Pascagoula residents will soon be able to pay city bills online or by phone — for a fee.

At its Tuesday night meeting, the city council approved a contract with Reston, Va.-based Official Payments Corp. to provide that service.

The city will incur no costs. Official Payments makes money by charging convenience fees to individuals who use the service.

City Attorney Eddie Williams said he did not know what those fees would be, but they are typically a percentage of the bill.

The company website said fees vary, depending on the type of bill involved — utilities, permit fees, etc. — and the method of payment used.

The city has been working toward getting electronic payment options for its residents for several years.