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Commission approves $336,480 Infosend contract for utility mailings after debate over e‑billing push
Summary
The Abilene City Commission approved a 12‑month contract with Infosend for printing and mailing utility bills at $336,480 annually after commissioners debated incentives to shift customers to e‑billing and whether the work could be kept in‑house; the motion passed 4–1 (Commissioner Koff opposed).
The Abilene City Commission voted to award a 12‑month contract to Infosend to print and mail the city’s monthly utility bills at an annual cost of $336,480.
City Manager Ron Marsh told the commission the administration recommends going with Infosend for the coming year and reassessing after 12 months: “we still recommend going with infosend,” Marsh said. Staff said the agreement is tiered so the per‑mailer cost may change if many customers sign up for e‑statements.
Commissioner Koff questioned whether the administration had prepared a robust plan to move customers to e‑billing and pressed for stronger incentives rather than immediately outsourcing the mailing work. “I was expecting a more robust proposal from the administration on what that would look like before we spend $35,000,” Koff said, and later said he would vote against awarding the contract.
Other commissioners and staff emphasized potential postage savings and a one‑time savings on equipment. Marsh and Finance Director Johnson said the vendor handles folding and stuffing and that the city could reassess its approach after a year. Commissioners also noted that some residents will resist electronic billing: staff reported hearing repeatedly from residents who “will not pay their bills online.”
On the roll call vote, Commissioners Meisenberg, Vice Mayor Miller and Commissioner Whit voted yes; Commissioner Koff voted no; Mayor Ryan voted yes. The motion passed 4–1.
Votes at a glance: the commission also approved a Kansas Quick Claim Deed transferring a drainage easement from Highland Homes LP to the city and approved the consent agenda, both by roll call earlier in the evening.
The contract takes effect immediately for one 12‑month term; staff said they will return with a post‑implementation review and any recommendations for returning the work in‑house or adjusting contract terms.
