Westfield residents learn fate of town's post office - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Close or reduce hours?  That's the question the U.S. Postal Service is facing for post offices across the nation, including those in Siouxland.

Thursday afternoon, a representative from the postal service told community members in Westfield, Iowa their decision to reduce daily hours from eight to four at the town's post office.

Originally, the Postal Service wanted to close the office altogether, but community outcry changed their decision.

The Area Post Office Operations Manager says no matter what, something had to be done.

"We have lost 25% of our business. Therefore, we have to change our tactics. We know we want to serve the community, but yet we have to change directions. We can't maintain the structure that we've had," said Kent Gochenour, Post Office Operations Manager.

Residents were surveyed about what option they wanted, to close or leave the office open.

An overwhelming 70% of those that responded said they wanted reduced hours.

Given the choices, the town's mayor says they're fortunate the office will stay put.

"This community really needs its post office. It's a center for all activity, lot of meet and greet go on every day, and you know, once you lose a business from your town, that's just one more notch in your belt that you might be out," said Bill Hummel, Mayor.

The change in hours will be put into place mid to late January.

50 towns in Northwestern Iowa will face changes within the next year.  Another 32 within the next couple years.