FLORENCE Wis. — The Florence County Board heard Tuesday from the head of the local union about the United States Postal Service’s recent and potential future changes that affect mail handling in the region.

Michelle Yuhasey, president of 498-499 Area Local Postal Workers Union, told board members the workers need assistance and support to stop and reverse changes at the USPS processing and distribution center in Kingsford, the only such facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Since Jan. 8, mail across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin is only picked up in the morning and is processed in Kingsford during the day rather than overnight, causing delays in getting it back out for delivery, Yuhasey said.

USPS officials said earlier in the year it is reviewing current operations and potential future uses of the Kingsford facility as part of a $40 billion nationwide investment strategy to upgrade and improve processing, transportation and delivery networks.

The USPS set but then canceled a Feb. 8 public input meeting on the plans, with no new date scheduled.

Up to 20 jobs may be at risk at the center if mail processing is shifted from Kingsford to Green Bay as has been suggested, Yuhasey said.

“I do not think we are going to be able to stop it without our legislators doing something,” she added.

Board Chair Jeanette Bomberg concurred with Yuhasey, saying the county is having problems sending time-sensitive material. Bomberg said some courthouse documents have to be in the mail by Thursday mornings, otherwise they are routed to Green Bay, causing delays.

“Some of the offices have to have their stuff done two days early to make sure it is going to be delivered,” Bomberg said.

The board referred the matter to the Florence County Legislative Advisory Committee for further action.

The public can provide input about the Kingsford facility plan at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mpfr-iron-mountain-mi.

In other business, the board —

— Approved compensation rates for elected officials for 2025 through 2028.

The treasurer and register of deeds will both earn $51,538.68 and the county clerk will earn $59,085.42 in 2025, then will all receive a 2% raise each year through 2028.

— Appointed emergency fire wardens: Angela Schalow for the Town of Aurora and Shelly Dumais for the Town of Fence.