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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government

Volume IV, Issue 11	November 2001

Information Services Policy Board Approves BIS Rate Changes

By Richard Hinkley, Director Bureau of Information Services

At its 10/18 meeting, the Information Services Policy Board (ISPB) unanimously approved Bureau of Information Services’ FY02 rate package proposal. Effective October 1, 2001, the new rates will be processed with the October billing that will be mailed to customers in early November. Below is a summary of major changes.

Reduced Voice Services Toll Rates by 30% and reduced the Desktop Basic Phone Rate by $2/month from $33 to $31 – for a combined savings of over a $1 million per year.

Nominal increases to Development Services to cover costs reflected by the latest collective bargaining agreement.

Despite rate increases in some labor-intensive rates, the net effect of the rates change is savings for BIS customers in many areas, savings that may assist agencies in handling cost reductions this fiscal year. These decreases continue the downward trend of rate adjustments over the years achieved through aggressively negotiated contracts, improved efficiencies, economies of scale, and teamwork with our customers. These improvements have resulted in savings of over a million dollars for voice services this year while still enabling the Bureau to continue to invest in improved technologies and services such as infrastructure investments. This proposal also continues funding for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, which is now fully staffed and operational.

I invite you to review the entire rate proposal, which may be found as part of the 10/18 ISPB minutes at http://www.maine.gov/policybd/Oct%2018/agnoct18.htm. Feel free to contact me by e-mailing richard.f.hinkley@state.me.us if you have questions.

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