Officials continue to explore options for new town hall

The Grafton Town Board is weighing its options for a new Town Hall.

During the Feb. 12 board meeting, supervisors discussed options for several potential sites for the facility, including the former Countryside Camper site, Precision Excavating at the corner of Ulao Road and Highway 32,  and properties along Highway C.

“We’re not in negotiations with anybody, and we haven’t done any appraisals,” Town Chairman Lester Bartel said, noting he would like to have land purchased by the end of the year.

The town leases space for its current Town Hall in a building at 1230 11th Ave.  in the Village of Grafton. Rent is $33,000 per year.

The town has set aside $10,000 to $15,000 annually for a new hall in a fund that now totals $218,654.

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

During last year’s budget hearing, electors gave the Town Board approval to purchase property or a building for a new town hall but at a cost that will not exceed $1 million.

The town wants a property that will be large enough to accommodate future growth. Bartel said he also wants the hall to provide additional amenities for residents such as recycling and yard-waste disposal.

Bartel said he is concerned about parking for elderly residents at the current facility, where meetings and elections take place.