Board begins weighing its options for new town hall

The Town Board last week began considering its options for a new town hall. 

In August, the town bought a 3.9-acre property earmarked for the project on Highway W, just north of Fire Ridge Golf Club, for $230,000.

Officials said the cost of a new building will range from $1.11 million to $1.27 million.

During its Sept. 9 meeting, the board discussed designing a new structure or using existing buildings on the site for a new hall.

The site, which is at 2315 Hwy. W, currently has a house, barn, granary and shed. Current plans call for demolishing or relocating the house.

Board members have also indicated they would like to preserve the barn, which was built in 1910.

Town Engineer Kevin Kimmes said the property offers enough space to grow with the town’s future needs. In past discussions, officials said they want to provide additional on-site amenities for residents, such as recycling and yard waste disposal. 

During last year’s budget hearing, residents authorized the board to purchase a property or building for a new town hall for a cost not to exceed $1 million.

The current Town Hall at 1230 11th Ave. in the Village of Grafton is being rented for $33,000 per year. The board has set aside $10,000 to $15,000 annually toward the cost of a new hall, and the fund has accumulated more than $220,000.

Three years ago, a study on the potential cost of a new hall estimated the cost of land and construction at about $1.26 million.

Officials said the town will likely borrow money for the project, but much of the loan payments would be covered from savings that will come from rental savings once the building is constructed.

Town Chairman Lester Bartel said there is not a definite timeline for construction, but he expects the project to be completed in two years.