Addition of credit cards to benefit EMS, residents

By Doug Carder, dcarder@miconews.com

Doug Carder

Miami County Emergency Medical Services’ move to accept credit cards is a welcome benefit for residents who need or want that flexibility in paying their bills.

EMS will begin accepting credit card payments for its services within the next month.

Some people need extra time to pay their debts, and credit cards afford that opportunity. Others, as our story on Page A3 points out, have used credit cards to pay their property taxes at the county treasurer’s office to rack up frequent flier miles. The treasurer’s office has accepted credit cards since 2004.

Whatever the motivation, offering customers more options to pay their bills is important in these tough economic times as people make decisions about how to best control their finances and balance their individual budgets.

The move also benefits Miami County EMS, because it allows the service to close its accounts, rather than having to carry customer debt on its books and, in some instances, try to collect it.

The county should continue to add more departments to its credit card system as the equipment and resources become available.

While most financial advisors would frown on consumers piling up credit card debt, the reality is credit cards are the instrument most Americans use to complete transactions.

County officials are to be commended for making living and doing business in Miami County easier for residents.