Mail consolidation under review

The U.S. Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General has agreed to conduct an independent review of the USPS’s plan to consolidate mail processing operations at the Manasota Processing and Distribution Center in Tallevast.

Congressman Vern Buchanan began fighting for the review after the USPS announced its decision in March to eliminate 59 jobs there.

Originating mail and processing and distribution operations would have been moved to the distribution center in Tampa by April 1, 2010.

“The community has a lot at stake,” Buchanan in a press release. “This audit will help us determine if in fact the consolidation will save money and improve service. If not, it shouldn’t happen.”

The Office of Inspector General is expected to review the proposed efficiency gains, cost savings, staffing changes and service implications as well as issues such as the public hearing process and public transparency.