Washington says passport agencies should process 250 applications a year, Boston Passport Agency suggests 150 and Mattapoisett had 64 last year.

As a result, the local agency is being closed March 31, and Town Administrator Mike Gagne is putting up a fight.

Paula Butterfield, who processes the passports, received a letter from the Boston Passport Agency on March 10. The letter states: “This decisions should not have a negative impact on your area.”

Gagne said the service provides residents with a convenient option and saves them a lot of time.

“This is a service we’ve been providing for over ten years,” he said. “People come here because they like to come here. They feel more comfortable.”

The Passport Agency told Gagne the cost of sending an agent to inspect a small office was too much.

“It’s not costing them anything,” said Selectman Tyler Macallister. “He’s probably going to Dunkin' Donuts anyway. He was probably here about thirty-eight seconds.”

Gagne added that all training has been paid for by the town, and the town provides the office space for processing and storing passport applications.

Selectman Paul Silva pointed out that 64 is about one percent of the town’s population.

“It should be based on a certain percentage, not a number,” he said.

Gagne is appealing the decision and has contacted Congressman Bill Keating’s office for help.

“I think it’s a great thing. I just don’t understand,” he said. “It’s not something we’re going to take. We’re going to fight it.”