By David Palmer

Published: May 10, 2008

That little sticky thing that ensures your letter will be mailed is going up by a penny Monday morning.

The United States Postal Service reports that the standard stamp will increase from 41 cents to 42 cents.

New stamps are available Monday, but a special new issue — the 42-cent Frank Sinatra stamp will arrive Tuesday, said Steve Wyman, post master at the Marianna Post Office.

“We will still be selling the ‘Forever Stamp,’ which ensures the new price for customers,” Wyman said. “The price is increase is something that we are mandated to do every May.”

According to information provided by the Postal Service, some of the other changes include:

— Express Mail, moving to zone-based pricing, just like other shippers.

— Priority Mail, including a new flat-rate box that is 50 percent larger, and new reduced flat-rate box services.

— Ground Service, with volume incentives for parcel service customers and price reductions for parcel return service for lighter packages.

— International, with simplified services and competitive prices.

— Postcard, 27 cents.

— Certified mail, $2.70.

The cost of money orders, up to $500, will remain the same at $1.05. An express mail flat-rate envelope will be $16.50.

For customers, the post offices have easy to find price charts posted in the buildings.