8-18-09 9 POSTAL ROUTES IN MEDFORD AREA ARE CUT

Nine postal routes in the Medford area have been eliminated as part of a nationwide response to declining mail volume. The post office, which had 86 routes in Medford, Central Point and White City, now has 77. Eight Medford routes and one Central Point route have been consolidated into other routes. The changes were effective Aug. 15. Medford postmaster Anthony Plant said the sluggish economy means fewer businesses are sending advertisements through the mail. The Internet also is contributing to the decline as more people pay their bills online and opt to send e-mail rather than traditional mail. Plant estimated the cuts would save about $21,000 a week in wages, benefits and vehicle costs. No Postal Service employees in Medford were laid off as a result of the route cuts. Plant said several local employees recently retired; their positions were not filled and their routes were split to make the route changes.