More Paying Online During Flu Season

With the arrival of flu season, more and more residents are choosing to pay for town services online or by using the convenient drop box at Town Hall rather than paying in person.

In fact, the use of online payments--either by credit card, debit card or check--has increased steadily since the town added the new service a few months ago. But, it's going up even more lately, with residents wanting to avoid the spread of germs, especially the dreaded H1N1 virus.

"People have called us to say their bill is due, but they're sick, and we remind them that they can pay online any day and any time of day without leaving their home," said Customer Service Director Ann Game. "This has been a great convenience for those who need to stay in, but also for those who want to avoid contact with a lot of people during flu season."

Game said most online payments come in during the evening hours and on weekends, though there's always a few that come through at odd hours.

Online payments can be made easily and quickly by going to the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclaytonnc.org and linking to the Payment Processing Center.

Payments can also be made over the telephone by calling toll free 866-907-4186 or through the automated attendant function at the standard customer service phone number 919-553-5002.

A service convenience fee of $3.95 is added to each online or phone transaction. Of course, customers still have the option of paying by standard mail or drop box prior to their due date.