Residents of Hoehne Demand Better Service and Cleanliness at Local Post Office

Community Concerns Over Post Office Conditions

In the small town of Hoehne, Colorado, residents are raising their voices about the poor conditions and customer service at their local post office. This issue has been highlighted by more than a dozen residents who have come forward expressing their dissatisfaction.

Postal Problems

Elizabeth Montoya described the post office as unhygienic, stating, "It smells like cat pee; the floors are dirty, and everything's dirty in there." Mary Nicol echoed these sentiments, noting that the post office had not been cleaned in months and often has mud and dirt on the floors.

The service has also declined significantly since the resignation of the former postmaster on December 27. Pete Jacobs mentioned that he has not received any important mail, such as bank statements or bills, at his mailing address. Residents have also reported missing or opened mail, and complaints about the current postmaster's rude behavior have surfaced.

Building Inspection

Concerns extend beyond customer service; a county building inspector deemed the post office unsafe in June 2024, citing various code violations and health hazards, including contamination from animal urine and inadequate structural safety measures. USPS has disputed these claims, stating that no safety violations were found during their inspections.

OSHA Complaints

In 2024, two complaints were filed with OSHA regarding the unsafe working conditions at the post office. Issues included slip hazards, leaking roofs, and inoperable restroom facilities. USPS responded to the complaints, asserting that no unsanitary conditions were found.

Job Openings

Currently, USPS is looking to fill the postmaster position that became vacant after the previous postmaster's resignation. The role offers a starting salary of $16.97 per hour and requires applicants to work up to six days a week for a public window open for two hours daily.

Community Sentiment

Residents emphasize the importance of the post office for their community, especially for the elderly who may struggle to access postal services in nearby Trinidad. They are calling for better service and conditions, expressing their frustration that they pay taxes for a service that is not meeting their needs. USPS has stated that decisions regarding post office closures are regulated by law, emphasizing the importance of maintaining postal services in both urban and rural areas.