Postal study backs move to Great Falls

Havre's Post Office could soon lose one of its mail sorters and "some mail processing operations. "

The U. S. Postal Service announced on March 18 it was going to start a 30-day study into feasability of consolidating much of its mail processing in Great Falls. The study was looking at moving operations from Havre, Helena and Butte into the Great Falls Processing and Distribution Facility.

Today USPS announced that it has already determined that such a consolidation could save them $24,000 in Havre, or around $510,000 if all three post offices the study looked at consolidated in Great Falls.

These results are only preliminary findings, and the USPS wants to hear input from the community before it makes any final decisions.

They have set up a public meeting at Havre Middle School at 6:15 p. m. on Wednesday, April 27, to get input in person.

According to the press release, "Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately one position (out of four) is projected. "

Al Desarro, USPS communications officer out of Denver, said in March that displaced employees would be offered other positions.

The release goes on to say that these changes would not affect collection pick-up times, retail services, business mail acceptance or the delivery of mail. The new policy would merely change where the mail is processed.

The study came about as new technologies and a weakened economy have slashed the postal service's usage and revenue over the past few years.

"With the deep decline in mail volume due to current economic conditions and continuing electronic diversion, the Postal Service has an excess of employees and equipment in some mail processing operations, " this morning's release said.

It also makes clear that this study, "currently in review at United States Postal Service Headquarters and its Area Office, is subject to change.

"The public's input will be considered prior to a final decision. "

Any proposed changes or study results will be available next Wednesday, a week before the meeting, at USPS.com.

To express your comments on the reorganizations, write by Thursday, May 12, to:

Manager, Consumer Affairs

Big Sky District

841 S. 26th St.

Billings, MT 59101-9631