HomeMy WebLinkAboutCard Processing FeesContact: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • Fax 952-826-0389 • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City to Begin Implementing Fee to Process Payments Made with Credit Cards
Edina, Minn., June 25, 2025 – Starting in July, the City of Edina will begin charging a 3% convenience fee for payments made with a credit card.
The first to roll out the new fee will be the Fire Department, which includes the Public Health Division, South Metro Public Safety Training Facility and Building Inspections Division.
Other departments will follow as their systems and processes are reconfigured.
The Fire Department is one of the departments that has felt the significant impact of card processing fees. In 2023, the department had 8,928 card transactions totaling $4,939,597. The
total amount of credit card fees paid by the department was $125,501 -- 2.54% of sales.
There will be no convenience fee for customers paying with cash or check. The convenience fee will be outlined on all online payment systems and in person with signs. City staff will
also mention the fee when helping customers in-person or on the phone.
Fire Chief Andrew Slama and Finance Director Pa Thao have been researching credit card fees since 2023, reviewing practices in other cities and the City’s own financial data. Earlier
this year, the Edina City Council directed the Finance Department to expand on that research and start implementing credit card fees as one of the options for decreasing the City’s
budget. Under State law, cities have the authority to charge convenience fees or service charges when customers use a card in lieu of cash or check.
After the Fire Department launches card processing fees in July, more will follow suit. With five different point-of-sale systems and 10 different merchant processors across the organization,
each department has its own set of logistics to overcome before the fee is in place City-wide.
“To remain strong financial stewards and continue providing the quality service our customers expect, implementing credit card fees is a necessary response to manage rising processing
costs responsibly,” said Assistant City Manager Ari Lenz.
For more information, contact the Finance Department, 952-826-0366.
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