Business Administration
Why did we switch to Berkheimer for collections instead of a Lockbox?
A cost analysis showed that Berkheimer provided better service at a cheaper cost than using a lockbox service. We experienced significant flaws over the last three years with two different lockbox companies. Ultimately, the overall service provided to the taxpayers will be enhanced at a comparable price.
What were the significant flaws experienced with the lockbox?
Many taxpayers have had the unfortunate incident of their payments being mishandled by the lockbox without resolution for months. Depending on the timing, some properties even had liens placed against their homes as a result. Additionally, the lockbox refused to process the mortgage payments that had over 99 parcels in one payment, causing more work for the Business Office and months of delays for payments to be posted.
Why do we need to mail our payments to Bangor, PA?
Payments are being mailed to Bangor because it is the closest P.O. Box to Berkheimer’s Office. For the last two years, the P.O. Box we used was in Philadelphia, and then payments were driven to New Jersey for processing. Not only was this process inefficient, we had around 300 payments that went “missing” in the post office for months.
Why has the District chosen to hire and pay a “for profit “outside agency?
We were paying comparable fees to the lockbox companies (banks) for processing so there hasn’t been a material change to our costs since our transition to lockbox over ten years ago.
Why make a check out to a company rather than William Penn School District?
Berkheimer has an audit specific to their internal controls for processing payments for other entities. As a part of the procedures listed in their audit, it is required that they deposit money into a bank account in their control so that they can reconcile the payments and properly report them to the taxing district prior to transferring payment.
Can we have a breakdown of the fees that may be passed on to the taxpayer?
ACH Payments: Request your payment to be debited from your checking or savings account – $1.00 fee per transaction
Credit/Debit Card: For credit/debit card payments there is a 2.5% processing fee charged by ACI Payments, Inc for each transaction
Why are there only two School Districts listed on the payment page but not William Penn School District?
Lancaster and West Chester ASD have separate agreements with ACI Inc. In all other areas, Berkheimer collects RE taxes use for the main link.
Why doesn’t Berkhimer provide a return envelope when sending out the tax bill?
We failed to include this in our implementation in error. It will be rectified next year.
How can taxpayers receive a receipt for payments mailed in?
Taxpayers can download a receipt online here or request a receipt by calling 610-599-3143.
How can taxpayers receive a copy of their tax bill?
The tax bills should be received in the mail within three weeks of the mailing date (bills were mailed on 7/17/24). If you have not received a bill and it has been more than three weeks, you can contact Berkheimer here or by calling 610-599-3143 for another copy to be sent. Alternatively, you can use the online “Check My Balance” feature here and download the bill.