Klamath Falls, Oregon – A small change at checkout could soon make a noticeable difference on monthly utility bills in Klamath Falls. Beginning August 1, customers who pay by credit or debit card will see an additional 3% charge added to their transaction.
The city is announcing the update ahead of time so residents can review their payment habits before the new fee begins. For a $100 utility payment, the processing charge would add $3 to the total.
City officials emphasized that the 3% fee is not new revenue for Klamath Falls. The money will go to the city’s payment processing provider, which charges the amount to cover the cost of handling credit and debit card transactions. The city will not retain any portion of the fee.
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Customers who regularly use a card are not required to continue paying that way. Several payment methods will remain available without the additional charge, including Automated Clearing House payments, commonly known as ACH, as well as checks and cash.
The change gives customers a practical choice. Those who value the speed or convenience of card payments can continue using them while accepting the processing cost. Residents who want to avoid the fee can switch to one of the no-fee options before their next payment is due.
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The update applies only to utility payments made with credit or debit cards beginning August 1. It does not mean that utility rates are increasing, and it does not place a separate city-imposed charge on customers using ACH, cash or checks.
By releasing the notice before the effective date, the city said it hopes customers will have enough time to select the payment method that works best for their household. Residents may also want to review any automatic or recurring card payments they currently use, since those transactions could be affected once the change takes effect.
Customers with questions about the fee, available payment methods or their utility accounts can contact the City of Klamath Falls Utility Billing Department at 541-883-5301. Questions may also be sent by email to [email protected].
