Credit & Debit Card Processing Fee Effective January 1, 2027 

 

Beginning January 1, 2027, a 4% processing fee will be applied to credit and debit card transactions for City services. The processing fee is non-refundable. 

At its September 15, 2026, meeting, City Council adopted Resolution No. 09-15-2026, authorizing a 4% processing fee for credit and debit card transactions for City services. These services include, but are not limited to, utility payments, building permits and inspections, Municipal Court payments, and other municipal services. 

The fee is intended to recover the costs the City incurs to process card payments through its merchant services provider. Customers who prefer to avoid the processing fee may use one of the alternative payment methods listed below. 

Alternative Payment Methods with No Processing Fee

  • Cash: In person at City Hall
  • Check: In person at City Hall, by mail, or through the 24-hour utility bill drop box outside City Hall
  • ACH/ Bank Auto Draft: Available for utility accounts only
  • Bank Online Bill Pay: Available through your financial institution, which sends a physical check to the City on your behalf for utility payments (this is NOT the same as ACH/ Bank Auto Draft) 

City Hall Payment Hours

In person payments may be made at City Hall during the following regular business hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) 

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Important Information for Utility Customers 

 

Customers Currently Enrolled in Auto Pay Using a Credit or Debit Card 

Beginning January 1, 2027, utility customers enrolled in Auto Pay using a credit or debit card will be subject to the 4% processing fee on card transactions.

If you wish to avoid this fee, you must turn off Auto Pay by December 30, 2026, and utilize one of the alternative payment methods. To turn off Auto Pay, log in to the City's online utility billing portal and remove the credit or debit card saved to your account.

If you wish to continue utilizing Auto Pay, you will be charged the 4% processing fee.  

Switching to ACH/ Bank Auto Draft

ACH/ Bank Auto Draft allows utility payments to be drafted directly from your bank account without a processing fee.

To enroll in ACH/ Bank Auto Draft, complete and submit the draft authorization form available on the City's website:  www.bunkerhilltx.gov/citizens/utility-billing-auto-draft-request. Submit the draft authorization form by January 14, 2027, to avoid any service interruptions.  

**Important Note: You must first turn off your existing card-based Auto Pay before enrolling in ACH/ Bank Auto Draft.  

Customers Using Their Financial Institution's Online Bill Pay Service

If you currently pay your utility bill through your financial institution's Online Bill Pay service, no action is required to avoid the processing fee, provided the payment is received as a physical check rather than a card transaction.

Please note that payments received after the due date may be subject to late fees. The City is not responsible for delays in mail delivery or processing by your financial institution. Please schedule payments sufficiently in advance to ensure they are received before/ by the due date. 

**Important Note: You must turn off your existing card-based Auto Pay before enrolling in Online Bill Pay through your financial institution. 

Questions or Additional Information

For questions or additional information about the processing fee or alternative payment methods, please contact the Permit/ Utility Billing Clerk by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 713-467-9762 during regular business hours. 

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| Posted October 15, 2027 |