Warsaw’s old city hall is now on track to be available for purchase within a month or so.

The building on the corner  of High and Market streets has been empty for about five years ever since city operations shifted to a vacant bank building across from the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

The city has two appraisals for the land. Those include an updated appraisal from Center Appraisal Services, Warsaw, for $208,000.

Another was performed by  City Planner Jeremy Skinner. His appraisal was $183,000.

State law permits city employees to serve in that capacity if they have a familiarity with the property.

Skinner was not paid for the work.

City Attorney Michael Valentine, who told council Tuesday he could not recall  the last time the city sold a piece of property, explained the process of disposing of the property.

Following approval by city council, the board of works will set a minimum bid and the dates for the 60-day bidding process.

Bids will be open for inspection during the 60 days, meaning any participant will be able to update their bids, Valentine said.

The city also has the ability to end the bidding period if they receive a bid deemed acceptable.

Council approved plans to begin the process Tuesday night with a 5-0 vote after a formal public hearing.

Councilmen Jerry Frush and Mike Klondaris both said they believe it’s time to do something with the property.

Movement on the property comes at the same time Lakeland Art Association is seeking to acquire the building at a greatly discounted offer – or even free – from the city.



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Lakeland wants to renovate the building into a fine arts museum.

Representatives from the art association have also said they would like the city to consider making several repairs to be building if they do somehow acquire it.

Renovations to convert it into a museum would rely on  private support.

Mayor Joe Thallemer has said the city needs to make it available to the public before considering any arrangements with the arts group.