A proposal to cut hours at eight Western Tidewater post offices will be inconvenient, but we believe the U.S. Postal Service can make it less inconvenient.

Postal Service officials are discussing reducing hours for offices in Boykins, Newsoms, Sedley, Zuni, Carrsville, Isle of Wight, Branchville and Drewryville.

We understand times are tough, and the Postal Service is trying to reduce operating costs.

While we hope the federal agency can cut as few jobs as possible, there are ways to save money with minimum inconvenience to customers.

We think staggered hours at these smaller offices are a good idea. If one is closed in the morning, make sure the hours of another one nearby can accommodate customers.

We hope the Postal Service follows through with its plan to send surveys seeking input to those living in affected communities. To those who receive surveys, we ask that you fill them out.

We also hope to see residents participate in meetings that the Postal Service is planning.

The financial challenges of the Postal Service have been well documented over the years, and we sympathize, but we hope officials don’t take for granted the needs of its employees or customers.