Council authorizes negotiations on building lease to consolidate school buses and city operations amid public debate

The Ellsworth City Council authorized the city manager to negotiate lease terms with the owner of the Jordan property, the top‑scoring respondent to a recent RFP, to evaluate whether leasing that building would provide space to consolidate the bus garage, parks and rec, water department and other equipment under one roof.

Public works and parks leaders told council the building offers considerable operational advantages, including pull‑through bays and roll‑up doors large enough for school buses. Mike Harris, who presented the item, said the space could "keep all 18 of our school buses undercover" and would protect capital assets while offering possible synergy with the highway garage.

Council discussion focused on tradeoffs: several councilors and public speakers urged prioritizing ownership and keeping tax dollars within Ellsworth, while others said leasing might be a pragmatic bridge while the city evaluates long‑term capital projects. Residents and business owners raised concerns about spending city funds outside municipal limits; one resident said, "Tax money should stay in Ellsworth." Another urged the council to examine building‑assembly alternatives on city land.

City staff and the school superintendent noted urgent timing: the school’s current lease expires May 31 and the city has several existing leased facilities. Staff emphasized the authorization is to negotiate terms and return to the council with a full proposed lease for review; any final contract would need council approval and legal review.

The motion to authorize negotiations specifies returning a proposed lease agreement to council for review and approval before execution.