Aurora board approves 3.1% credit-card convenience fee for recreation registrations

The Town of Aurora board voted Dec. 9 to pass along credit-card processing costs for recreation program registrations to customers as a convenience fee set at 3.1%, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Chris, speaking for the Recreation Department, told the board the department historically absorbed processing costs and provided a breakdown showing that a 3.1% fee would cover both per-transaction costs and part of the monthly gateway fee of $18.25. "We are going to be passing them off as a convenience fee," Chris said, explaining that 3.1% was chosen so the department would not inadvertently generate profit. He added that if the fee were set at 3.2% the department would begin to take in excess revenue, which the department must avoid.

The board approved the motion to set the convenience fee at 3.1% and also approved a transfer of $219 from line A-71444 (program supplies) to line A-702049 to cover the gateway fee. The board recorded discussion about transparency and compliance: members emphasized the requirement that the town cannot make money from the fee and that the department would monitor outcomes and propose adjustments if needed.

Practical next steps include updating registration web pages and customer notices so residents see the convenience fee before completing payments. The Recreation Department reported roughly $300,000 in registration revenue this year and expects the new fee to better align costs and billing practices.

The motion was moved by Joe and seconded by Ray; the vote was recorded as carried by voice.