Riverview, Oconto County OK lease for new center

With construction underway on the new Town of Riverview community center, which will include northern offices for some Oconto County departments, the town and county have agreed on a 30-year lease for the property. The town and county boards approved the lease at their respective February meetings. The county set aside $550,000 to cover the construction of its portion of the building in February 2023. About $342,000 comes from the county’s allotment under the federal Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund, a general revenue enhancement program that provides additional assistance to eligible revenue-sharing counties and eligible tribal governments. The balance of about $208,000 is from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act fund allocation. Interim County Administrator Lisa Sherman told the county board Feb. 22 that former administrator Erik Pritzl negotiated the 32-page lease agreement with the town. “Groundbreaking has already begun, and since that time Erik has been working with the Town of Riverview to construct a lease regarding our usage and occupancy, because the building will be owned by the town and you will be leasing it back,” Sherman said. “Erik went back and forth to make sure the county’s interests were represented.” The rent is fixed at $0 because the county paid for the construction of its portion of the building, which amounts to about 44% of the square footage or 2,815 square feet, Sherman said. The county will be charged 44% of the shared operating expenses, such as utilities, maintenance, lawn care and parking lot snow removal. Either side can choose to terminate the 30-year lease with a two-year notice. The rent is subject to review by both parties after five years, she said. “We do have the right of first offer to purchase in the unlikely event that the Town of Riverview would want to sell that building,” Sherman said. “We would have that first option to purchase it.” County Board Chairman Al Sleeter said having a northern location for county offices such as the sheriff, health and human services and veterans services would be more convenient for the residents of northern towns. The county courthouse, where most offices are located, is about 55 miles or an hour’s drive from the existing Riverview Town Hall. wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com