Goal is to make it easier for people to manage accounts ‘from home or on the go’
On Nov. 12 the Sarasota County Public Utilities Department staff implemented “a new and improved customer information system, UMAX,” and it has opened a new customer self-service portal, the staff has announced.
“The new online customer portal will make it simple to manage accounts from home or on the go,” a news release explains. Customers will be able to view their bills and water usage, make secure payments, set up or change autopay, start or stop service, and update contact information, “all from a computer, tablet or smartphone,” the release points out.
“The upgraded system also includes stronger security features to help protect personal information and payment details,” the release adds.
As part of this change, every Sarasota County Public Utilities customer will be receiving a new account number in the November bills they receive on or after Nov. 12, the release says. Customers are asked to update payment information through their banks, using the new account numbers, the release adds.
Those using autopay will need to re-enroll using the new portal, the release notes. After re-enrolling, customers will be able to view and change their autopay settings at any time, “giving them more control and convenience,” the release continues.
Customers who pay with debit or credit cards will incur a $2.95 fee because of the countywide surcharge that is being implemented for credit and debit purchases, the release emphasizes. “To avoid this fee, customers can enroll in eCheck or bank draft (ACH) to make automatic payments.”
Customers who pay by eCheck or bank draft (ACH) will need to make their October payments manually, the release points out. “This can be done online at scgov.net/billpay or by calling 1-888-253-1079. Further, the release says, eCheck and bank draft (ACH) customers can re-enroll in autopay through the new portal, which will enable them to monitor payments and manage their accounts “with ease.”
For help navigating the new system, Sarasota County has created an FAQ webpage with answers to common questions, as well as “short video tutorials on how to use the new customer self-service portal.” Visit scgov.net/JustClick to learn more.
Sarasota County staff “appreciates the community’s patience during this important transition and looks forward to offering a safer, more convenient way to manage utility accounts,” the release concludes.