County to rethink support for Lansing P.O.

Published 8:58 am Thursday, June 16, 2011

Efforts are continuing to keep the Lansing Post Office open.

A day after the county board voted not to renew the lease, the board scheduled a special meeting at 10 a.m. June 21 to revisit the issue to see if they can help keep the post office in business.

The county would have to renew and hold the property’s lease until the deed is transferred to new owner Dave Thompson. Right now, the biggest concern is the county’s liability.

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“If we can get proof and everything that Mower County will be held harmless, maybe then we could do it, but none of us commissioners want to put the county at risk,” said Tim Gabrielson, board chairman. “Plus, we’re not landlords.”

The lease is currently scheduled to expire July 1. It’s unlikely Thompson will have the deed by that time. If the Lansing Post Office lease expires, it’s likely the post office would either need a new home or it could close.

The county has expressed willingness to renew the lease as long as legal documents are filed guaranteeing the county won’t assume any risk until the property is transferred to Thompson.