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Centralia Council declares 215 N. Pearl surplus, authorizes three‑week market listing
Summary
After debate over marketing approach, the council voted unanimously to declare 215 North Pearl Street surplus and authorized the city manager to list the property on the open market for three weeks; staff noted conversion to a court facility could cost roughly $2.5 million.
The Centralia City Council voted May 13 to declare 215 North Pearl Street surplus and authorized the city manager to list the property on the open market for three weeks, following extended discussion about repair costs, marketing methods and timing.
City staff outlined options: extensive rehabilitation of the building to serve as a municipal court is estimated at roughly $2.5 million; by contrast, modifying existing City Hall for court functions was estimated around $1.5 million. Staff recommended surplusing the downtown building because of ongoing maintenance needs and the near-term budget environment (SEG 2318–2344, SEG 2368–2376).
Council members debated sale mechanics. Staff initially proposed a sealed (closed) bid approach; several councilors and the city’s contracted realtor recommended a market listing with a fixed offer-review date to widen outreach and encourage competing offers. Realtor Laura Lee said commercial listing services such as LoopNet and Crexi and plan centers would provide broad exposure. Council ultimately directed a public-market approach and approved a three‑week listing period to solicit highest and best offers (SEG 2630–3110, SEG 3163–3188).
A motion to declare the property surplus and list it on the open market for three weeks passed unanimously (vote recorded 7–0). Staff said if no acceptable bids arrive, they would return to council with alternative options, including re-opening the solicitation or retaining the property.
What’s next: City staff will publish the solicitation and marketing materials and accept offers during the three‑week window; council retained discretion to reject bids below a reserve level and to revisit the disposition plan if necessary.
