Mount Clemens approves interlocal agreement with Oakland County to accept credit-card payments

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve an interlocal IT agreement with Oakland County to use the county's government-to-government payment-processing platform known as g2g, enabling the city to accept credit and debit cards and eChecks at City Hall and online.

City staff explained the city currently accepts cash or check at the treasurer's counter and accepts card payments only online or by phone; the g2g platform would provide hardware, software, training and support at no cost to the city. "Nearly all Oakland County Government offices, municipalities, road commission, courts ... use g2g," staff said.

Commissioners asked practical questions about fees and contract length. One commissioner expressed concern about the agreement's five-year term; another responded that a party can terminate upon 120 days' notice. A presenter described the customer fee structure: "It's a scale. It depends on how much your taxes are. ... It's either a percentage or a flat amount depending on if it's over 1000 dollars or under 1000," and said the system will show the fee on the receipt before payment is completed.

On a roll-call vote the commission approved the agreement, with all present commissioners voting yes. Supporters said the platform will expand payment options for residents and provide a way to process major card brands without upfront software costs to the city.

Next steps: the city will implement the g2g hardware and train treasurer's staff on displaying fees and processing transactions.