By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
Because Postal Service workloads are getting smaller and smaller in rural communities, the United States Postal Service is being forced to make some changes.
One being, cutting down the hours of operation of small town post offices across the nation.
Within the next two years, the U.S. Postal Service will require over 13,000 post offices nationwide to cut their business hours down from 8 to either 2,4, or 6 hours.
The change is projected to save the U.S. Postal Service at least $0.5 billion dollars after the change is complete in 2014.
"People don't realize it is a business," said Hinton resident, Randy Ohl. "A business cannot run in the red. Somebody has to make up for the dollar losses that have to be subsidized somewhere."
The U.S. Postal Service is making sure though that all folks get a say in how they would like to see their post office's hours change.
Over the next two years, surveys will be mailed out asking for your preference of hours or even if you would like to keep your post office open.
Once they are collected, results will be discussed at scheduled community meetings.
"Well, if they have the effort to help us out that will be very good for this town anyway too," said Steve Ashley of Hinton.
The U.S. Postal Service said that surveys are currently being sent out. If you do not receive one, contact your local post office.
If you would like to know if your post office will be affected by the change, visit http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/our-future-network/welcome.htm for a complete list of all affected towns.
