ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County will begin applying processing fees to certain credit and debit card transactions for county services starting July 1, officials announced.
The fees are set by third-party vendors and will vary depending on the department, service, purchase amount and other factors. Non-card electronic payments, such as e-checks and ACH (automatic clearing house) transactions, will remain free of charge to users, as the county will continue to absorb those costs.
Officials are encouraging residents to consider alternative forms of payment to avoid or minimize these card-based fees. Most services still accept cash and checks, though the county recommends cash only for in-person payments and notes that availability of change may vary.
Card processing fees may apply to services across multiple departments, including:
- Tax Collections
- Permits & Inspections
- Planning
- Environmental Health
- Air Quality
- Fire Marshal
- Register of Deeds, including Vital Records
- Health Services
- Parks & Recreation
- Agriculture & Land Resources
- Landfill and Transfer Station
- Libraries
Residents with questions about potential fees or payment options are encouraged to contact the specific department they will be working with. Department contact information is available on the Buncombe County website.