Marysville council approves resolution to recover electronic payment processing costs; vote 4–1

Marysville’s City Council voted June 22 to approve Resolution 2585, authorizing city staff to implement fees to recover payment‑processing costs for credit and debit card transactions and for e‑check transactions when a processor assesses a fee.

Director Brantis told the council the city has been absorbing electronic‑payment processing costs and stated staff’s review found the city ‘‘absorbs more than $41,000 monthly on average’’ and that the ‘‘total annual for that is about $68,000.’’ Council members asked whether the city can negotiate lower processor rates, whether e‑checks should be excluded, and how fees would be displayed to customers. Staff said fees vary by processor and that an RFP to consolidate processing vendors is planned; staff also said implementation will take operational time and that the resolution authorizes the process rather than immediately charging customers.

Debate centered on e‑checks: some council members urged excluding e‑checks unless a processor actually charges for them; others said the resolution simply allows recovery of any processing costs and that staff will seek vendors and approaches that limit fees. After discussion the council moved and seconded the resolution; the measure passed 4–1 with Council Member Richards casting the lone no vote.

The resolution authorizes finance to work with payment processors, determine fee amounts by provider, and implement cost‑recovery mechanisms; staff indicated they will return policy or contract changes to council as required before final implementation.