MOUNT OLIVE (12/29/05) – The Town Council, at its meeting this week, agreed to accept financial responsibility for residents’ mailboxes damaged by trucks plowing snow.

According to an informal Council action residents would be reimbursed up to $50 for damaged or destroyed mail boxes.

In a discussion it was pointed out that it was not common for mailboxes to be struck by trucks, but it does happen and the township should assume the responsibility when it happens.

Many, if not all, mailboxes are located at curbs along rights of way close enough for mail trucks to deposit mail as required by the US Postal Service. A township ordinance provides that objects not be placed along rights of way but that does not apply to mail boxes.

The township does contract with private snow removal contractors for assistance in removing snow, and in the event damage to a mailbox is done by a private contractor that company’s insurance company will bear responsibility.