Highland Park — The Highland Park City Council voted to table a resolution to adopt a citywide policy for accepting credit- and debit-card payments, saying the treasurer needs time to review the draft and that several council members had questions about the documentand authority.

Treasurer Lisa Stolarski told the council she applauded the effort but had not been consulted in drafting the policy and asked that the item be delayed until the treasurer had a chance to review the proposed procedures. Councilwoman Manuka moved to table the item "until the treasurer gets a chance to look it over," and the motion was seconded. The roll call on the motion to table was taken and the motion carried.

The proposed resolution cites Michigan law and would authorize the city to accept payments made using financial transaction devices and sets out procedural steps for accepting payments, including verifying cardholder identity, issuing receipts and not accepting telephone payments directly. The draft also says the finance director and the treasurer "will be jointly responsible for determining the types of financial transaction devices that may be accepted," language several council members discussed at length.

Council members pressed for clarity about current practice, whether the treasureras the elected officer responsible for city fundshad been involved in drafting, and how residents currently pay water and other bills. Treasurer Stolarski said the office did not have a written credit-card policy and asked the council to delay action so she could provide input. Several members said it was reasonable to table the measure so that administration and the treasurer could coordinate.

Council President Robinson called the roll and the motion to table passed; the item was set to be brought back at the next council meeting. The draft resolution cites "MCL 129.2231" in its whereas clauses and notes it was prepared following audit recommendations.

The action means residents must continue using existing payment options until the council adopts a formal policy. The council did not set a specific date for reconsideration in the meeting record beyond "the next council meeting," and officials said more information would be provided before the item returns to the floor.