The United States Postal Service is facing an “acute financial crisis.” That is what Aberdeen area residents were told at a public meeting last night as part of a study looking into the possible moving of mail processing to Dakota Central in Huron. Area Mail Processing is the term used by the post office, which means the consolidation of all outgoing or all incoming mail processing operations from one or more facilities into other automated processing facilities for the purpose of improving operational efficiency and/or service. Rickie Kunzweiler, Lead Plant Manager, says Aberdeen is looking at a loss of 3 million pieces of mail this year compared to the past…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/05/Mail5-10CUT1.mp3|titles=Mail5-10CUT1]John DiPeri, District Manager for South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana, says if mail processing is moved to the Huron center, three employee’s jobs would be affected…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/05/Mail5-10CUT2.mp3|titles=Mail5-10CUT2]Those employees would not have their jobs terminated and could become a carrier or move on to another postal facility. Many businesses have stressed concerns about having mail items postmarked from Aberdeen. DePeri says that would remain an option if mail processing would be moved to Huron…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/05/Mail5-10CUT3.mp3|titles=Mail5-10CUT3]DiPeri added that service to some areas may be affected…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/05/Mail5-10CUT4.mp3|titles=Mail5-10CUT4]For example Willmar, Minnesota, Jamestown, North Dakota and Mobridge would go to a 2 day delivery with this plan, whereas Brookings delivery would go to the overnight. During the meeting members of the public expressed their concerns for the change, ranging from the fact that similar proposals have been made in the past and failed, the growing economy and population of Aberdeen and the surrounding area, to the importance of getting medications to members of the public via mail. Postal Officials reminded those attending that at this point, it’s only a study and a decision wouldn’t come until mid-June. Meanwhile Governor Dennis Daugaard has expressed it’s concerns move similar operations out of Pierre. The Postal Service handles around 8 million pieces of the State’s mail each year, but Daugaard understands that like state government, the federal government is trying to become more efficient.
(courtesy KSDN Aberdeen and The Associated Press)