Credit Card Payments No Longer Accepted At Essex Town Hall

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Town of Essex Council agreed to discontinue in-person credit card payments at Town Hall in an effort to reduce operating costs and the financial impact of COVID-19 on taxpayers.

The town says that fees associated with the processing of credit card payments represent a significant annual cost. Since 2010, the cost of those fees has nearly tripled to $72,000 per year. In June of 2018, credit card transactions were limited to $1,000 per day, per property tax account. These costs have been historically funded through property taxation and all residents of the municipality.

“This is the next step towards reducing the impact of credit card fees on the Town’s operating costs,” said Jeffrey Morrison, Treasurer/Director, Corporate Services. “While residents will no longer be able to pay with their credit cards in person, we offer a number of convenient alternatives.”

Credit cards can still be used for property tax payments using the Virtual City Hall system, available online at www.essex.ca/VCH. The Virtual City Hall credit card transaction fee will also be waived until December 31st, 2020.

Credits cards will also continue to be accepted for recreational services.