When may a court collect fines, fees, and bonds by credit card?

• A. Immediately upon filing the case
• B. Only after the judge approves the payment by credit card
• C. Only after the city manager approves payment by credit card
• D. Only after the governing body (city council) has authorized payment of fees, fines, court costs, or other charges by credit card

Answer: (D)

Handling credit card payments for fines and court costs only happens after the city council has formally authorized it. This policy decision lives with the governing body to ensure a consistent, transparent approach to public funds, fitting within budgeting, procurement, and risk controls. Once the council adopts an ordinance or resolution approving credit card payments and sets the terms, the court can implement the option through the proper administrative channels. Without that authorization, accepting credit cards would bypass official policy and could create legal or financial issues. The other scenarios—immediate acceptance, judge approval, or city manager approval—do not reflect the required formal authorization by the governing body.