Albany Utility Board considers charges for mailing bills, online payments

ALBANY – A couple of changes in billing under consideration by the Albany Utility Board could hit customers in the wallet, including a service fee on paying bills by credit and debit cards.

The other fee the board is entertaining would impose a cost on mailing bills.

The board has not set a timetable for voting on those fees, both of which were brought up more than a year ago but on which no action has been taken.

The vendor who handles card transactions has been charging fees between 3% and 6% to the utility system for payment transactions, which costs money for the city, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough, who chairs the Utility Board, said.

The half-dollar charge for mailing bills was first brought up during a time when there was a large increase in postal rates, the mayor said.

“I would argue (against) charging people who mail in payments because I know those are primarily older citizens,” Dorough said. “I don’t see charging people who pay by traditional mail a surcharge.”

Charges on credit and debit cards are something that merchants across the board often charge on transactions, from convenience stores to the county’s tax office, he said. 

Board member Ryshari Burley said that he expects further discussion in the future before any decisions are made on the two proposals.

“I appreciate the citizens for their comments and expressing their concerns,” he said. “I will be raising their concerns. 

“We are working also to bring a lot of relief to senior citizens and also to businesses and renters and homeowners who are being affected by utilities.”