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Muskegon treasurer backs switch to new online payments platform; item headed to consent agenda
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Summary
City Treasurer Sarah Wilson recommended switching the city’s online payment processing from Point & Pay to a BS&A (BSNA) platform, citing a modern interface, mobile and tap-to-pay options, and fewer failed ACH transactions; residents would face slightly higher transaction fees and the city would buy handheld readers (about $5,000 total).
City Treasurer Sarah Wilson told the Muskegon City Commission at a Jan. 12 work session that the city should move its online payments from the current Point & Pay setup to BS&A’s new payments platform, which she said launched in 2024 and combines payment processing with the city's financial software.
“Point and pay is working fine, but b s and a about a year and a half ago created their own platform,” Wilson said, adding the vendor’s single customer‑support number would remove the confusion residents now face when a payment is a software issue versus a payment network issue. She described a redesigned, mobile‑friendly interface, “buttons to push” for easier checkout, and support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap‑to‑pay and text‑to‑pay.
Wilson also cited functionality intended to reduce failed ACH/e‑check transactions: front‑end validation that alerts users immediately if an account number is invalid rather than producing a bounced payment days later. She said the platform supports automatic card updates and chip‑capable card processing, capabilities the city’s current system lacks.
The switch would not add platform fees for the city, Wilson said, but residents using cards would pay 2.8% plus $0.50 per transaction; the online e‑check fee would increase from roughly $0.85 to $1.25. The city would need to purchase handheld card readers at about $350 apiece; Wilson estimated 15 units for an equipment cost of about $5,000. “There’s no extra fees to us as the municipality,” she said, “the only fee we would have to pay is we do have to buy the little readers.”
Commissioners generally welcomed the proposal and asked technical and procedural questions about kiosk compatibility, warranties and security. Wilson said the city’s existing kiosk would remain available for cash and check and that it is compatible with vendor imports and exports; the kiosk is not processed through the BS&A payment channel. She also said staff will continue to offer autopay enrollment handled by the city for customers who prefer that route.
The commission was told the payment‑processor item will appear on the consent agenda at the commission meeting scheduled for the next day for possible adoption.
What happens next: the commission will consider the consent agenda item at its next meeting; staff will provide any required contract language and final cost details at that time.
