PHIPPSBURG

A proposal by the U. S. Postal Service to close the Sebasco Estates Post Office triggered a letter of opposition from the Phippsburg Board of Selectmen who argue that closing the Sebasco office would reduce mail service to Phippsburg citizens.

On Thursday, the Postal Service will hold a public meeting at Phippsburg Elementary School to explain its proposal and hear from residents.

Under that proposal, the Phippsburg Post Office at 520 Main Road — eight miles from the Sebasco Estates Post Office — would remain open.

According to a Dec. 23, 2011, notice from Kathleen Walker, manager of Post Office Operations for the USPS, closing the post office would save $522,843 over 10 years.

The proposal is based on declining office workload and a “steady decline in revenue and/or volume” and because there are alternate sites within a short distance that can provide services.

According to USPS figures, the amount of walk-in revenue at the Sebasco Estates Post Office has declined from $23,729 in fiscal year 2008 to $18,774 in fiscal year 2011.

On Jan. 18, the Board of Selectmen wrote to USPS Northern New England District Manager Deborah Essler that “citizens are gravely concerned” about the proposed closure, and selectmen “are vigorously opposed to the closing of this very important post office.”

The letter states that a post office has been in Sebasco village for more than 70 years, and argues, among other reasons, that closing the Sebasco Estates Post Office “ will reduce mail service to our citizens.”

Thursday’s public hearing will begin at 6: 30 p. m. at Phippsburg Elementary School, 1047 Main Road.

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