Dorchester County moves sticker sales online, but residents warn ending cash could exclude unbanked

Dorchester County Council approved an amendment to the countysolid‑waste sticker sales process on May 19, directing staff to shift sales to the finance office, online and by mail and to remove on‑site cash handling at several transfer stations. Council and staff said the change will improve security and make accounting easier as the county rolls out credit‑card machines and an online application and payment system.

County staff told the council the online application and payment system has been developed and will be tested by the finance and landfill teams; the stated intent in the discussion was to have the system ready for rollout by July 1, subject to IT testing and staff training. Staff said mailed applications and check payments will remain an option for residents who cannot pay online.

Public concerns: several council members and members of the public urged caution, saying removing cash could disproportionately affect older residents and people who are unbanked. David Beverly, a resident who identified himself during public comment, warned: "This disenfranchises the large group of people... there are a lot of people... who are unbanked, and they use cash only." He urged the council to consider requiring that the county and local businesses continue to accept cash as an option.

Council direction and safeguards: council members asked staff to keep check payments and mailed stickers available and to place signage at transfer stations explaining the change. Staff agreed to work with IT and to post announcements on the county website and social media and to notify staff when the online payment process is turned on.

What happens next: the council approved the administrative change. Staff will proceed with testing of credit‑card terminals and the online application, communicate timelines publicly, and maintain check‑by‑mail options while training staff at affected locations.