LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish has recently upgraded its utilities payment system.

On Jan. 7, the parish began offering a new payment system utilizing the parish website, service centers and telephone options.

Customers will continue to access their payment information through the parish website, but all online transactions will now be completed through Capital One Govolution, the system that is hosting the toll free/ online payment platform. Capital One Govolution is affiliated with the credit card company of the same name.

With the new system, customers will be required to create a username and password to access their account, view their current balance, schedule payments, store secure payment information, review payment history, make payment installments and print receipts.

An interactive voice recognition system will allow customers to obtain information about their balance and make payments by telephone seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by dialing 1-877-884-4009.

A $2 service fee will be applied to payments taken online and over the telephone.

“The upgrades to the billing system are essential to managing the department as we move toward a completely virtual world,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom.

“We continue to explore tools and processes that provide convenience for our residents and improve efficiencies in government offices,” she added.

In addition to online payment system upgrades, a new cash receipt system will be implemented at the LaPlace and Garyville service centers. Customers will receive a printed receipt with the date of payment, receipt number, time of payment, customer information and payment amount. 

“We are excited about the new system as we strive to satisfy the needs of our customers, while making it as convenient as possible. During the transition, questions and concerns regarding the new system should be directed to the Billing Department,” said Raymond Goodman, billing manager.