New York Mills city leaders are considering taking over ownership of an office building currently used by the Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council.
The council, which is in the process of dissolving, is liquidating its assets and wants to donate the building and land to the city, along with at least $15,000 in cash to cover the first year’s utilities.
The property is located at 109 South Walker Avenue in NY Mills.
According to a representative from the Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council, who spoke at a city council meeting last week, the property has been appraised at $254,000. The rep said the building is likely to need a new furnace in the near future, but is in good condition overall.
If the city opts not to accept the donation, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has second dibs; after that, Lakeland Mental Health Center has third dibs. The action council extended the offer to all three entities last week, but specified its priority preference to the city first.
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City leaders were asked to make a decision as soon as possible, so the action council can continue to move forward with its process of dissolving.
There was little discussion by city councilors at the meeting, though a concern was raised about the possibility of being taxed on the property, especially if space is leased to a for-profit business. City Clerk Darla Berry said she would look into that, and councilors were expected to make a decision on the matter at their next monthly meeting.
