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County commissioners reject Cathedral Corp. toll‑mail contract increase after officials question 34% price rise
Summary
Lee County commissioners unanimously denied a proposed amendment to Cathedral Corporation’s toll‑mailing contract that staff said would add about $75,000 annually, after commissioners criticized a reported 34% price increase and asked staff to seek alternatives.
Lee County commissioners voted unanimously April 1 to reject a staff recommendation to amend the county’s contract with Cathedral Corporation to increase annual pricing for printing and mail‑house toll and invoice services.
Item details: the amendment presented by staff would have increased the contract by approximately $75,000 annually and raised the projected total expenditures to about $290,000 for fiscal year 2024‑25. Rob Price of Lee County DOT told commissioners the increase reflected higher paper and envelope market prices negotiated with the contractor and was tied to a standard market pricing adjustment for the new three‑year contract.
Several commissioners challenged the scale of the increase. “34% is ridiculous,” one commissioner said during debate, noting that recent general inflation figures were far lower and pressing staff to seek alternative billing methods or renegotiate. Commissioners discussed digital notification options and the industry concern about text and email scams that have made some toll and parking authorities cautious about eliminating mailed notices.
Staff responded that they had conducted a market study and that going back out to bid could produce different cost outcomes; the study and procurement analysis were cited but commissioners said the documentation did not justify the magnitude of the proposed increase.
Action: the board voted to deny the contract amendment and instructed staff to pursue options, including re‑negotiation or procurement alternatives. Commissioners also asked staff to report back on technological alternatives for toll‑by‑plate notice and ways to reduce mailed second‑ and third‑notice costs.
Ending: Staff said they would explore alternatives, including renegotiation and procurement, and report back to the board.
