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Waterville council defends plan to buy The Village amid resident worries over costs
Summary
Councilmembers defended a proposed $675,000 purchase of The Village and forecast offsetting revenue from sales of three existing city properties, while residents pressed for inspections and safeguards; council approved related rental fees and scheduling changes for the new facility.
The Waterville City Council on Sept. 2 defended its plan to purchase The Village for $675,000 and said proceeds from selling three existing city properties could offset much of the cost.
"The sale of these three properties alone holds tax value of $730,700.00," Councilmember Tim Smith said, noting that figure exceeds the purchase price and that the City could apply proceeds toward facility needs. Smith told residents that bringing the current City Hall roof up to standard would cost an estimated $620,000 to $670,000 and cited mold, structural and HVAC issues as additional concerns that informed the decision. He added that the Fire Hall had an earlier remodel estimate of over $2,000,000.
Several residents voiced questions during Citizen Time about inspection, tax impacts and downtown character. "So now all that money will be spent on The Village. What about an inspection?" asked Ron Vanhoudt. Mayor Bill Conlin replied that the City considered The Village a steel-frame building "up to current code due to the current operations of The Village" and said the City had not ordered a new independent inspection before purchase.
EDA member Gary Schott urged the Council to follow a request-for-proposal approach when selling downtown properties to shape future development, saying such parameters helped other cities preserve downtown image. Supporters, including Joy Watson, told the Council the acquisition is a positive long-term investment that could provide expanded library space, parking and community uses for decades.
Council action at the meeting also set rental fees for The Village (nonprofits: no fee; all others: $35/hour, up to $300) and approved moving October and future Council meetings to 205 1st Street N, where the new facility will be used for meetings and programs. The Council set a budget work session for Sept. 16 to continue planning.
