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County EDA votes for move to courthouse
The county EDA voted unanimously Thursday to seek permission from the County Board to move to the courthouse from its existing location at 417 8th Ave. SE in Pipestone.
Les Nath, Jasper mayor and EDA chairman, said the move was discussed during the EDA’s Oct. 12 executive meeting and the executive board recommended making the move as soon as possible.
“We decided, if there’s room available in the courthouse, to move the EDA into the courthouse hopefully by the first part of January,” Nath said.
The move would be dependent upon the approval of the County Board and when Public Health can move from their current space in the courthouse to the new Public Services Building.
“They want to be in there by the end of November,” said Jerry Remund, county commissioner.
By moving into the courthouse the EDA hopes to cut utility, snow removal and lawn care costs. If the move is approved, the EDA could save between $7,000 and $8,000 over the course of a year. The county does not charge the EDA rent, so the county could also generate rental income by leasing the building to another party.
Jeannie Swenson, mayor of Ihlen and EDA member, said she hopes the EDA can find a long-term home in the courthouse.
“I’m hoping this will be our last move,” she said.
The move was also discussed during a meeting between city, county and EDA officials in mid-September as part of a plan for the EDA to lay low, rebuild in 2010 and try to reemerge stronger in 2011. During that time the EDA hopes to convince the cities of Pipestone County that the organization is worth investing in.
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