IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a unanimous decision, the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution demanding transparency from the United States Postal Service regarding its plans for the Upper Peninsula Mail Processing Center. Spearheaded by County Commissioner Barb Kramer, the resolution aims to shed light on the proposed relocation of mail operations to Green Bay.
“It’s going to be well worthwhile to see exactly what that plan entails, because that way, commissioners, we can study it. And make sure that there aren’t any untoward plans that might interfere with our efficient operations here,” stated Commissioner Kramer.
Expressing concerns over the handling of a recent public input meeting and potential delays in absentee ballots, commissioners are eager to obtain the USPS’s business and site plan analysis and other pertinent documents. Letters have been dispatched to all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, with Iron and Ontonagon County already requesting copies of Dickinson County’s resolution.
Kramer emphasized the county’s opposition to changes at the Kingsford post office and highlighted observations from the recent public input meeting. 25 Post Offices around the country are facing reorganization in the Postmaster General’s ‘Delivering for America’ Plan. “Buffalo was so resistant, that they actually backed away from it,” she noted, emphasizing the efficiency of local workers and facilities.
Since January 8, 2024, mail from Kingsford has faced a day-long delay due to plans to reroute processing through Green Bay. This move has raised environmental concerns and affected businesses like Whitewater Associates – which tests drinking water for the entire Upper Peninsula, and TRICO Opportunities, a recycling company employing disabled individuals. The move has also sparked worries about timely delivery of critical items such as absentee ballots, medication, and lab testing.
While USPS assures no career layoffs, local postal representatives suggest significant workforce reductions by at least half. In response, commissioners have already voted to oppose proposed changes several weeks ago, and are now pursuing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for further clarity.
“This will be a FOIA request. I have no idea how long it’s going to take,” Kramer explained, highlighting the county’s commitment to protecting the efficiency of the U.P.’s mail operations.
