Verona council notifies tenant it will not renew former library lease, directs staff to negotiate final date

VERONA, Wis. — The Verona Common Council voted on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, to notify the tenant of the former Verona Public Library at 130 Franklin Street that the city will not renew the lease and directed staff to begin negotiations on a final date for the tenant’s departure.

The motion, made by Alder Tucker Long and seconded by Alder Helmke, passed 6–1; Alder Hoax cast the lone no vote. Council action sets in motion discussions with Redeemer Bridal Bible Fellowship, which holds the current lease that runs Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, at $5,500 per month.

Why it matters: City staff and department heads told the council the building could serve as short-term storage for library records and as a community programming site for recreation and the senior center. Councilors said reclaiming the building would let the city use an existing, centrally located facility rather than seek a new community center or other space.

Presentations and council discussion

Mr. Ollick, acting city clerk, told the council the lease “was renewed for 12 months commencing on October 1, 2024 and ending on September 30, 2025 at a rate of $5,500 per month.” Recreation Director Casey Dudley, Library staff member Stacy, and senior center leadership outlined potential city uses if the lease is not renewed.

“We've never had our own space to offer programming,” Recreation Director Casey Dudley said, noting the department relies on school gyms, the senior center and other borrowed space that can be unavailable on short notice. Dudley described potential after-school programming, preschool classes, community room rentals and expanded adult fitness offerings as uses that could be staged at the former library.

“One of the big problems we have at the library is storage,” Stacy said, describing a cramped storage room that also serves as the tornado shelter and holds Verona Area Historical Society materials. Stacy and Dudley said the building could free space in the current library and provide collaborative programming space.

City staff also described building needs and constraints. Dudley listed likely improvements and costs to make the facility suitable for city programming,…