TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve Payment Processing Agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. for Electronic Payment Processing for the Development Services Department.
Recommended Action
Approve the Payment Processing Agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. (Forte) for electronic payment processing for the Development Services Department.
Background Information
In an effort to improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and bring operations in alignment with industry standards, the Development Services Department embarked on a project for online permitting software. On September 23, 2021, the City Commission approved CIP project (BD22OP) for the Building Division online permitting software.
On April 25, 2023, the City Commission approved Visionary Integration Professionals (VIP) Acceptance Agreement for implementing and providing a subscription for the Accela permitting software. Accela permit software is utilized by local building departments nationwide and is heavily used within the southwest Florida region, so many local contractors and builders are familiar with the product.
Included in the VIP agreement and scope of work is the provision and implementation of several software applications necessary for the completion of the Accela project. Forte is the preferred payment processing application for Accela. It provides a seamless cost-effective integration with Accela and is the only standard solution that works with an EMV credit card chip reader providing an additional layer of security and convenience for the customer. The Payment Processing Agreement is required for the implementation of Forte and the completion of the project. The Development Services Department is working toward an anticipated "Go Live" date in December 2024.
The Payment Processing Agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategi...
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