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Spokane County negotiates lower credit‑card fees with Global Payments during software transition
Summary
County recreation staff negotiated a client-satisfaction offer with Global Payments to reduce high credit‑card processing rates, estimating nearly $130,000 in savings from June–December; commissioners asked staff to explore countywide consolidation opportunities when systems are renewed.
County recreation and finance staff told commissioners on May 5 that they negotiated rate reductions with their incumbent processor, Global Payments, as an interim measure while the county transitions to a new recreation software (Kaizen) and a future point‑of‑sale/processor arrangement.
Recreation coordinator Zach said Global Payments offered a client satisfaction package that reduces several high‑cost rates in the current contract. Legal reviewed the offer and staff recommended authorization to execute a 12‑month amendment to carry the county through the software transition at year end. Staff estimated the savings from June through December would be "approximately just under $130,000 based on last year's sales."
Commissioners asked whether a countywide consolidation of processors could yield economies of scale; staff and county IT said compatibility constraints and varying departmental software can limit full consolidation, but staff agreed to explore existing county arrangements with the treasurer and to look for alignment opportunities when contracts come up for renewal.
Staff indicated the interim amendment would not lock the county into a multi‑year deal and that a final processor choice would go with the new recreation software later this year.
