Paying your utility bill, taxes, and other city fees in Escanaba, Michigan just got a whole lot easier thanks to the new online payment options available through the city’s website. As a resident of this friendly Upper Peninsula community, you now have the choice to pay your bills conveniently online, in addition to the traditional payment methods that were already available. Read on to learn all about the new online bill pay options for City of Escanaba customers and how you can take advantage of them.
An Overdue Upgrade for the City’s Payment System
For many years, residents of Escanaba repeatedly requested that the city upgrade its payment systems to allow for online bill pay. The city heard those requests and took action. After nearly a year of preparation and planning, the City of Escanaba successfully transitioned to new utility billing software and a new credit card processing company in July 2020.
This upgrade introduced the long-awaited online bill pay options that residents had been asking for. It provides customers much more flexibility and convenience when it comes to paying their city bills No longer are Escanaba residents restricted to paying in-person at the utility window, dropping off payments, or mailing in checks. The array of online options now available makes bill payment simpler than ever
Introducing Secure Online Bill Payment
The City of Escanaba now offers online bill payment through a secure third-party processor called Point & Pay. Customers can pay their utility bills property taxes parking tickets, marina fees, and other city bills conveniently on the city’s website using Point & Pay.
The available online payment options include:
- Credit/debit card – Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
- eCheck – Payment directly from your bank account
To pay online, you’ll just need to visit the payments page on the City of Escanaba’s website and enter your payment details. There are no limits on how much you can pay through Point & Pay. You’ll receive instant confirmation and your payment will be applied to your account automatically.
Online Pay Comes With a Small Fee
While paying your Escanaba bills online provides much more convenience, you should be aware that Point & Pay does charge a small transaction fee for each online payment you make. Here’s what you can expect:
- Credit/debit cards – 2.8% of the payment amount
- eCheck – Flat fee of $1.50 per transaction
The city does not actually receive any revenue from these fees. The entire fee goes to Point & Pay for providing the payment processing service. However, paying online is still an attractive option for many residents despite the minor fees.
Pay Without Fees Using Automatic Payments
If you want to avoid transaction fees but still enjoy the convenience of automated payments, you can sign up for automatic bank account withdrawals through the city’s utility department. This allows your city bills to be paid directly from your checking or savings account on the due date for no fee.
To set up automatic payments, you’ll need to complete an ACH authorization form and submit it to the utility department. They’ll get your account set up to have payments automatically withdrawn on each due date. You’ll still receive a monthly bill so you can review the amount due before it’s paid.
In-Person and Mail Options Still Available
While the city now encourages customers to take advantage of the new online bill pay system, you still have the option to pay your bills through traditional in-person or mail methods if you prefer.
You can visit the utility window at City Hall during business hours to pay in cash, by check, or now even by credit/debit card. The city also has a drop box outside where you can drop off payments at any time of day or night. And you can continue to mail in payments if you choose.
An Overview of Payment Options with the City of Escanaba
To summarize, here are all the different payment options available from the City of Escanaba after the recent upgrades:
- Online – Credit/debit card or eCheck through Point & Pay
- Automatic withdrawal – Free ACH payments from bank account
- In-person – Cash, check, or credit/debit card at utility window
- Drop box – Checks or money orders at exterior drop box
- Mail – Send checks/money orders to utility department
No matter which method you choose, you can rest assured that making payments to the City of Escanaba is now a quick and convenient process.
How to Pay Your Bill Online in Just a Few Quick Steps
Paying your City of Escanaba bill online with Point & Pay takes just a few simple steps:
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Go to the city’s online payment page: https://www.escanaba.org/community/page/online-payments
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Select the type of bill you want to pay (utility bill, property taxes, marina fees, etc.)
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Enter your account number or customer ID number.
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Enter the payment amount.
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Provide your credit/debit card or eCheck details.
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Confirm your details and complete the payment.
The whole process takes just a minute or two. You’ll receive instant email confirmation that your payment was made. Log in to your city account to confirm the updated balance.
Don’t Let Bills Pile Up – Pay Conveniently Online
Like most of us, you probably don’t look forward to paying bills each month. But skipping payments or letting them pile up only makes things worse in the long run. Now that paying your Escanaba bills is so quick and easy online, there’s no excuse to let them go past due.
Visit the city’s website today and enroll in online bill pay through Point & Pay. Then pay your bill seamlessly each month with just a few clicks – no checks, no stamps, no hassle required. Automated payments are also a great option if you want to set it and forget it.
Online bill pay provides a convenient way for Escanaba residents to meet their financial obligations to the city in a timely manner. Let technology work for you so you can spend less time stressing about bills and more time enjoying the natural beauty and small-town charm that the Escanaba community provides. Pay online today for simplicity, security, and satisfaction.
New customers are required to pay a minimum deposit of $200.00. Account transfers are assessed fees of $10.00 to $200 depending on the nature of the transfer. Below are links to each of the City’s utility rate ordinances, which contain a complete listing of all applicable fees and charges.
Listed below are the City’s current residential and commercial rate ordinances:
- Water Rate Ordinance
- Wastewater Rate Ordinance
- Electric Rate Ordinance
- Solid Waste Rate Ordinance
- To View and Pay your Bill (Click here)
The utility office prepares and mails electric, water, sewer, and garbage bills for the City of Escanaba. We also assist our residents and customers in matters related to the following:
- Billing and outstanding balances
- New customer accounts
- Changes to existing accounts
- Shut offs due to non-payment
- Issues related to high or low usage
- Stopped meters
- Payment plans and customer credit issues
- Move ins and move outs
- Vouchers and vendor payments
- Service calls
- Meter reading
Escanaba launches new app for its residents
Does the city of Escanaba accept credit card payments?
The City of Escanaba transitioned to new utility billing software and Credit Card Company back in July of 2020. The planning and implementation of this software took nearly a year to complete. After many years of customer request, we are happy to announce that the City of Escanaba is offering bill payment via credit card at the utility window.
How can I pay my City of Escanaba bill?
You can pay any City of Escanaba bill at the drop box, which is accessible 24 hours a day. Indicate the account number associated with the bill clearly when making the payment. Summer taxes become payable on or about July 10th, and may be paid through September 15th without late fees.
How do I contact the Escanaba utility office?
After Hours, Holidays, and Emergencies:Please contact Public Safety at 906-786-5911. The Utility Office is responsible for preparing and mailing electric, water, sewer, and garbage bills for the City of Escanaba. They also assist residents and customers with the following:
What is the Escanaba water utility?
The Escanaba Water Utility, a public community water system under the City Department of Public Utilities – Water Division, provides water for about 13,659 residents living in the area of Escanaba, a port city in Delta County, Michigan.
Who is responsible for preparing a utility bill in Escanaba?
Please contact Public Safety at 906-786-5911. The Utility Office is responsible for preparing and mailing electric, water, sewer, and garbage bills for the City of Escanaba. They also assist residents and customers with the following: New customers are required to pay a minimum deposit of $400.00.
Does Escanaba have a water quality report?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA requires City Of Escanaba Utilities to assess local water quality each year and distribute a Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report. At WaterZen, we review these reports and make the information available, in a concise, straightforward, and easy-to-understand way.