Board reviews appraisals and options for two surplus public‑works properties

Village staff told the board that two surplus properties tied to the Public Works function have recent appraisals: one building on South Oak at about $170,000 and a vacant South Main parcel at about $70,000. “The two buildings…came in at a 170,000. And the vacant property on South Main came in at 70,000,” staff said.

Staff summarized operational reasons to sell: the village consolidated public‑works operations into a new facility, the old buildings require maintenance (one recently produced a $360 gas bill), and the parcels include a communications (cell) tower that requires retained access for maintenance. Trustees discussed sale mechanics — sealed bids versus negotiated sale — and were advised that an outright sale typically requires receiving at least 80% of the appraised value if sold directly, while a bid process gives the village discretion to accept or reject offers.

Trustees suggested packaging the two parcels together to increase appeal and noted possible local buyers (storage users, landscaping firms, adjacent trucking companies). Staff said they will have the village attorney/administrator prepare a bid package and bring options back to the board; no sale was approved at the meeting and trustees emphasized protecting village interests and setting a reasonable minimum if the board opts to sell.

Next steps: staff to draft an offer/bid package and advertise the parcels; trustees also asked staff to explore whether proceeds could be applied to targeted downtown improvements if a suitable purchase price is realized.