Town board discusses buying former fire department building, weighs $50,000–$60,000 offer

The town board reviewed an appraisal and discussed purchasing the former fire department property, with a building appraisal listed at $60,000 and the land estimated between $20,000 and $28,000. Gordon, speaking about acquisition steps, said the town could make an offer and complete a quick-claim deed if the seller agreed.

"The price of the building is $60,000," said Gordon while outlining the appraisal figures and the process for making an offer and scheduling a closing. He explained that if the seller accepted the offer the town would not need condemnation proceedings and that a quitclaim deed could remove any interest in the building.

Board members debated how much to offer. Staff initially described preparing paperwork to offer $50,000; at the meeting one board member moved to offer $60,000. The transcript records the motion to offer $60,000 but does not record a formal vote tally on that specific motion.

Members noted practical uses for the building if acquired, including record and equipment storage. Speakers discussed whether partitioning or installing shelving could create usable space and whether the building’s open interior would suit storage needs.

The meeting also covered a separate adjacent farm parcel whose appraisal reflected the pre-fire condition of a house that has since burned; the land appraisal was cited at $27,000 but board members said a reappraisal was necessary because demolition, asbestos abatement and potential contamination could affect value and cost. Gordon flagged that a change in use from residential/agricultural to municipal could change valuation because standing structures could become liabilities.

Next steps: staff was authorized to prepare acquisition paperwork and the board will pursue reappraisals and cost estimates for cleanup before finalizing any purchase.