Postal Service considering Clovis consolidation

Tough times are apparently hitting home at the Clovis Post Office.

The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday confirmed it is considering selling the Gidding Street Post Office in an effort to consolidate.

Spokeswoman Barbara Wood of Albuquerque said the plan is in the early stages right now. But it is part of an overall effort by the postal service to survive dropping revenues, she said.

The Postal Service is projecting a $2 billion loss this year. It took a $384 million loss during the first quarter, which is typically its busiest time because of the holidays, she said.

In response, several cost saving measures are being evaluated nationwide.

Wood said work hours have been cut, 150,000 workers have been offered early retirement options, 1,400 management positions have been eliminated and space needs are being reevaluated in several areas, including Clovis.

If the Post Office in the 400 block of Gidding were sold, Wood said all its assets, including mailboxes, would be relocated to the Post Office on West 21st Street.

Wood said she cannot speculate on a timeline or even if the building will be sold.

“This is really early in the process and we don’t know,” she said.

“It just depends on the real estate market and whether or not we sell the building.”