The City of Duncan has given the green light for staff to purchase a folding machine, at a cost of up to $12,400.
A folding machine is a device used to fold paper, usually for mailings.
By taking much of the manual labor out of the process, a folding machine can turn out material for a mass mailing in minutes rather than hours.
Bernice Crossman, Duncan’s finance director, told council at its meeting on Dec. 7 that the cost to pay an employee to fold and stuff envelopes is $6,221 per year, which means the cost of the folding machine would be recovered in two years.
She said the machines are estimated to last between seven and 10 years.
Crossman said staff want the cost of the folding machine put in the city’s budget for 2021, but is requesting early budget approval because the machine will be needed before next year’s budget is passed by council.
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“As the budget may not be adopted until May, 2021, and there are approximately 3,700 invoices to be mailed between January and April, staff is requesting early budget approval to purchase the folding machine in January,” she said.
“If we wait until May to purchase, much of the benefit for the year will be lost. Before completing the purchase, staff will continue to investigate models and services and get quotes to ensure the best value for the city.”
The motion was passed unanimously by council.
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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