Algoma Common Council approves $200,000 purchase of Associated Bank building for municipal offices

The Algoma Common Council voted to purchase the Associated Bank building at 208 Steel Street for $200,000 and to begin a preliminary design process with Bayland Builders.

The motion — described in the meeting as “a motion by Meveden, a second by Kevin Schmidt” — passed on a roll call vote. A council member clarified that the building is intended to house the police department, the city hall and the public library and that the acquisition and renovation will be funded from the capital projects fund balance rather than through new borrowing.

Why it matters: Officials said consolidating municipal functions in one building will provide space for public safety and administrative services and allow the city to use existing fund balance to cover the purchase and initial renovation work.

What the council said: A council member stated, “The Associated Bank building will be used to house the police department, city hall, and the library,” and reiterated that the payment will come from capital projects fund balance, not the general fund.

Votes and procedure: Meeting remarks recorded a motion introduced by Meveden and seconded by Kevin Schmidt. Roll‑call responses recorded during the meeting show members answering in the affirmative and the chair declaring the motion carried.

What’s next: Council members said the city will proceed with Bayland Builders on preliminary design work. The meeting record also shows the agenda will include two additional items to address in open session; one (a proposed camera purchase) was tabled with no action taken at this meeting.

The council adjourned follow‑up business after confirming funding and next steps for the building purchase.