By Becky Holland
The City of Cochran is seeking to clear up what officials say has been a source of confusion for some utility customers using the city’s online payment system.
In a social media post released this week, the city explained the difference between its Auto Pay and Quick Pay options, both of which are available through the city’s third-party online payment provider.
According to the city, Auto Pay requires customers to create an online account and enroll in the service. Once enrolled and payment information is entered, utility payments are automatically drafted each month by the due date on the 10th.
The city said Quick Pay works differently. While customers can enter checking account or debit/credit card information to make a payment, the transaction only applies to that single payment. The system does not save payment information or automatically process future utility bills.
“We discovered that there has been some confusion between Auto Pay and Quick Pay, so we wanted to help clarify the difference,” the city stated in the post.
City officials said staff members are available to assist customers who would like to enroll in Auto Pay and have their utility bills automatically drafted each month.
The informational post comes amid ongoing public discussion regarding utility billing and payment concerns raised by some residents in recent months. During a recent interview with The Ledger, Mayor Carla Coley discussed billing challenges, including issues involving a third-party billing provider and mail delivery delays.
The city said it continues to review its processes and work toward improvements in customer service and utility billing operations.
For more information about online utility payments, customers may contact Cochran City Hall.
Photo Courtesy: City of Cochran
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