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Commissioners approve credit/debit payment service for Circuit Court over fee objections
Summary
The Board authorized an agreement with Government Payment Services, Inc., allowing the Circuit Court to accept credit/debit card payments for fines and costs; the service was approved 6‑1 after commissioners raised concerns about the 5–8% fees charged to defendants.
The Calhoun County Board voted 6‑1 on Aug. 17 to approve an agreement with Government Payment Services, Inc. to allow the Circuit Court Clerk’s office to accept credit and debit card payments for fines and costs.
Circuit Court Clerk fiscal officer Bruce Huepenbecker described the service as already used by the District Court and the Sheriff’s Department and said it is free to the court; defendants, he said, bear the processing fee, which he described as roughly 5 to 8 percent. Huepenbecker said the service speeds collections and saves customers time; the only cost to the court is phone installation.
Commissioner Moore asked whether a lower rate could be negotiated given other county departments use the service; Huepenbecker said the Circuit Court was not being charged and that the rate to customers is comparable to other departments. Commissioner Solis voiced concern the fees are high and affect defendants and their families and voted against the motion for that reason. Commissioner Segal recommended future coordination across courts and departments to negotiate consistent contracts.
The Board authorized the agreement (Res.133‑2006) and instructed the Clerk to execute the contract on the county’s behalf. The roll call vote was yes — 6; no — 1 (Comr. Solis).
