JACKSON, N.J. — Residents in Jackson Township can now pay for municipal services using credit cards, as the clerk’s office rolls out a new digital payment system aimed at modernizing in-person and online transactions.
Recently hired Clerk Sandra Martin, who previously served in Seaside Park, led the initiative just 10 weeks after taking office. The upgrade introduces an online platform known as Municipay, allowing users to make payments with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, and eCheck directly through the township website.
Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn praised the effort during a recent council meeting.
“The biggest gap I think was that people were coming in to get a marriage license or to pay for a certificate… and they didn’t have the right change,” Kuhn said. “We dove into it, and with Christian David in IT and our clerk’s office, we have a lot of exciting stuff that has brought us into 2025.”
Clerk Martin said a public-use computer has also been installed at the clerk’s office to facilitate online payments and public record requests.
“These updates were implemented to create a more accessible experience for the public,” she said during her presentation.
In addition to online payments, the township is working on standardizing fee amounts across departments to ensure consistent pricing and streamlined service.
“We’re going to ask IT and the finance department to automatically input them in so that there’s no question on what the fee is,” said Kuhn.
“This system makes it easier for residents to pay for township services, recreation services, fees, permits, and more, without the hassle of having to come to town hall,” said Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein.
The new system currently supports landlord registration payments under code enforcement, with plans to expand coverage to additional departments. Residents can input their registration address and submit documents and payments online, reducing the need for in-person visits.
A township ordinance is in the works that will eliminate cash payments at all departments except for the tax collector’s office. Once approved, this move will mark a full transition to electronic payments across most township services.
Jackson’s council says more departments will receive in-office computers to support the system, allowing residents the option to pay online even during an in-person visit.
Councilmen Guiseppe Palmeri, Scott Sargent, and Nino Borrelli all thanked Clerk Martin for her hard work and dedication in her new position with the township.