During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing expenses related to the old planning and zoning building, which continues to incur monthly utility bills despite being largely unused. The building is currently costing the city over $100 a month for water, electricity, and refuse services, with concerns raised about the lack of separation in billing for services not being utilized, such as trash pickup.
One official highlighted the need for clarity on the long-term plans for the building, noting that significant repairs are necessary, particularly due to a severe termite problem that has required ongoing treatment. The discussion included potential strategies for managing utility costs, such as turning off the water supply while maintaining electricity, although it was noted that the refuse charge would likely remain unchanged.
The officials also considered the building's practical uses, such as storage, while acknowledging the risks posed by the termite issue and existing water leakage. Suggestions were made to implement measures to control these problems, including the installation of a sump pump, which would incur an additional annual cost.
The meeting concluded with a brief inquiry about the status of a proposed scanning center, indicating ongoing interest in exploring future uses for the building.