Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Saving Pennies Saves Thousands as Revenue Department Responds to Blunt’s Call for Efficiency
JEFFERSON CITY–In its ongoing effort to reduce costs and eliminate government waste, the Missouri Department of Revenue in February began sending its non-automated outgoing mail through the University of Missouri rather than a private vendor. The move saves taxpayers 4.5 cents per piece of mail and has already saved a total of more than $36,000.
“State government must find ways to live within its means, taking advantage of opportunities to enhance value and get more for every dollar,” Blunt said. “These savings are just one of the countless ways we are improving the business of state government and using every dollar to its fullest potential.”
Previously, the department sent non-automated mail through a private vendor to obtain bulk postage reductions, resulting in a cost of 37.1 cents per piece of mail. The new agreement in place with MU reduces the price per piece to 32.6 cents.
“This is a great example of how we are continually looking for ways to cut costs,” said department director Trish Vincent. “On its face, saving 4.5 cents per piece of mail may not sound significant, but we saved over $36,000 in just the first five months.”
This year between February and June, the department sent out 805,929 pieces of non-automated outgoing mail. The previous vendor rate would have meant a cost of $298,999.66, but the lower rate equaled a cost of $262,732.85 – a reduction of $36,266.81.
For more information contact Maura Browning with the Department of Revenue at (573) 751-8222.
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