Atlanta defends online billing fee
Some city of Atlanta water users who paid their bills on its Web site may have noticed a $4.50 fee.
The fee, which started in January, is necessary because banks and credit card companies charge the city as much money to process those bills, said Janet Ward, spokeswoman for Atlanta's Watershed Management Department. Those charges cost the city about $700,000 last year, according to Ward.
Ward said the $4.50 fee doesn't apply if customers use their online banking account.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
