LAWTON – Lawton continues its digital transformation process with the implementation of Tyler Technologies’ Munis Utility Billing CSS in partnership with Liberty National Bank, the city said in a news release.
Implementation will revolutionize the city’s Utility Services Division and how citizens receive and pay their utility bill, according to the news release. The system is tentatively scheduled to go live March 21.
With the new system, citizens will have access to the Munis Citizen Self Service portal, where they will have 24/7 access to important information and methods for paying bills and fees over the internet, according to the news release.
Citizens will also be able to submit, track and receive responses for service requests online; access past and current utility bills and payment history; and make payments online via credit card or e-check.
The new system will also allow citizens real-time access to their meter readings, allowing them to track their water usage.
Main changes for citizens
- To continue protecting citizens’ information, people who are currently signed up for bank auto draft will have to sign up again with the new system. Citizens will be able to sign up for bank auto draft online and will not have to submit a voided check to the Utility Services Division. The city apologizes for this inconvenience but asks for citizens’ understanding and patience during the transition.
- Citizens’ billing cycles will change; therefore, they will receive a new schedule for when their bill is issued and payment is due. (Visit lawtonok.gov to view an example of the new bills.)
- Bills will still be mailed, but citizens may opt out of paper bills and receive emailed bills.
- The bills have been redesigned and will give citizens a more in-depth look at their usage data.
- The address for mailing bill payments will change from City Hall to a PO box managed by Liberty National Bank.
- The new system, coupled with the city’s partnership with Liberty National Bank, will improve the bill-paying experience, according to the news release. Checks will clear customers’ banks within 24 to 48 hours, instead of the typical five to seven business days.
- The new system provides for greater online capabilities. Citizens utilizing the Utilities Customer Service portal can sign up for email and text notifications for bills, payment reminders, etc. Citizens must sign up for the notifications; this will not be automatic.
More payment opportunities
- Citizens can still use the drop box outside City Hall.
- The online platform will allow citizens to pay their bill online (one-time payment), or set up reoccurring (ACH, credit/debit cards) payments.
Citizens will have the opportunity to register with the new program before it goes live. More information about when the program will be open for registration will be available soon.
For questions, contact the city’s Utility Services Division at 580-581-3308 or visit the city’s website, lawtonok.gov.