Talks between Koochiching County and the Falls Hunger Coalition continue around the potential sale of a former armoury building in International Falls.
Coalition members toured the building last week.
Executive Director Ashley Hall says they would still need to get a detailed analysis of the building.
“We in no way, shape or form have a proposal on our end. We just want to keep the conversation going and see where the county stands on if they actually do want to get rid of it and what that would look like,” says Hall.
Associate Director Christina Daniel adds they would like a firm commitment from the county before spending money on the study.
It’s estimated to cost about $7-10 thousand.
“For us to go forward with that, we would (need) a good faith sense that this is an option for us and that’s worth spending our money, our organization’s money to go and take the next step,” says Daniel.
The Falls Hunger Coalition has said demand for its services is outgrowing its current facility at the Backus Community Centre.
Daniel says a move to a larger space would help them expand services, especially to areas outside of International Falls.
“Like we said over and over, we really care about the county, and that’s so central to our work every day. We really want to position ourselves to be able to give attention to the areas outside of International Falls. This will really set us up to be able to do that,” says Daniel.
There is County support at the board level.
Commissioners would still like to see a draft purchase agreement before making a firm commitment.
