Explanation
BACKGROUND:
On October 3, 2012, the Columbus City Treasurer's Office issued a request for proposal for various banking services, among which was merchant-processing services.
Huntington Merchant Services was awarded the contract for merchant processing. On May 6, 2013, Columbus City Council authorized contracts and expenditures for the first year of banking services, for the period of June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014. On February 14, 2022, Ordinance 0374-2022 was passed by Columbus City Council, which authorized the tenth year of a ten-year renewal of banking services with Huntington Merchant Services for the period from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023.
The City Treasurer’s Office, in collaboration with the City Auditor’s Office and the Department of Finance and Management, developed a banking RFP that expanded services beyond traditional banking to include gateway services for on-line payments.
Gateway services, which support the City’s on-line payment infrastructure, are currently under contract until March 1, 2026, subject to annual appropriation and Council approval. The award of merchant-processing services included gateway services and, as a result, more time for the transition to the new banking partner is needed. Huntington Merchant Services agreed to extend the current terms and conditions of the contract awarded in 2013 for a one-year modification from May 31, 2023, to May 31, 2024, with a one-year renewal option.
On February 26, 2024, Columbus City Council authorized the City Treasurer’s Office to exercise the one-year renewal option and extend the contract term through May 31, 2025, with passage of ordinance 0484-2024.
On March 3, 2025, Columbus City Council authorized the City Treasurer to modify its contract for banking services with Huntington Merchant Services and to authorize the expenditure of $725,000.00 with the passage of Ordinance 0219-2025.
On April 21, 2025, Columbus City Council passed Ordinance 0843-2025, authorizi...
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