By Paula Pyzik Scott

A recent Council item (page 14 of February 18 packet) creating an agreement for use of a storage building by Keith's Hardware had me scratching my head. Was there to be no rent charged for the building?

An email exchange with Village Administrator Jamie Hall has provided further explanation for the arrangement. As has been done with past tenants including the previous owner of the hardware store, Keith's Hardware will pay for electricity used in the Public Works building which includes lights, use of maintenance shop equipment (welder, drills, grinders, etc) along with trickle charge equipment for trucks and door openers. 

The December 2024 electricity bill was $374.50 and the size of the building used by Keith's Hardware is 80' x 60' (4,800 square feet).

Therefore, the cost of using the buidling is tied to the amount of electricity used by the Village maintenance shop and variation in electricity costs.

Are there other such agreements? Village Industrial Park land is leased as farmland. The current lease is for a 3-year contract with an option for a 2-year extension at $325.01 per acre. Annual payment will be $10,725.33.

Hall notes that there is no other Village real estate for rent or use.