Title
a. Approve and authorize the Treasurer-Tax Collector or her designee to execute the Agreement between the County of Monterey, a political subdivision of the State of California, on behalf of the Treasurer-Tax Collector and Smart Easy Pay, Inc. dba Easy Smart Pay, a California Corporation, for services that will provide and maintain an independent electronic system whereby qualified taxpayers may pay real property taxes assessed within the County through monthly installment payments. The Agreement is effective October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $0.
b. Approve and authorize the Treasurer-Tax Collector to sign and execute up to two (2) future amendments to the original agreement containing substantially identical terms, including non-standard amendments where the amount does not exceed $0.; and
c. Approve non-standard Auto Insurance and Royalties and Inventions language as described in Exhibit B as recommend by the Office of Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Treasurer-Tax Collector or her designee to execute the Agreement between the County of Monterey, a political subdivision of the State of California, on behalf of the Treasurer-Tax Collector and Smart Easy Pay, Inc. dba Easy Smart Pay, a California Corporation, for services that will provide and maintain an independent electronic system whereby qualified taxpayers may pay real property taxes assessed within the County through monthly installment payments. The Agreement is effective October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $0.
b. Approve and authorize the Treasurer-Tax Collector to sign and execute up to two (2) future amendments to the original agreement containing substantially identical terms, including non-standard amendments where the amount does not exceed $0.; and
c. Approve non-standard Auto Insurance and Royalties and Inventions language as described in Exhibit B as recommend by the Office of Treasurer-Tax Collector.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Easy Smart Pay is a private company bill assignment service that has partnered with the California State Association of Counties Finance Corporation (“CSAC-FC”) that was created to, in part, provide taxpayers the ability to pay real property taxes in monthly installments rather than in the traditional two installments in December and April. Currently Monterey County is unable to accept monthly payments for real property tax and providing taxpayers with the ability to pay taxes in a way that makes sense for them is a goal of the Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC). Approving this contract will allow taxpayers the ability to engage with this vendor and begin monthly payments for the 2023-24 tax year.
This item was first brought to the attention of your Board as Board Referral No. 2023.02 whereby a request was made to implement this program. As indicated in the response presented on February 28, 2023, there were several issues of concern that had to be resolved prior to engaging in this program. At this time the TTC is satisfied these items have been adequately addressed and she is ready to proceed with this vendor contract.
Finally, the vendor has asked for two strike-out modifications to the Standard Agreement regarding automobile insurance and royalties and inventions as detailed in Attachment B. The TTC is in concurrence and supports these requests.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and advised on this Agreement as to legal form.
FINANCING:
The Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Recommended Budget for the Treasurer-Tax Collector includes sufficient appropriations for this Agreement as there is no cost to the County General Fund with the recommended action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This recommendation supports the County’s Administration initiative as it promotes an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
__Economic Development
_üAdministration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared & Approved by: Mary Zeeb, Treasurer-Tax Collector, x5015
Attachments:
Board Report
NSA-10.1.23-6.30.26.
Exhibit A - Standard Agreement and Scope of Services
Exhibit B - Modifications to the Standard Agreement