O-2013-3485 accept credit card payments/fees, fines, court costs and other charges

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ORDINANCE NO. 2013- % 4 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE BY AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LA PORTE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS FOR PAYMENTS OF FEES, FINES, COURT COSTS AND OTIIER CHARGES, AND AUTIIORIZING THE COLLECTION OF CONVENIENCE FEES AND SERVICES CIIARGES, AS ALLOWED BY CHAPTER 132 OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte, 'Texas seeks to facilitate prompt and efficient payments by citizens of obligations owed to the City, including but not limited to fees, fines, court costs, and other charges; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the acceptance by the City of payments rendered in the form of charges to credit cards increases the administrative efficiency and provides a convenient method of payment for the public; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the use of credit cards is a widely accepted and prudent means of effectuating payment; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 51.001, the City has general authority to adopt an ordinance or police regulation that is for the good government, peace or order of the City and is necessary or proper for carrying out a power granted by law to the City; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 132 of the Texas Local Government Code, the City has the authority to accept payments by credit card of fees, fines, court costs, and other charges; collect a Processing Fee for processing a payment by credit card; and collect a Service Charge if a charge is not honored by the credit card company; and WHEREAS, the City Council that it is necessary and proper for the good government, peace or order of the City of La Porte to adopt an ordinance authorizing payments by credit card and regulating the acceptance of credit card payments by the City. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: Section I. That the City Council of the City of La Porte, 'Texas, hereby finds that the above -referenced recitals we true and correct. Section 2. That Chapter 2 "Administration", Article III. "Finance", Division 1. "Generally", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte is hereby amended by adding new Section 2-61 "Credit cud payments authorized", Section 2-62 "Convenience fee", and Section 2-63 "Service Charge", which sections shall read as follows: