Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Service Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves payment kiosk plan and advances Smith Station annex design work
Summary
The commission approved installation of credit-card payment kiosks and authorized preliminary architectural services for a Smith Station county annex to provide local revenue and clerk services; commissioners asked staff to ensure lighting, ADA access and security features.
The Lee County Commission authorized two items aimed at improving citizen access to county services: a 24/7 credit-card payment kiosk pilot and preliminary architectural work for a Smith Station annex.
Revenue/treasurer staff said the kiosk will accept credit-card payments for motor vehicle renewals, property taxes and other fees; it will be cashless and include a camera for security. The commission approved placing the first kiosk in Opelika as a test site, with subsequent kiosks planned for Auburn and Smith Station. Revenue staff said kiosk hardware and installation will be paid from discretionary MLI funds and estimated installation costs under $15,000 per kiosk. Commissioners requested additional exterior lighting and confirmed kiosks will charge the same credit-card fees as in-office transactions.
Separately the commission authorized the county administrator and attorney to negotiate a professional-services agreement with an architect to develop preliminary drawings for a proposed Smith Station annex that would host revenue, probate and other county services closer to Smith Station residents. Commissioners said the project would likely be a long-term lease with the city and should match local architectural character; staff indicated shared parking would reduce project cost.
Both actions passed on voice votes. Staff will return costs and site-specific details to the commission before additional kiosk deployment or construction agreements.
