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U.S. Postal Service withdraws interest in Highbridge/Marengo site; county reports about $30,000 invested
Summary
County highway and administration staff told the board the U.S. Postal Service declined to proceed with a planned lease for a Marengo/Highbridge parcel after reviewing old parcel maps; county staff said roughly $30,000 has already been spent on the site.
County staff updated the board that the U.S. Postal Service has decided not to proceed with a lease for a Highbridge/Marengo parcel that had been under consideration for a new postal facility. County staff told supervisors the USPS relied on older orthophotos that suggested water drained onto the parcel; the county said the pipe has since been moved and water now goes to the culvert, but the postal service did not reexamine the site and canceled its interest.
County administrators said the site still has power but that an electrical box was removed to avoid ongoing fees after the USPS withdrew. The county reported it had invested “about $30,000” in the parcel in anticipation of the USPS facility and said it is unclear whether the agency will pursue another location; the county said the USPS appears to be reorganizing and may continue to use the Mellon location for the time being.
Board members questioned why work proceeded before a signed USPS lease. County staff responded that the parcel had been under multi‑year discussions with USPS requests for utilities (water, electric, sewer) and that steps were taken by county departments in expectation of a lease. The county reported the USPS never signed the final contract and that negotiation and coordination spanned roughly two years.
Supervisors warned residents and towns considering arrangements with the postal service to review contracts carefully and to avoid taking financial risk before a fully executed agreement. No formal action was taken by the board on the parcel during the meeting; the report was informational.
