INNOVATIVE PAYMENT INITIATIVE EARNS MONEY FOR COUNTY TAXPAYERS

Supplier Pay electronic payment program created by Comptroller Mychajliw brings impressive rebate to Erie County government

(ERIE COUNTY, NY) – The Erie County Comptroller’s Office has once again earned a big rebate for Erie County taxpayers thanks to an electronic payment initiative put in place by Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw.  A deposit of $246,770.40 was made to Erie County coffers by M&T Bank Tuesday, March 23, 2021, which is money earned from the county’s popular Commercial Card Program. 

Mostly larger vendors that conduct business with Erie County government voluntarily sign up for the service, which allows for an efficient electronic payment for services, rather than waiting for a paper check.  From February, 2015 to January, 2021 Erie County has earned $1.4 million from M&T Bank through the Supplier Pay electronic payment program.

“Our team earned taxpayers nearly a quarter million dollars this year. I am proud of implementing this program that revolutionized our banking business.  Vendors are paid quickly.  It is better for the environment by reducing paper checks. We are also earning significant revenue for taxpayers during an incredibly tough time,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.

The online vendor payment program implemented by Comptroller Mychajliw was a way of working with M&T Bank to streamline and modernize the way Erie County conducts business.  In the past two and a half years, the Office of Erie County Comptroller has increased the number of vendors paid electronically by about 68%.  Under the leadership of Comptroller Mychajliw, there are now nearly 800 vendors doing business for taxpayers being paid using the Supplier Pay Program.

“Think of our program like it is earning points or miles for credit card use.  In this case the reward for using the Commercial Card program comes in the form of a rebate to taxpayers,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.

Supplier Pay Coordinator Barb Lipka has worked tirelessly to enroll new vendors in the online payment system, which under previous comptrollers had been underutilized and outdated. 

“Barb and our entire staff have done a tremendous job.  Before my office moved this program into the 21^st century, the County earned about $40,000 annually.  And that unfortunately was considered a good year.  Now, our earnings are well beyond that.  Almost a quarter million dollars for 2020.  That money benefits Erie County taxpayers,” said Comptroller Mychajliw. 

Those vendors who enroll in the system experience expedited payments and better cash flow.

“My office is continuing to sign new vendors up on a regular basis.   As a result, taxpayers continue to reap the rewards.  In these difficult times we should be exploring any and every way possible to earn Erie County money.  Every dollar counts.  This revenue helps families and pays for services without interruption,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.

For pdf of release, click HERE