Rico residents learned last week that their small post office likely will close.
Residents will still get their mail delivered to Rico, and their addresses and zip code will remain the same. But no longer will there be a smiling face at the office, ready to sell stamps, weigh packages or provide mailing support.
In a letter sent to postal customers, The U.S. Postal Service said that the Rico office has had a steady decline in revenue and volume and therefore was being considered for closure.
Over the past several years, this office has experienced a steady decline in revenue and/or volume, the letter stated.
In 2007, the walk-in revenue at the post office was $27,889. In 2008, it was $25,340, in 2009 it was $21,235 and in 2010 it was $20,320.
The proposal calls for retail services and delivery to be provided by the Dolores post office, which is about 40 miles away.
Also, Rico customers, the letter stated, can buy stamps from rural carriers or through mail order forms that will be provided for customer convenience.
The proposal means the loss of a retail outlet and a postmaster position in the community.
The nearly 40 people who gathered at a recent community meeting told postal officials that they didnt want to see their post office closed.
Others said that even if delivery stayed the same at the post office boxes, they could lose the postmaster in Rico.
Erin Johnson, an attorney in Rico, told postal officials that there was no way she could send legal documents express, something she does often, without the postmaster and that driving to Dolores every day to do so would put her out of business.
Others said they relied on the expertise of the postmaster in Rico to mail difficult-to-package items, such as art.
Midwife Rebecca Pugh wrote a letter explaining that her work requires her to visit the postmaster often to mail sensitive lab samples, something she wouldnt be able to do without the postmaster.
Others were concerned that if the postmaster isnt in Rico, what would happen with the oversized packages. Would they be sent to Dolores for pickup? That is an hour and a half round trip drive.
Over 10 years, the elimination of the post master would save the post office $501,573, according to the letter.
