Page 4 - Clinton Currents Volume XIX Issue 3 - Fall 2019
P. 4

 Page 4
Fall 2019
From Treasurer Paul Gieleghem New Online Payment Options
 The Internet was just becoming a widely used and useful tool for businesses and individuals as I was coming out of college and into the workforce. The technological explosion that has occurred since has driven business productivity and changed the way we as individuals manage our lives.
My kids call it “going old-school” when I tell them a book report assignment used to involve a trip to the library, navigating the Dewey Decimal System to actually  nd a book in the library, turning pages to read the book, and then writing the report.
Today, most bank transactions, even those involving a written check, are completed by one computer talking to another. Online payment systems are now a requirement for most organizations, including Clinton Township. New homeowners want to be able to pay their water bill with only a few clicks on their phone. The Township has had an online payment option in place for many years. So the question is:‘Why change?’The short answer: I have to consider how to serve you better and how do I offer those services more efficiently by utilizing cost-effective technology.
Our new payment vendor is integrated with the software systems used by our departments. Integration eliminates the need for multiple uploads and downloads. For you, the customer, we are presenting more payment options and top-level security for your  nancial information. Integration also allows us to tell you almost immediately, whether your online payment has been received and is in process.
You still have the options of making payments at the window, dropping them into the drop box, mailing a
check, or utilizing your bank’s bill pay system. However, a trip to the Civic Center isn’t always convenient, and you never know when a check, mailed from home, or from your bank, is actually going to arrive.
New Features
Treasurer Paul Gieleghem
Credit/Debit Cards at the
Window—for building permits, business registrations, passports, and water and tax bills.
Payments by Phone—now have live-caller assistance (a real person) available during business hours
Better Viewing—for smartphones and tablet
Create Your Account—allows you to manage payment options, save payment methods, sign up for water bill auto-pay, paperless billing, or search your payment history.
While credit and debit card payments have always incurred a service fee, we maintained the FREE e- checking option for water and tax bills.
The transition hasn’t been as smooth as we would have liked, and some solutions took time. But we’ve made recommendations and implemented solutions to make the process easier and more user- friendly, Ultimately, we will work with you to  nd the payment option that is right for you. If you have questions, we are here to help!
Please feel free to call, email, or clip the page and send it back to us!
 Online payment systems are now a requirement for most organizations, including Clinton Township.
 Ultimately, we will work with you to find the payment option that is right for you.
 













































































   2   3   4   5   6