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Committee backs Treasurer’s plan to renew online payment contract, staff says San Francisco’s consumer rate is low
Summary
The Budget and Finance Committee voted to forward to the full Board a resolution authorizing the Treasurer and Tax Collector to extend and increase a payment‑processing contract; staff said San Francisco’s consumer merchant fee (about 2.25%) is at the low end among neighboring counties and the contract includes a small‑ticket no‑fee component and eCheck option.
The Budget and Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward to the full Board a resolution authorizing the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector to amend a software‑as‑a‑service agreement for online payments, extending the term and increasing the contract amount by $27,400,000 for a revised cap not to exceed $37,000,000.
Treasury staff presented a comparative chart showing merchant‑fee rates in neighboring counties and cities. Michelle Shaw, the Treasury presenter, said San Francisco’s consumer or individual charge for card payments is “at the lowest range… at 2.25,” and that the contract includes a small‑ticket component that waives fees on consumer charges under $10 and offers no‑fee eChecks as an alternative.
A committee member noted that credit‑card fees and high card interest rates burden consumers and emphasized concern about the cost passed to residents. The committee opened public comment; no callers spoke. Chair moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation and the clerk recorded three ayes.
Next steps: the item will appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda for consideration. The committee record shows no on‑the‑record public opposition during the committee hearing.
