Polk approves resolution to keep Mill Spring post office full-service
The United States Postal Service has said the Mill Spring Post Office will not close, but 1,507 customers are concerned enough about that possibility to sign a petition to keep the doors open.
After recent postal service changes, Mill Spring mail routing is now handled in Columbus, but post office officials say the changes will not affect customers.
Local residents circulated a petition in support of keeping the post office open, saying the recent changes make them fear closing the post office will be the next step.
The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday, June 20 and approved a resolution in favor of keeping the Mill Spring Post Office a full-service facility.
The petition was presented to commissioners during the meeting, and a few residents spoke about the issue.
Commissioner Renée McDermott said she brought up the item at an earlier meeting held in Saluda after hearing from citizens who are very concerned about the future of the Mill Spring Post Office.
Judy Arledge said Mill Spring area residents want to keep their post office full service. She said the rural carriers’ routine was changed recently to have them pick up their mail in Columbus. According to Arledge, 1,629 deliveries are made daily and carriers drive 230 miles in making those drops.
The Mill Spring Post Office serves the areas of Mill Spring, Sunny View/Coopers Gap, Pea Ridge and White Oak. It was established in 1871.
The county’s resolution and resident petition will be sent to senators, Congress, the postmaster general and the governor, among other state and federal officials (see full resolution below).