By Ken De La Bastide
GALVESTON — The town of Galveston is in negotiations to lease the former Red Barn convenience store for conversion into police headquarters and the creation of a town court.
Town attorney Mark Fryman told Galveston Town Council members last Monday the town would be responsible for repairs and maintenance of the building after the transfer takes place.
He said the proposal is that the town will lease the building for five years at a cost of $1 per year from Gas America.
“It will be used for office space,” Fryman said.
The town council pushed back discussion of the lease until the June meeting.
Fryman said the town will not be responsible for cleanup of any environmental contamination on the property.
Jackson said the intent is to have an office for the Indiana State Police and Cass County Sheriff Department in the building, along with the Galveston Police Department.
He said the town will apply for grant funds to remodel the building and to repair the roof, as well as the heating and air conditioning systems.
Town Marshal Jim Jackson said steps are being taken to start a town court, which will bring money into the town.
“The state police and county will bring tickets to Galveston,” he said. “The town court in Bunker Hill generates $360,000 per year.”
Jackson said a judge will be elected from within the Galveston community and the person doesn’t need to be an attorney.
The court will handle infractions, tickets and some misdemeanor cases.
