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Residents urge sale of Anders building as council weighs options for city hall
Summary
During public comment, residents urged the Soda Springs City Council to sell the Anders building rather than convert it into city hall, citing survey results and ongoing maintenance costs; council said procedural steps are required before any sale and will provide more detailed financials at a future meeting.
Kathleen White, a resident at 251 South Second West, urged the council to sell the Anders building instead of moving city hall there, saying the community survey favored sale (she cited figures of 50% sell, 35% lease, 12% move) and argued net proceeds could be used to address long-deferred infrastructure needs. "If we keep the building, the problems will continue," White said, noting the property had been gifted to the city about "6 years, 6 months" earlier and stressing taxpayers should focus on core needs.
Why it matters: The Anders/Enders discussion has recurred at recent meetings. Sale proceeds or lease revenue for a historic public building could shift the city’s capital priorities and affect taxpayers; residents asked for transparent financials and a clearer record of maintenance costs.
Council response and next steps: Council acknowledged the range of public views and described the issue as procedurally complex. Staff said any sale would follow required procedures; the mayor and staff committed to providing itemized historical maintenance costs and revenue figures on the city website and suggested the council explore a one-page summary for the next meeting to memorialize outstanding issues.
Public engagement and concerns: Several members of the public raised additional points during the open-floor comments, including whether the Anders building is being sufficiently maintained while in city hands and whether using it as city hall would increase local taxes. Council members encouraged continued public participation and noted that formal action on sale or relocation would require future agenda items, public notices, and compliance with state procedures.
What’s next: Council agreed to continue engineering and financial reviews and to return with clearer cost and revenue data before taking final action on the building’s disposition.
