The City of Winston Seeks Federal Review of Mail Delivery Concerns

WINSTON, Ore. - The City of Winston is asking federal officials to look into ongoing concerns about mail and package delivery in the 97496 ZIP code after receiving complaints from residents and businesses.

In a letter dated Friday, Winston Mayor Christie Knutson asked U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle's office to assist with a review of mail delivery practices serving the Winston area.

According to the letter, the city has received reports of mail being delivered to incorrect addresses, packages being marked as delivered but left at another residence, and mail intended for one household being delivered to another.

The city said some of the concerns involve prescription medications and other time-sensitive items. In some cases, residents reportedly received electronic or photographic confirmation that a package had been delivered, but later found that it had been left at another address and could not be recovered.

City officials said Winston City Hall has also experienced delivery issues. According to the letter, City Hall periodically receives mail intended for residents or businesses elsewhere in the community and, on some occasions, has received mail addressed to people or locations in other Douglas County communities.

The city acknowledged that individual delivery mistakes can occur, but said the number and consistency of complaints raised concerns about whether a broader review may be appropriate. The letter also states that some residents have told the city they previously raised concerns with the local post office without reaching a lasting resolution.

Winston is asking for a review of mail and package delivery practices within the 97496 area, including whether staffing, route assignments, training, addressing information, scanning procedures or other operational factors may be contributing to the reported problems.

The city is also asking that appropriate corrective measures be considered if problems are identified and that Winston receive a written response outlining the results of the review and any actions USPS plans to take.

Knutson said in the letter that the city's intent is to have recurring issues identified and corrected while recognizing the work performed by Postal Service employees serving the community.

Copies of the letter were also directed to USPS Consumer Advocacy, members of Oregon's congressional and state legislative delegations, Winston City Council members and City Manager Thomas McIntosh.

The letter represents a request for review based on complaints reported to the city. It does not establish the cause of the reported delivery problems or whether any specific USPS practice or employee is responsible.