The future of the Lansing Post Office didn’t become clearer Tuesday.

The county board voted unanimously not to renew the lease on the property with the intent to transfer it to Dave Thompson once he completes the purchase.

“We don’t want to be in the leasing business,” Board Chairman Tim Gabrielson said. “We don’t want to be a landlord.”

While Thompson said he understands the board’s decision, he wishes the circumstances were different.

“This is such a different animal. This is not an everyday occurrence,” he said.

Still, the board’s decision casts doubt over the post office’s future.

Gabrielson encouraged Thompson to call Postal Service officials to try to arrange a deal. However, Thompson said an official expressed disappointment the board didn’t renew the lease. The official indicated the post office may have to close and potentially look for a new location.

Calls to the U.S. Postal Service were not immediately returned Wednesday morning.

Thompson bought the property at a forfeiture sale, but he is waiting for the deed to be changed to his name at the state. Finalizing the title in his name could take longer than usual because of the possible state shutdown.

Thompson, who is an auctioneer, plans to use the building for storage and is looking to work with the U.S. Postal Service to keep the post office open.

“My intention is to use the three garage stalls next to the unit. I’d love to have them stay,” he said of the Post Office

However, postal officials have not returned Thompson’s call because his ownership papers haven’t been finalized.

The county acquired through a tax forfeiture. County Attorney Kristen Nelsen said the lease contains some serious risks for the county, especially if Thompson’s deal gets hung up.

Nelsen warned of legal stipulations in the lease. The document states the lease holder is responsible for any repairs to damaged materials, like the air conditioning or any part of the building.

Board members, too, were leery of signing the lease.

“I don’t want to sign a lease that could endanger Mower County,” Gabrielson said.

“We don’t want to sign the lease. We need to see if we can possibly have the postal service

bend their rules a bit,” Gabrielson

Stull, Thompson was disappointed with the situation.

“I was really hoping they would help, but I understand their position,” Thompson said.