(a) Definition. In this section, "governmental charges" includes all taxes, fees, and charges collected by the County and any additional charges collected by the County in connection with the taxes, fees, or charges.
(b) Authority to accept. The County may accept payment of governmental charges by a credit card, debit card, or electronic means, such as e-check, electronic funds transfer, and automated clearing house.
(c) Required imposition of service charges and fees. Except as provided in subsection (d), the County shall impose and collect a service charge in connection with the payment of governmental charges by credit card or debit card, but the service charge may not exceed the amount of any fee charged to the County in connection with the payment method. The County shall impose and collect a fee in connection with the payment of governmental charges by credit card, debit card, or electronic means if the payment is rejected due to insufficient funds.
(d) Permissive imposition of service charges. The County may impose and collect a service charge in connection with the payment of fees by credit card, debit card, or electronic means of fees charged for the following services and programs:
(1) Department of Recreation and Parks: child care programs; facility rentals; park access; and recreational, athletic, and park programs;
(2) Police Department: any fees collected by or payable to Animal Control; and
(3) Department of Public Works: landfill dumping fees.
(e) Notice. Each bill or notification for a governmental charge that may be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic means shall state the types of cards and electronic methods that may be used to pay the governmental charge and the amount of any service or other charges.
(1985 Code, Art. 6, § 10-107) (Bill No. 26-00; Bill No. 75-00; Bill No. 8-05; Bill No. 13-14)