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Getting Started - State Agencies and Schools
If you already accept credit cards, then you know how they can save you the headache of handling checks, including all the hassles that go with processing and collecting NSF checks. Add to this the time saved by not having to manage all the paper that comes with the payment, and you can see why an online process can be very cost effective.
If you believe you have a revenue source that would work well in an online environment, then we encourage you to take the following steps:
1. Get the buy-in of the agency heads. For an e-government system to work well, it needs support from the top down.
2. Discuss your ideas with you webmaster or your technical personnel. When the time comes, they will need to make a few changes in order to link to our system.
3. Decide what services you will need. Do you already have a website, and just need to clear the transactions? Do you need an entire website, or just a few payment pages? Do you just want to take credit cards, or do you think your activity would be safe to process if the users give their checking account number from the bottom of their checks? (this is called E-check or ACH debit)
4. Drop us an e-mail. We’ll be happy to send you an application!
The Costs
Agencies pay merchant costs of 2.25% of the processed amount for credit card payments and 5 cents per item for ACH debits. The Treasurer’s Office prepays the charges and then invoices the agencies and schools for reimbursement.
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