Galveston County Daily News, May 19, 2007 GALVESTON - A stamp cost just 17 cents when Paul Pistone took over the mail service at the University of Texas Medical Branch almost 25 years ago. Since then, he has gone through more than a few price increases. But none has been as disruptive as the rate change that went into effect Monday, he said. The U.S. Postal Service increased the price of a first class stamp from 37 cents to 39 cents last year. On Monday, the stamp's price jumped to 41 cents. But this year's change is about more than just 2 pennies. The postal service also has instituted new charges based on shape, a pricing schedule that has left local groups scrambling to rethink how they distribute information.