Hutchinson updates utility payment system and introduces text-to-pay feature

During the recent Hutchinson City Council meeting, a significant update was shared regarding the city's utility billing system. The transition to a new vendor in July 2024 has brought both improvements and challenges for residents using the online payment platform at waterbill.hutchgov.com.

City officials reported that while the system has generally been user-friendly, recent issues have emerged. Some customers faced difficulties viewing their bills, but these problems have been addressed. However, a major concern remains with the "add to cart" feature, which is designed for landlords managing multiple properties. This feature has been malfunctioning for many users, particularly in certain web browsers and at specific times, making it hard to replicate the issue for a fix.

To mitigate these problems, residents are advised to use the "checkout" option instead and to access the site through Chrome or Safari, which have shown fewer issues. The city plans to update its website with this guidance to assist users in successfully paying their bills. For those still encountering difficulties, the city encourages contacting their billing department via phone or email, and providing screenshots can expedite the resolution process.

On a positive note, the city introduced an exciting new feature: text-to-pay. This allows residents to add their payment method and phone number to receive a text reminder the day before their water bill is due. Users can easily respond to the text to make their payment or choose to delay it.

These updates reflect the city's commitment to improving utility services and enhancing customer experience, despite the current challenges.