October 31, 2002

In the Matter of the Petition by

MICHAEL G. SCHERR

6513 W. Argent Street

at

Pasco, WA 99301-1903

P.S. Docket No. DCA 02-437

APPEARANCE FOR PETITIONER:

Michael G. Scherr

6513 W. Argent Street

Pasco, WA  99301-1903

APPEARANCE FOR RESPONDENT:

Jim Sykes, Manager

Labor Relations

United States Postal Service

707 West Main Avenue, Suite 600

Spokane, WA  99201-0631

FINAL DECISION UNDER THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982

            Petitioner received a Notice of Involuntary Administrative Salary Offsets dated August 19, 2002, and filed a Petition requesting a hearing concerning the alleged debt of $338.92 described in the Notice.  The Petition was docketed, and Respondent was directed to file its Answer by September 27, 2002.  The Answer was not filed by that date.  In an Order of October 2, 2002, Respondent was directed to file the Answer or other appropriate pleading by October 15, 2002, or the Petition might be granted without further notice.  Respondent received that Order on October 8, 2002, but no Answer has been received.

            Based on these circumstances, the Petition is granted.  Respondent may not make involuntary deductions from Petitioner’s salary related to the $338.92 debt set forth in the Notice of Involuntary Administrative Salary Offsets.

                                                                                    Norman D. Menegat

                                                                                    Administrative Judge