Council considers moving out of city hall and selling part of the property to cut costs

Councilors weighed operational savings from moving offices out of the oldest section of city hall and potentially placing that portion of the property up for sale. Members suggested moving temporarily to the fire station to save utilities and renting office space to outside agencies (the WIC office offered up to $150/month) while retaining necessary records and insurance coverage until sale or lease is completed.

"If we put the building up for sale, we can keep insurance and stuff, but it's for sale," one council member said while another noted that subdividing the parcel would require a survey to separate the area they want to sell. Clerk reminded the council that leaving a building owned by the city does not immediately eliminate insurance obligations or liability until a sale or lease and insurance transfer occurs.

Councilors asked staff to obtain a market assessment and to consider a sale of the older section rather than the entire property; staff will also determine the timing and financial impact of relocating staff to alternate facilities. The council directed staff to include relocation assumptions in the budget packet so members can evaluate savings before any formal property transaction.