The Eastpointe City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a contract for fire station restroom renovations and a transition to a new online payment provider.
One of the primary agenda items was the approval of a contract with Shaw Construction and Management for restroom renovations at the fire station. The council unanimously voted in favor of the contract, which amounts to $252,450. This decision aims to enhance facilities for the city's fire department.
Another significant topic was the proposal to switch the city's third-party payment provider to BSA Online. Currently, the city utilizes two providers, DivDat and Point and Pay, which have been criticized for their inefficiencies, particularly regarding real-time payment processing. The finance director explained that the existing systems often lead to confusion for residents, resulting in multiple payments for the same bill due to delays in transaction posting. The transition to BSA Online is expected to provide real-time updates, eliminating these issues and saving the city approximately $24,000 annually by discontinuing the kiosk service.
The council discussed the implications of this change, noting that while some fees may increase slightly, many smaller transactions could see a reduction in costs. The new system will also allow for more efficient processing of payments, which is anticipated to improve user experience.
In conclusion, the Eastpointe City Council's meeting highlighted important steps towards improving city services, particularly in enhancing fire station facilities and streamlining payment processes for residents. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to efficiency and better service delivery in the community.