Norwalk adopts modest fee increases and a new payment vendor; city to absorb small e-check cost

The Norwalk Board of Estimate and Taxation voted May 4 to adopt modest increases to frequently used fees and to proceed with a mid‑June cutover to a new online payment vendor the council approved last year.

Tax Collector Lisa told the board the review focused on fees the department implements most often and on reducing paper and mail risk by promoting online payments. She said the city negotiated a lower fee structure with the new vendor and, in at least one case, the city will absorb a small fee to encourage e‑checks. "We negotiated a $0.25 fee if we absorb it ourselves," Lisa said, describing a concession intended to promote electronic payments and reduce administrative work.

The proposed changes include modest increases in several administrative fees (examples discussed included adjustments from $20 to $25 or $30 in some categories) while statutory caps (for instance a $20 return check fee set by state law) remain in force. Board members asked whether increases would cover department time and materials; Lisa said the adjustments would not fully cover costs in the first year but represented a cautious step after a long period without changes.

The board approved the fee schedule on a 4–1 vote. Officials said the payment‑vendor cutover is scheduled for mid‑June and expected to lower taxpayer charges in many cases while shifting some administrative tasks to the new provider.

What happens next: the tax office will implement the new fee table and complete the vendor cutover in mid‑June; staff said they will revisit fee levels next year if needed.