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Utility Billing Changes in 2025
July 2025 - Service Fee Schedule Change
Beginning July 1, 2025, the service fee schedule was eliminated and replaced with a flat percentage rate of 3.95% for credit cards. The $2.50 flat rate service fee for ACH remains unchanged.
December 2025 - Transition to New Payment System
The City of Battle Creek is upgrading our utility billing payment system. As part of this transition, we will retire our current credit card payment platform in mid-December 2025. Here's what you need to know:
New Automated Phone Payments
Starting in mid-December, neighbors will be able to make secure payments over the phone using our new automated system. We’re finalizing the exact launch date and will share it soon, along with the toll-free number.
Our 311 team is preparing to support callers with guidance and answers to common questions.
New Fee Schedule
The following fee schedule, in the table below, will apply when the new phone payment system launches:
Use Case | List Price | Service % | Min | POS | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payments - Payer Card Cost - Service Fees | |||||
| Enterprise ERP Payments - General Billing | 3.95% | $2.50 | X | X | |
| Enterprise ERP Payments - Utility Billing | 3.95% | $2.50 | X | X | |
| Payments - Other Fees | |||||
| Payer eCheck Cost | $1.95 | ||||
| eCheck Rejects | $35.00 | ||||
| Credit Card Chargebacks | $35.00 | ||||
| Payer Card Cost: Per credit card transaction with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. | |||||
| Payer eCheck Cost: Per electronic check transfer. | |||||
| eCheck Rejects: When an eCheck transaction comes back as declined (e.g. bounced check.) | |||||
| Credit Card Chargebacks: If a card payer disputes a transaction at the card-issuing bank (e.g. stolen card.) | |||||
Updated Online Payment Links
Our new system will integrate directly with the city’s finance software, making online payments smoother and more secure. Look for updated bill pay links on this page and on your utility bills as we roll them out.
Live Over-the-Phone Credit Card Payments Ending
Once the new bill pay system is in place, we will no longer be able to accept credit card payments over live phone calls. However, you can still pay by credit card in person at City Hall or use the new online and automated phone options.
Why the Change?
The City of Battle Creek is upgrading its utility billing system to improve security and better integrate with our financial software. As part of this transition, we will no longer use the G2G Cloud Solutions platform, which previously supported our online and over-the-phone credit card payments. This change reflects the end of our participation in G2G’s revenue-sharing model and ensures continued, secure service for your utility payments.
What’s Next?
The full transition to the new system will be completed by June 2026. We’ll continue to share updates as more details become available. Thank you for your patience as we make these changes!
Need to create an account?
All customers—new and existing—must create a new username and password to access your utility account online. This change is required because we updated our software. If you need help, please contact 311 for assistance.
NOTE: Use a computer to create your account. Phones and other tablets may not finish creating your account. If you don’t have access to a computer, please call 311 for assistance.
To create a new account:
- Click on "Pay Utility Bill"
- Once on the page, select "Create User Profile" link. (It is below "Sign In")
- Enter your Account number, Last Name, and Full Name to verify your account
- Please note: The third field is expecting your FULL Name, not First. Please enter your entire name as printed on your bill.
- Create a Username for your new profile
- Create a Password and re-enter in Confirm Password
- Enter an Email address and re-enter in Confirm Email
- Select the Register button and continue with remaining instructions