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As such, the transaction volume of the Utility Customer Service Department would triple resulting <br /> from the Council decision to covert to monthly billing. <br /> City Staff made the decision to "shop" for third party payment processing provider, in avoidance <br /> of transaction volume necessity to add additional staff to the city. Such decision was financially <br /> prudent as a lower cost alternative to additional staffing. <br /> The City Council was informed through Council Meeting Study Sessions, of City Administration <br /> investigation of potential solutions to offer expanded payment opportunities for city resident, <br /> commercial and industrial customers of the City Water Utility, for the purpose of providing <br /> improved customer service capabilities in the payment of water utility bills. <br /> Further, the City Council was informed of City Staff search for potential solutions to affect <br /> improved payment processing to create back-office payment processing efficiencies, leading to <br /> improved cash flow benefiting city finances. <br /> The City engaged Busey Bank, Hickory Point Bank, PNC Bank and Regions Bank to offer <br /> solutions to achieve desired city objectives. Following review of the solutions offered, the City <br /> chose to engage Busey Bank and its wholly owned subsidiary, FirsTech, Inc. as the preferred <br /> partner to enable implementation of desired solutions. <br /> With Council Resolution R2013-17, adopted by the City Council dated February 19, 2013, the <br /> City entered into a three (3)year agreement with FirsTech, Inc., whereby FirsTech, Inc. provided <br /> back-office payment processing services to the city. Such agreement commenced on February <br /> 19, 2013. <br /> With Council Resolution R2016-27, adopted by the City Council dated March 21, 2016, the City <br /> extended the FirsTech agreement to March 21, 2021. This action was accomplished as a part of <br /> the Busey Bank FirsTech downtown economic development agreement whereby Busey/FirsTech <br /> would refurbish a downtown existing structure for use to house the Decatur based FirsTech <br /> operational staff. <br /> POTENTIAL OBJECTION: <br /> There are no known objections to this ordinance request. <br /> INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: <br /> No input from other sources. <br /> STAFF REFERENCES: <br /> Gregg D. Zientara, City Treasurer&Director of Finance <br /> BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: <br /> Included within the budget. <br />