Questions from clerks and finance.
These answers match the questions clerks ask: guest checkout, fees, integrations, PCI, and what happens to the data.
Can we take cards at no cost to the city?
Yes, under a convenience-fee program the resident pays a disclosed fee and the city is not billed a software subscription. Council has to adopt the fee policy.
Do you only do payments?
No. Payments are the core. GovtPermits, parks registrations, payroll support, and municipal websites are offered on the same relationship, often at no separate software cost.
How fast is a portal live?
Hosted web payment setup is often completed in 3 to 6 business days when no custom integration is required. Integrated posting takes longer and depends on the system of record.
Who do we call?
877-994-6889 or Support@govtportal.com. Alpharetta, Georgia.
Can a resident pay without an account?
Yes. Guest checkout accepts the account, citation, or permit number you already issue. Create accounts only if you need saved methods, history, or recurring payments.
What does the city pay?
Under the common convenience-fee model, the city is not billed a software subscription. The resident pays a fee that council adopted, and the resident sees it before submitting. If the city absorbs processing instead, that cost belongs in the budget. The dollar amount is in your agreement.
Does GovtPortal replace our billing or court software?
Not by default. Payments post back when a live connection exists. If you want GovtPermits, GovtSites, GovtPayroll, or parks registration, those are separate product decisions on the same relationship. Ask which one is in the first release.
Which processors are named?
Processing paths include Fiserv and TSYS. Your merchant agreement names the path for your funds.
How long does launch take?
Hosted web payments, with paperwork and branding in hand and no custom integration, are often ready in 3 to 6 business days. Merchant underwriting and any third-party interface can take longer. Start the bank packet early.
What is our PCI scope?
Card numbers are captured on the hosted page or on a validated device. The city still controls staff access, refunds, receipts, and the devices on the counter. Read the PCI page before you write “we are out of scope” in a board letter.
Can we export if we leave?
Yes, payment reports can be exported. Put the format, the fields, and the retention after notice into the contract, and run a sample export during implementation. Details are on the data export page.
Who do we call?
877-994-6889 or Support@govtportal.com. The office is 2750 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022. The website is govtportal.us.