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Council tables Old City Hall sale decision, seeks new appraisal and workshop review
Summary
Council discussed an offer and long-term options for Old City Hall — including a 2009 appraisal cited at about $185,000 and a nonprofit's $50,000 offer with parking easement — and voted to table the matter to the next workshop for additional appraisal and negotiation work.
The Decatur City Council tabled action on the disposition of Old City Hall and asked staff to obtain a current appraisal and prepare options for the next workshop.
Council members reviewed a 2009 appraisal figure cited in the meeting (about $185,000) and discussed a nonprofit offer to acquire the building for $50,000 in exchange for an easement allowing parking for the water department. Members debated fair-market valuation, whether to sell or lease with easements, and whether selling below market would appear improper. One council member suggested listing the property on the open market to determine fair-market value; another noted real-estate sales differ from other municipal disposals because advertising is not always required.
Council requested additional information on repair costs and the terms of any nonprofit proposal, including parking easement language and lease conditions. The mayor and members emphasized the need to balance removing the financial burden of repairs with ensuring the city receives fair consideration for an asset. The item was tabled to the next workshop for further study and possible appraisal completion.
Next steps: staff will obtain a new appraisal, circulate proposal terms, and present options at the workshop scheduled for the 27th at 5:00 p.m.
