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Post office reviewing usage of mail collection boxes

JANESVILLE — The U.S. Postal Service is surveying the use of all 44 mail collection boxes in Janesville indicating that the boxes might be moved or the collection time changed.

The survey was ordered by the U.S. Postal Service district office in Milwaukee, said John Buchholz, officer in charge at the Janesville Post Office.

"We do this all the time. This isn't something new. We're required to do this—a check every year,'' he said.

Notices posted on the blue boxes have some postal customers concerned they will lose the collection box near their home.

"It's rather frustrating for some of who use these boxes all the time,'' said a caller to The Janesville Gazette Sound Off column. "There are a lot of us who haven't (got) cell phones, computers. So I hope they leave as many of these boxes up as they possibly can for those of who can't get around.''

The month-long volume test is to identify boxes that don't get substantial use, Buchholz said.

"This is to evaluate what we have out there. As mail flow goes down, there's less of a need for these collection boxes," he said.

After the test ends April 3, "times may be changed or the box may be removed depending on use,'' Buchholz said.

Postal officials already know boxes at some locations, such as the Rock County Courthouse, won't be removed.

"We already know they generate volume, but we still have to test the box,'' Buchholz said.

Others who call the post office with questions or concerns are being told, "We'll see what we can do,'' Buchholz said.