Efficient government?

When we were in Rocky Mountain National Park a few weeks ago, we forgot our annual park pass.  They couldn't look it up, like practically every other company in the world can, because they don't have a computerized system.  So I bought a week-long pass, and the nice park ranger told me how to get a refund by sending my receipt, a copy of my park pass and a self-addressed stamped envelope within ten days to a certain address.

I forgot about it until about a month later when I ran across the receipt.  I decided to give it a shot, copied my pass and mailed it in, thinking I'd never see that $20 again.  I was very surprised to open an envelope less than a week later with a $20 bill in it, and a mild (and deserved) scolding to remember my pass next time.  I'm sure it was all they could do to avoid typing "dumbass." at the end of that sentence.   Mandy left it unsaid too, when I got the scolding from her.  Everyone was nice that week.

I was simultaneously shocked at the efficient customer service, and a little concerned that there was someone sitting on a pile of cash, waiting to mail it out to people like me who couldn't remember a simple thing like their entrance ticket.  I can't remember ever seeing a cash refund, but in the end I decided it was probably more efficient for both of us.  No need to print checks and keep track of them, and no need for me to go cash one.  I'll give them this one.