Dear Editor,

Has anyone noticed the paradox Waitsburg City Council proposes? It appears ridiculous to me for the City to consider abandoning its offices and functions at its present site in order to relocate to the “Kingdom Hall” the Jehovah Witnesses have put up for sale. Now Council is fussing over what to do about vacant commercial buildings on Main Street.

To move City Hall to a location adjacent to the park and swimming pool directly places our local government in a known flood path. Recall that the JW’s building received significant damage during February 1996 flood. Their volunteers gutted and refurbished that structure in order to restore it to its former use. Are City taxpayers expected to pay flood insurance for such a move?

In spite of the advantages of City offices being on one level and parking availability, such a relocation 1). Removes these offices from the center core of Waitsburg, a a highly visible site; 2). Reduces Main Street to another vacant building; 3). Abandons an historic and sound building to the “whims” of a new owner.

Aren’t grants available to enhance City Hall’s function and access? Couldn’t an elevator be installed in the back hallway for access to the second story and/or the basement? Of course electrification, heating, and insulation also need upgrading. Much of this could take place through a grant process. Would City Fathers comply with any “historic restrictions” such a grant might entail?

Perhaps this is “much ado about nothing” but I believe the City isn’t thinking through this issue thoroughly.

Sincerely,

Jeanetta Monfort, Waitsburg