Like workers in GM and Chrysler car dealers earlier this year, postal workers across the country held their breaths Monday to see if their office was on a closure list.
None in Liberty County are apparently on the list.
Budget shortfalls were blamed for forcing officials to shut down some 1,000 offices nationwide, according to a press release from the federal Government Accountability Office.
“At this point we haven’t heard anything that would affect anything locally,” said Hinesville Postmaster David Taylor.
The Sidney Flowers Post Office in Hinesville works with Fort Stewart, employing about 50 employees, which includes carriers and clerks. The office runs 13 city and nine rural routes.
“At this time this office is not being considered for closure,” added Shelby Pritchett, postmaster in Fleming.
Fleming’s PO is the smallest in the county and has been targeted for closure in the past.
The office received the list Monday.
Three Atlanta and six Jacksonville post offices were the closest on the closure list.
But Monday’s draft list was just a consideration. Some may be added or taken off before any action this fall.
The GAO announced last week the Postal Service lost $7 billion this fiscal year, on top of a $10 billion debt, despite recent cuts and price increases.
A hike in May brought the cost of a first class stamp up to 44 cents.
“New technology is profoundly affecting services in both the private and public sectors, including traditional mail delivery,” said Gene Dodaro, head of GAO. “Compounded by the current recession, the volume of mail being sent is dropping substantially, leading to a sizeable decline in revenue.”
Increased competition from parcel services like UPS and FedEx have also contributed to declining revenues over the years.
None in Liberty County are apparently on the list.
Budget shortfalls were blamed for forcing officials to shut down some 1,000 offices nationwide, according to a press release from the federal Government Accountability Office.
“At this point we haven’t heard anything that would affect anything locally,” said Hinesville Postmaster David Taylor.
The Sidney Flowers Post Office in Hinesville works with Fort Stewart, employing about 50 employees, which includes carriers and clerks. The office runs 13 city and nine rural routes.
“At this time this office is not being considered for closure,” added Shelby Pritchett, postmaster in Fleming.
Fleming’s PO is the smallest in the county and has been targeted for closure in the past.
The office received the list Monday.
Three Atlanta and six Jacksonville post offices were the closest on the closure list.
But Monday’s draft list was just a consideration. Some may be added or taken off before any action this fall.
The GAO announced last week the Postal Service lost $7 billion this fiscal year, on top of a $10 billion debt, despite recent cuts and price increases.
A hike in May brought the cost of a first class stamp up to 44 cents.
“New technology is profoundly affecting services in both the private and public sectors, including traditional mail delivery,” said Gene Dodaro, head of GAO. “Compounded by the current recession, the volume of mail being sent is dropping substantially, leading to a sizeable decline in revenue.”
Increased competition from parcel services like UPS and FedEx have also contributed to declining revenues over the years.