City uses Wichita company to mail monthly utility bills
During the past several of months, Marion city customers have noticed changes in their billing statements.
Previously the city had sent postcard bills that often times were lost in the mail because of the size and type of paper on which they were printed.
According to city clerk Angela Lange, the company Postal Presort is able to process and mail the statements.
The city billing clerk/treasurer processes the bills in the city office but instead of printing the bills on a city printer, a file is sent through Postal Presort's web site and is uploaded for processing.
Personnel then downloads the file and sorts per the city's request. The statements are folded, inserted in envelopes with a return envelope, and mailed. The company also is willing to insert fliers.
"We figured that it costs the city 55 cents per bill to do them ourselves," Lange said, "and 56 cents to have Postal Presort do them."
Lange said some customers didn't like the previous billing format where others could see their utility usage.
"The other factor was the cards were difficult for the post office to process," Lange said. Each month there were numerous cards that were destroyed when processed through the post office metering machines or were stuck together and residents never received them. So there was an additional cost to the city to mail out second billing notices.
Motorists reminded
to observe bus laws
Due to the auditorium construction at the Marion Middle/High School complex, school buses will load and unload students on Lincoln Street.
Motorists are asked to be aware that when the stop arm is out and the loading/unloading lights are flashing, vehicles must stop.
It is illegal for motorists to pass a school bus when the stop arm is out and lights are flashing.
