Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER — City council members voted to approve, beginning June 1, charging city customers a 3 percent convenience fee for using credit cards to pay bills, fees, taxes and fines.

While one resident voiced his opposition to the proposed policy, city leaders cited a need to recoup some of the city’s expense incurred by making credit card payments an option to residents and property owners.

“I think we figured the cost to the city so far has been about $77,000 (to accept credit card payments,” Councilman Ridley Parrish said. “The city could use that money.”

Domestic animal ordinance change to be heard

Residents can give their regarding a proposed change to the Winder city code regarding keeping domestic animals. The amendment prohibits people within the city limits of Winder from keeping livestock, fowl or other domestic animals (except cats, dogs and household pets).

The second reading of this ordinance will take place at the June 7 City Council meeting.

Budget hearings scheduled

The proposed city budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, will be presented to Mayor Chip Thompson and the City Council on May 16. Residents can view the budget on the city’s website after that date, or the budget can also be reviewed in city hall. If residents request a copy of the budget, a $25 copying fee will be charged in accordance with the city’s Open Records policy.

Three public hearings have been scheduled regarding the upcoming fiscal year budget:

• 5 p.m. May 19 in City Council chambers

5 p.m. May 26 in City Council chambers

6 p.m. May 7 at the regular scheduled City Council meeting in council chambers