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Paying rates made easy in Frankston

Frankston City Council has always been a visionary when it comes to providing new services for its ratepayers. It is one of the first councils to embrace leading edge payment system Bill EXPRESS, which offers residents the opportunity to pay rates and other council charges at newsagencies and Coles supermarkets. Collection rates have soared to over 95 per cent for the Victorian council since Bill EXPRESS came online, according to council Coordinator Rates and Valuations, Ian Holland.

“We are beating our targets for collections because we are committed to making it as easy as possible for our residents to pay rates notices,” Ian Holland said. “This means our council has better cashflow and fewer reminder notices to send out. Efficient and convenient payment systems really make a difference to us.”

Bill EXPRESS gives residents the opportunity to pay council notices on the Internet, over the telephone using Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) technology, as well as physical transactions at newsagencies and Coles Supermarkets.

“Everyone is busy these days,” Ian Holland said. “The fact Bill EXPRESS services are available at the most popular retail outlets – newsagencies and supermarkets – means there is no need to make a special effort, or a dedicated trip to council offices, to pay rates.”

He said Council had no hesitation in using Bill EXPRESS even though the company is young and fast growing.

“I have found them to be very professional and dedicated to ensuring their technology is a success to Frankston City Council. There is always concern about a council’s image when you use a new service. I would say to any council considering Bill EXPRESS payment systems, that they should have no concern.”

Bill EXPRESS now provides technology to allow parking infringements in Frankston to be paid over the Internet – a first in Australia.

“This is a great example of how Bill EXPRESS is making sure it offers every benefit to councils,” Ian Holland said. “No one likes coming into our offices to pay fines. Sometimes there are some tense situations at the front desk. The Internet alternative means payments can be made without inconvenience or tension.”

Frankston City Council uses the Bill EXPRESS online reporting tool to track the daily clearance for all payments, including rates, parking infringements and animal registrations. Council staff also use the online reporting tool to analyse and forecast the payments on the Bill EXPRESS system to assist in financial forecasting. They can even trace individual payments in the case of a customer inquiry.

“I am confident Bill EXPRESS will make a big contribution to the council and its quality of service for our customers,” Ian Holland said.

For further information please visit www.billexpress.com.au

* Copy supplied by Bill EXPRESS

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