BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek is completing a major upgrade to its financial software systems, which support utility billing as well as Treasury and other city payment services. As part of this transition, some payment options will be temporarily unavailable in May 2026, followed by the launch of a new system at the end of the month.

The upgrade will improve payment security and better integrate the city’s financial and billing systems. Key impacts and timelines related to utility billing and other affected city services are outlined below.

Temporary Payment Unavailability – May 2026

From Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, several payment options will be unavailable citywide.

Unavailable Payment Methods

During this period, the following utility billing payment methods will be unavailable:

• Online payments
• Pay by phone
• In-person credit card, cash, or check

Payment Options Available During the Closure

Utility payments will be accepted by check or money order only using:

• The exterior City Hall payment drop box
• The interior Treasurer’s Office drop box

Customers may pay in person at local Comerica Bank branches if the bill is not past due and a copy of the utility bill is provided.

All mailed and drop-box payments will be processed on or after May 26.

Deposits / Bad Debt Payments

If a utility deposit or bad debt payment is required during this period to open an account:

• Payment must be made by check or money order
• A handwritten receipt will be issued

Utility Billing Operations During May

The Utility Billing Office will remain open with limited system access throughout the transition. Customers may continue to:

• Apply for utility service online or in person
• Close utility services, request work orders, and customer service questions

To minimize disruption, utility bills will continue to be issued on schedule.

Other City Payment Impacts During the Transition

The following departments and services will be unable to accept online credit card or eCheck payments during the system transition:

• Utility Billing
• Transit
• Dog Licenses (phone payments available through DocuPet at 1‑855‑249‑1370)
• Airport
• Clerk’s Office
• Treasurer’s Office

Transit customers who normally purchase passes by credit card will be directed to purchase passes at Full Blast Recreation Center during the closure period.

The following departments will continue to accept online credit card and eCheck payments during the transition:

• Income Tax
• Code Enforcement
• Inspections
• City Attorney
• Police Department
• Full Blast Recreation Center

New Payment System Launch

During the final week of May, the City of Battle Creek will launch the new utility billing payment system with updated online and phone payment options.

Online payments will be available through new bill-pay links on the city website and on printed utility bills.

Automated phone payments will allow customers to pay utility bills by credit card using a secure system by calling 269‑966‑3311. Live credit card payments with a representative will no longer be available; however, the city’s 311 team will continue to assist with general questions.

Customers will continue to have multiple ways to make payments under the new system.

Fee Schedule

Credit Card Payments

• 3.95% service fee
• $2.50 minimum per transaction
• Automated phone payments include an additional $0.50 fee

eCheck Payments

• $1.95 per transaction

Other Fees

• eCheck rejected payments: $35.00
• Credit card chargebacks: $35.00

Stay Informed

The city will continue to share updates as the new system launches. Customers are encouraged to review their utility bills and visit the city website for the most current payment information.

Thank you for your patience as the City of Battle Creek completes this important upgrade.

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City of Battle Creek
10 N. Division St., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269‑966‑3311 | publicinput@battlecreekmi.gov
www.battlecreekmi.gov