New Cumberland Council moving ahead with city office plans
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- New Cumberland officials are continuing with plans to move the city's municipal offices, agreeing Monday to begin the process of selling the current city building.
Council approved an agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc., at a cost of $1,800 plus lab fees, to address asbestos testing of the structure identified as the Ewing building located on River Avenue.
"Our plan is that would be the new city building," explained Mayor Will White.
Also Monday, council approved a recommendation to move forward on having the current municipal building - the former New Cumberland Elementary School - appraised and to authorize its sale.
White explained he and other city officials previously had discussions with the Hancock County Commission about the possibility of purchasing the building, located next door to the Hancock County Courthouse, but the proposal was turned down.
"The answer was no," White said, noting the most recent conversation was on June 22. "They were not interested in this old school building we call the city building."
As a result, White said, the city will have to put the building up for public auction. He said he has reached out to some local realtors and others for guidance on how to begin the process.
Councilmember Missy Perkins asked if a minimum bid would be established, with Police Chief Lester Skinner noting the appraisal will help to determine a potential cost.
"You need to get the appraisal first to know what it's worth," Skinner said.
Councilmember Anne Blankenship pointed out there are tenants in the building beyond the municipal offices, and asked how a sale would affect them.
White said, it is his understanding any ongoing rental agreements will be carried over to a new owner, with Councilman Mike Watkins saying it would be up to any new owner to determine terms of future rental agreements or terminations.
City Clerk Tammy Jenkins questioned the fate of several school-related items and other memorabilia not belonging to the city but located within the building.
White indicated the hope is to have the move finalized by the end of the year.