DIRECT PAYMENT FORM ATTACHMENT TO THIS STORY

It is now easier to pay Bluffton village utility bills.

The Village of Bluffton has launched its electronic fund tranfer as a method for utility customers to pay their monthly bills.

Here's how it works: This is an automated bank debiting service going directly from the customer's checking account. For utility customers to receive this service they need to complete an application form (which is available as printer-friendly attachment at the bottom of this story), and attach a "voided" check or deposit slip for the village's records.

The village needs customer's bank routing number (transit/ABA number) and the customer's personal bank account number to process the transaction.

The information is now being collected by the village for customers interested in participating. The autopay option will begin this week. That means that bills due Dec. 10, 2012, were automatically deducted from the customers's chosen checking account.

According to the village, utlitity customers may enroll in the autopay option at any time. Enrollment forms must be received by the first of the month to be included in that month's billing cycle, due on the 10th of the month.

As an example: for bills due Jan. 10, the enrollment paperwork must be received by Jan. 1. Enrollment forms received after the first of the month will not be effective until the following month.