COLUMBUS – Efforts of a grassroots group to preserve the former Columbus Town Hall were pushed forward by an informational meeting called by the group at the town hall on Tuesday.
The “Spirit of Columbus” team used Tuesday’s meeting to discuss the history of the building, its use, and options for the town to keep proprietorship, despite an estimated $160,000 needed to restore the building. According to the group, there are alternatives on the table that will allow the town to maintain ownership and have a minimal impact to the local tax levy.
But some argue it’s simply not worth the expense and that any repairs made to the 209-year-old building will only add unnecessary burden to an already strained local tax base. Even if the former town hall is fixed up, critics say the building doesn’t get enough use to justify mainenance costs.
According to Town Supervisor Tom Grace, several realtors have taken interest in selling the property, which could result in adding the property to the tax roles in the future.
The decision to give the Columbus Town Board authority to sell the building will be decided by voters on Nov. 4.
“There are different options that the Town Board can consider; but in order to do that, the public needs to let the Town know that we want the building saved,” said Town Councilwoman Susan LaFever, who led Tuesday night’s discussion. “We think we can come together as a community ... We have the spirit here in Columbus, we want to show our pride, and we desperately want to save our town hall for the community.”
LaFever cited past efforts of the Town Board to explore viable options for the building. Previous informational meeting have been held concerning the fate of the building, and the Town Board has additionally sought available grant opportunities.
The Town Board also had a professional contractors report conducted in 2012 which outlines needed repairs to the building and costs. Big ticket items include $42,000 for foundation and drainage work; $10,500 for insulation; $11,500 for heating and ventilation; $20,000 for the front porch; $20,000 for exterior painting; $12,000 for roof work; and $14,500 for modifications that make the building ADA compliant.
“The Board is aware that there are issues and have been for quite some time,” said LaFever.
Since the township holds deed to the property, it has several options. It can demolish the building, sell the property to a private buyer, partially restore the building, or completely restore the building. However, because the township was deeded the property in 1927 with an understanding that it be kept in good repair and used to benefit the town, there are legal implications with future decisions, LaFever pointed out. The deed is currently under review by attorneys.
In the meantime, there are several options to repair the building, one being to do repair work in stages over a long period of time, noted LaFever. She said that the township has $10,000 allocated for building repairs in its 2014 budget. Those funds – combined with unallocated funds of over $100,000 due to an unexpected mortgage tax and additional funds taken from the town’s reserves – would go a long way with minimal impact on taxpayers, she added.
There are also options of holding fundraising events, accepting donations (both designated and undesignated), and grant writing. “Grants are few and far between and difficult to get, but it’s an option that’s still out there,” LaFever said.
Robert Mahardy, a timber framer and 17-year resident of the Town of Columbus, also spoke in favor of the project during the meeting. “I have been changed by being involved in this,” he said. “In this modern life, there are too many old things that we have lost, but we have an opportunity now of regaining some of that.”
Should voters decide the Town has authority to sell the building but the Board chooses not to sell, LaFever said the Spirit of Columbus group is committed to assisting the Town with future restorations.
Additional information on the Spirit of Columbus can be found on the group’s Facebook page.