This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Recently the City of Longmont sent out a press release announcing that they were no longer accepting payments via phone.
The Longmont Observer contacted Sandi Seeder, Assistant City Manager for the City of Longmont, and asked why phone payments were no longer being accepted. Her response is as follows:
We used to have an automated voice service called teleworks, where you could call in, type a four digit code, and get information via phone. When we launched our new website, we did a way with the teleworks program, due to lack of use.
One of the features that was part of this program, was the pay by phone feature, which was still being used. Unfortunately, eventually, the tech behind the teleworks system began to fail. We tried for months to implement a new solution, but our vendor did not meet all of the PCI compliance requirements. We continue to look for another solution, but in the meantime, the *black box* that housed the system was turned off.
This is very unfortunate for us, and for our customers, as we had approximately 3,200 folks who were paying by phone. Fortunately, there are 6 other pay options to choose from: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5521/3?backlist=%2f
The current options for payment are as follows:
- By credit or debit card on the City website. Visit LongmontColorado.gov/UtilityBilling to create an online account that you can use to make a payment at any time.
- By automatic recurring payment using your credit or debit card or by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Call Utility Billing at 303-651-8664 to set up a recurring payment.
- During business hours, you can make payment at the Civic Center, 350 Kimbark Street. After hours, you can leave your payment by check in the drop box on the west side of Kimbark Street across from the Civic Center.
- Mail your check to 350 Kimbark Street, Longmont, 80501.
- Make a direct payment from your checking account.Contact your bank for instructions.
- Between 8 am and 5 pm, you can call the Utility Billing office at 303-651-8664 and speak to a customer service representative to pay by credit or debit card over the phone.
(Written in collaboration by Sergio Angeles and Macie May)
