, OPAY is the preferred provider for Megabyte’s online property tax payment system. As such, the Treasurer - Tax Collector is recommending that this contract supersede most existing contracts for these services. Procurement & Contracts will set up the Agreement for use by most departments and the Treasurer/Tax Collector will work with departments to develop a transition plan to the new agreement.
Lastly, County Counsel and Risk Management approved the agreement with comments. The Treasurer-Tax Collector has considered and addressed these comments.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to sign the agreement which would require the County to continue with two existing vendors which have higher service fees and do not readily integrate with either the Tyler Technologies Munis (FENIX) or Megabyte Software systems.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Chief Administrative Office, Procurement & Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement. Fees are paid by cardholders. Estimated equipment, such as card readers, and service costs related to implementing and maintaining the credit card convenience pay system are not anticipated to exceed $1,000 per year for any given Department. Due to ease of use, additional revenue collection is expected throughout the County.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 452-S1711.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the Treasurer/Tax Collector Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Todd Hall