Rockwall County’s Commissioners Court voted 5‑0 on Jan. 14 to allow the Environmental Health Coordinator’s office to accept credit cards as a form of payment for permits and certificates of occupancy.

Why it matters: The change aims to make permit payments easier for residents and contractors who previously had to pay by cash or check. County staff said there is no immediate plan for online permitting; this action adds an in‑office payment option.

How it will work: County staff told the court they will use the county’s existing certified payments vendor. The county will open a designated account under the treasurer and auditor’s oversight and will not absorb processing fees; any convenience fee charged by the vendor will be passed to the cardholder, not the county. The court recorded that accounting, reporting and the new bank account will be coordinated with the auditor and treasurer.

Court action: Commissioner Maklick moved to approve adding credit cards as an accepted payment method; Commissioner Stacy seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5‑0.

What was not decided: Commissioners emphasized the change was limited to in‑office card acceptance; there was no vote to implement an online permitting system at this time.

Ending: County staff will open the necessary account and return with any implementation details necessary to integrate the certified payments vendor with county accounting.