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Scott County opts for new payment processor, adopts treasurer's investment policy
Summary
County treasurer presented an investment policy and a plan to switch to Forte for card processing to reduce fees; commissioners approved the investment policy, authorized a Forte contract and authorized signature for contract paperwork.
County Treasurer Ryan presented the board with an updated investment policy and a proposal to change the county's payment-processing vendor to reduce fees and improve taxpayer convenience.
Ryan described the payment changes as a way to lower processing costs and shorten in-office lines during tax season. He said switching to Forte would reduce card-processing fees from about 2.9% to 2.5% and that debit-card transactions could be handled at a flat $3.95 per transaction, which he estimated would save taxpayers roughly $20,000. The board voted to approve entering a contract with Forte and authorized the county to proceed with equipment purchases to add additional card readers.
Separately, the board unanimously approved the treasurer's statement of investment policy, which Ryan said clarifies how funds are invested and reported and sets boundaries for present and future treasurers.
Commissioners noted the practical benefits: shorter lines during tax season, an additional terminal to serve more taxpayers and clearer reporting on invested funds. The motions to adopt the investment policy and to enter the Forte contract passed by voice vote with no recorded objections.
Staff will complete contract paperwork and obtain the necessary signatures; the county indicated it will implement the new processor and purchase an additional card reader as budgeted.
