Council open to exploring middle school as government center; no commitment as district evaluates facilities

City staff told the Little Falls City Council that the school district is reevaluating facilities and may vacate the middle school, and asked whether the city would be interested in using the building for a government center and police facilities.

Alex said staff toured the middle school and found it potentially adaptable: “The library area would make an excellent council chamber. We could probably have some community meeting rooms or training rooms … converting classrooms into office spaces, garages, items to accommodate the police department, city hall,” he said. Staff emphasized the district has not made a final decision and asked for the council’s level of interest to help the district’s planning.

Council members generally said the option merits further study because renovating an existing school could be less expensive than building new facilities. Members discussed three preliminary approaches if the building becomes available: purchase, lease, or a joint powers agreement (JPA). One staff member noted the building’s mechanical systems are integrated and that a sale could be complicated, making a lease or JPA likely easier to implement. Members also flagged fiscal considerations, including existing school referendums and the cost to renovate or reconfigure spaces such as gyms and pools.

No formal motion or commitment was made. Several council members urged caution so the city does not appear to pressure the school board while the district evaluates options. Staff said it would continue exploratory discussions with the district and return more detailed cost and feasibility information if the district indicates the building will be available.