Oakland aldermen decline purchase of former church at 14655 Highway 194

At a special-called meeting the Oakland Board of Aldermen voted to stop pursuing the purchase of the former church property at 14655 Highway 194, declining a resolution that would have authorized the mayor to execute a purchase contract.

The vote followed extended public comment opposing the buy and staff presentations that summarized inspection reports and cost estimates for repairs and hazardous-material abatement. Town Manager Mister Ellis said the purchase was proposed to give immediate office space for town employees and to buy time while the town pursued longer-term options. Town Attorney Mike Miner warned the board that if it did not notify the real-estate agent before the contract deadline the town could be legally required to close on the property.

Supporters and opponents of the purchase spoke during citizens' comments. Paul Ponce, a resident, said continuing to pursue the purchase “reflects a troubling disregard for fiscal responsibility.” Several speakers urged the board to consider alternatives, including building new facilities on town-owned land or leasing space rather than buying and renovating an older building.

Mister Ellis told the board the idea behind the purchase was to remove employees from cramped leased and converted spaces and avoid incurring long-term debt by renovating an existing structure. He also noted the binder the board received contained structural, hazardous-material and cost-estimate reports. "If you're not 150% committed to this project, vote no and we'll look at other options," Ellis said.

The board heard multiple cost estimates during the discussion. Residents and staff cited a $375,000 asking price for the property and a renovation/abatement estimate of $1,649,849 provided in the town's packet; Ellis and a real-estate representative cautioned those numbers were estimates and likely to increase when contractors begin work. Citizens raised specific concerns about asbestos, mold and potential septic issues in the building and questioned whether the town would be better served building a new facility on land it already owns.

Town Attorney Mike Miner explained the contract timeline: the original 30-day due-diligence period ended May 29, was extended 15 days, and — absent a timely notice from the town — the contract would “go hard” on the stated date and obligate the town to close. Miner said he would send a letter to the seller and the seller's attorney immediately if the board decided not to proceed.

After debate, Alderman Hummel moved that the board not proceed with the purchase; the motion carried on a roll-call vote. The board directed the town attorney to notify the seller promptly so the contract would not become enforceable.

The decision ends the town's immediate effort to buy and renovate the former church for municipal administrative use; board members said they expect to continue evaluating other sites and options for a new city hall.