Milwaukie resident presses council on 3% water bill processing fee; staff to respond next meeting

Milwaukie — During public comment, a resident raised questions about a 3% processing fee appearing on city water bills and asked why the fee applies to certain payment methods.

Chris Scott told council he typically pays by card or cash and said the new 3% processing charge feels punitive because the only practical way he can avoid it is direct debit or paying cash/check. "My question is about the 3% increase on my water bill for processing fees...So what's the definition of the processing? Who's doing it?" he asked.

Mayor Beatty said staff had received written concerns about the fee and that the acting city manager and the finance director had been made aware; the mayor said they would be prepared to address the issue at the next meeting. No formal action or vote occurred during the meeting; the mayor asked staff to respond at a future council meeting.

The exchange was part of the meeting’s public comment period and will be followed up by staff at the next meeting, according to the mayor's remarks.