Russellville to tear down old hotel building

After years of vacancy and neglect, the historic hotel building in Russellville has become a hazardous eyesore. On Monday the town council agreed to approve a purchase agreement that, when signed by the current owner, will give the town control.

They plan to immediately tear it down.

At a cost of $1,800 the town was able take control of the building and repay all back taxes. They chose this route of control because it was determined it would be less expensive than through legal fees.

The search for the current owner began in December and was held up because the information was filed incorrectly, the council said.

The owner was eventually located in Louisiana, having never seen his building. Once he signs the purchase agreement, it will be returned to Russellville and signed by Council President Don Reddish and Clerk/Treasurer DeVon Davis.

The town will then move as quickly as they can to tear down the building, which is filled with trash, tires and rodents, among other things.

Davis said she hopes to get volunteers to help with the project. She also said it is possible that the fire department could use it for training.

A date has not been set.

In other business, the council agreed to make Davis the primary contact for the Red Cross.

In the event of an emergency, the Russellville Community Center will be used as a staging ground. Nothing from the Red Cross will be permanently stored in the building.

The council also agreed to purchase an additional computer for the town center.

Currently, there is one computer that stores all software and data for the budget and billing. A new computer will separate these processes and making the computer run more smoothly.

The cost will come from the already-budgeted office supply fund.

Additional notes:

- The council has blueprints for the new water system and will soon be accepting bids.

- An audit will occur in late summer and again next year.

- Road repairs that began recently were discussed. They need to be smoothed over.

- The 2012 master plan was accepted.