The City of Battle Creek announced on May 5 that it will complete a major upgrade to its financial software systems, affecting utility billing, Treasury, and other city payment services. As part of this transition, several payment options will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26. The new system is scheduled to launch at the end of the month.
The city said the upgrade aims to improve payment security and better integrate its financial and billing systems. During the closure period in mid-May, online payments, pay by phone services, and in-person credit card, cash or check payments will not be available for most departments.
Utility customers may still make payments by check or money order using exterior or interior drop boxes at City Hall. Payments can also be made in person at local Comerica Bank branches if the bill is not past due and a copy of the utility bill is provided. All mailed or drop box payments will be processed after May 26.
Departments such as Utility Billing and Transit will not accept online credit card or eCheck payments during this time. However, income tax payments as well as transactions with Code Enforcement, Inspections, City Attorney’s Office, Police Department and Full Blast Recreation Center can still be completed online.
When the new system launches during the final week of May, customers will have updated online bill-pay links on both the city website and printed bills. Automated phone payment options will also become available; live credit card payments by phone with a representative will no longer be offered but general questions can still be directed to the city’s 311 team.
Credit card transactions under the new system include a service fee of 3.95 percent with a $2.50 minimum per transaction; automated phone payments carry an additional $0.50 fee per transaction while eCheck transactions are subject to a $1.95 fee each.
The city encourages residents to review their utility bills for updates or visit its website for current information about making payments during this transition.
