LABELLE, FL. -- Port LaBelle Utilities has changed the customer payment system, now with an extra hidden fee for every type of online, credit card or automatic bank payments.
The highest added fee is $3.50 extra for using a credit or debit card. The lowest is 50 cents for an automatic payment from a bank account.
Previously, the water company allowed payments made automatically from a bank account each month without any extra fees, as is regularly done by every credit card, electric, phone, cable or internet company.
Why Port LaBelle Utilities decided to go with this 'pay bills with extra fee' system is unknown. We can only speculate that a clever sales person got a nice commission for setting up the new payment system after fast talking their way into a big sale with Hendry County or the manager of Port LaBelle Utilities, Roger Greer.
A call to the Port LaBlle Utilities office today gained only the response that customers can pay in person by check at their office (or leave a check in the dropbox), or pay by cash or check at the Courthouse on the second floor.
The new water/sewer bills give a phone number and weblink to pay your bills but doesn't mention there's an extra fee when you pay by phone or via the website.
The Port LaBelle Utilities office will not accept cash, and the Courthouse clerk will add an extra fee for all other forms of payment by debit or credit card. It appears that it may be possible to pay at the Port LaBelle Utility office with a credit/debit card but with an extra fee.
Our suggestion: If you don't like the new system, call Port LaBelle Utilities at 863 675-5376 and leave a comment or complaint or email rhoward@hendryfla.net. Or contact your Hendry County Commissioner and comment.
The hidden fees as shown on the invoicecloud.com/hendrycountyfl website when customers make or set up a payment is not prominently shown. Customers signing up or making a payment seems to have to make some extra clicks to find the added fees. Here's what they are:
| Credit/Debit Card: $3.50 transaction fee for Web, POS, IVR, Auto Pay, Kiosk, and Pay By Text EFT (Check): $0.95 transaction fee for Web, POS, IVR, Kiosk, and Pay By Text $0.50 transaction fee for Auto Pay |
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