Glacier County approves $5,114 annual Quadient postage‑machine lease for satellite office

The Glacier County Board of Commissioners voted to renew and add a Quadient postage‑machine lease for a county satellite office, authorizing a contract at $5,114.40 per year.

County staff told the board that the satellite office now performs the same mailings as the main office (postcards, license-plate mailings, jury notices) but had been buying postage at retail rates. Staff proposed a smaller Quadient machine for the satellite office to allow metered postage pricing and reduce manual handling; the quoted annual lease cost was $5,114.40. "I'll make a motion to renew that Quadient postage machine lease for $5,114.4 per year," said Speaker 2, and Speaker 1 seconded the motion; the board voted in favor.

Why it matters: County staff said a leased postage machine will lower per-piece postage costs for high-volume mailings (staff estimated plates cost about $56 to mail using stamps) and save staff time. Officials noted last year’s postage budget was $30,000 and that $8,705.62 remained, so the added lease was expected to be accommodated within existing appropriations.

Budget and timing: Staff said they would coordinate to avoid exceeding threshold limits that trigger additional charges and would monitor usage; the vendor representative said the machine would be ordered once the board signed the renewal.

Outcome: The motion to renew the Quadient lease passed by voice vote. The board received no public opposition during the meeting and moved on to other business.

Next steps: County staff will finalize the lease with the vendor and implement the machine at the satellite office; the commissioners adjourned and scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday, August 12 at 9 a.m.