The Village Board directed staff to explore rental options for the Silver Lake Village Hall and Fire Rescue building at 113 South First Street in Silver Lake after closed‑session negotiations.

In closed session trustees reviewed costs of keeping the building open and underused. Staff told the board the building hosted seven meetings and three elections so far in 2024–25 but otherwise remains largely vacant. Reported operating costs for 2024 were $13,966.33 and for 2025 to date $8,285.08, for a combined total of $22,251.41 (these figures exclude insurance and plowing). Trustees also discussed an agent’s estimate that both buildings could command roughly $64,800 a year in rent, offsetting operating costs but leaving the village responsible for other expenses and potential repairs.

The board discussed other options including keeping the building under village ownership, returning the matter to parks to explore repurposing, formally listing for sale, or marketing it for rent. Trustee comments stressed fiscal responsibility given borrowing plans this year and the building’s low utilization; one trustee told colleagues it is the board’s fiscal duty to evaluate underused assets.

Why it matters: The building has been vacant since a departmental merger and generates maintenance costs despite minimal use. The board’s direction to explore rental options begins a formal market review and analysis of repairs and ongoing expenses; trustees authorized staff to study rental feasibility and related issues.

Ending: The board voted 7–0 to direct staff to explore rental options; staff will report back with findings and cost estimates.